The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa's Festival of Lights will switch on again Nov. 21, with events running through Jan. 3 to mark the 34th year of one of Southern California's signature holiday traditions. This year's display arrives as the historic Riverside landmark celebrates its 150th anniversary, with twinkling lights, nightly snowfall, fireworks and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus once again transforming the downtown property.
According to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the switch-on ceremony is planned for 5 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Orange Street and Mission Inn Avenue, featuring a massive lights display, a fireworks show and live performances. The kickoff falls on the weekend leading into Thanksgiving, echoing last year's event, when the Mission Inn hosted its 2025 Festival of Lights kickoff on Nov. 22.
Festival-goers can expect a holiday market and food vendors alongside the light displays, plus a Build-A-Bear Workshop partnership for select pop-up events, per the same report. Hotel guests get exclusive access to festival perks, including resort credit, in-room Christmas trees and family story time with Santa's elves, while bookable VIP experiences include weekend breakfasts with Santa, a Memories with Santa photo studio on selected days, and an evening Festival of Lights & Delights tour.
A Tradition Born From a Bankrupt Hotel
The festival's scale has become legendary in its own right: more than 10 million lights and over 400 animated figures, including elves, nutcrackers and angels, line the hotel's historic ledges and courtyards, according to Time Out.
A Tradition Born From a Bankrupt Hotel The Festival of Lights is a longstanding holiday tradition at the Mission Inn. Duane Roberts passed away in November 2025 at age 88. The hotel is a historic Riverside landmark.
A Landmark's Holiday Glow
This year's festival also arrives as the historic hotel celebrates its 150th anniversary.
Mission Inn General Manager Alfredo Anguiano said the festival creates wonder and joy that brings the community together during the holiday season, per the Daily Bulletin's report. Nicholas Adcock, president and CEO of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, called the event a cherished tradition that makes Riverside special, inviting guests from across the region and beyond to celebrate the season in the city.
An Economic Engine for Downtown Riverside
The festival's reach extends well beyond the hotel's courtyards. The Riverside Arts Council partners with the City of Riverside to manage downtown street activations, including the Artisans Collective vendor market and community performances on the Benjamin Franklin Stage along Main Street through late December, extending the festival footprint into broader downtown shopping.
The festival's footprint extends beyond the hotel's courtyards, bringing seasonal foot traffic to downtown Riverside businesses and restaurants.
Holiday visitors can use special trains, routes and a free shuttle to reach the festival.
