One of SoCal’s biggest holiday traditions is returning this year, bringing more than 10 million lights, festive decorations, and seasonal entertainment to a beloved and historic landmark.
Celebrating its 34th anniversary in 2026, the annual Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside will kick off next week, offering a spectacular holiday outing less than two hours from Los Angeles.
Fireworks, live music and holiday charm return in 2026
The six-week celebration will run from November 21 to January 3, 2027, transforming the Mission Inn hotel into a Christmas wonderland with illuminated courtyards, holiday displays, and plenty of seasonal experiences.
The festivities will begin with a grand switch-on ceremony starting at 5 p.m. The opening celebration will feature Santa Claus, live entertainment, fireworks, and a special performance by singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw. The opening ceremony and outdoor light displays are free and open to the public.
Throughout the season, you can explore the illuminated grounds, browse the Holiday Marketplace, enjoy seasonal food and entertainment, and take part in family-friendly activities. New this year, the property will also welcome Build-A-Bear Workshop, where children can create their own furry souvenirs.
The main light display runs daily from 5 to 11 p.m. The broader downtown festivities have separate schedules and will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
A historic hotel with a decades-long Christmas tradition
The celebration takes place at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a landmark that dates back to 1876. Originally established as a modest adobe boarding house by Frank Miller, the property grew into an expansive historic hotel known for its Spanish Mission-inspired architecture, ornate courtyards and distinctive towers.
The Festival of Lights has been transforming the hotel for more than three decades, becoming one of Riverside’s signature holiday traditions.
In the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Public Holiday Lights Displays, it secured the No. 8 spot nationwide, making it the only California attraction featured among the 10 finalists. That also makes it the state’s highest-ranked display on the list!
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