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Mission Inn Festival of Lights: Riverside's 60-Year-Old Holiday Spectacle

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 10:22 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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The Mission Inn Festival of Lights: A Holiday Spectacle in Riverside, California

Every December, the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California, transforms into a glittering wonderland that draws visitors from across the region and beyond. The travel‑and‑leisure feature on the Festival of Lights offers a comprehensive look at this iconic holiday event, which has been a staple of Southern California’s Christmas celebrations for more than half a century. Whether you’re a local resident, a family on vacation, or a holiday enthusiast, the article provides a detailed roadmap of what to expect, how to make the most of your visit, and why this tradition continues to shine bright.

A Brief History of the Festival

The Festival of Lights began in 1964 as a modest initiative to illuminate the Mission Inn’s storied architecture with festive bulbs. Over time, it blossomed into a full‑blown holiday extravaganza that now boasts over 50,000 lights, a curated market, live performances, and interactive activities for all ages. The travel‑and‑leisure piece notes that the festival’s longevity speaks to its ability to adapt and grow while staying true to the Inn’s Spanish‑Mission roots and California’s sunny disposition.

The article references a link to the Mission Inn’s own website, which provides a timeline of the festival’s evolution. According to the official page, the 2023 edition marked the 60th anniversary, a milestone celebrated with a special “Lights Legacy” exhibition that highlighted decades of holiday decor, photos, and memorabilia donated by visitors.

What the Festival Offers

Light Displays
The centerpiece of the festival is, of course, the light show. The Inn’s expansive grounds—spanning 18 acres—are awash in shimmering colors and intricate designs. Visitors can wander through themed gardens such as the “Winter Wonderland,” “Santa’s Workshop,” and “North Pole Village,” each featuring hand‑crafted sculptures illuminated from within. A particularly popular attraction highlighted in the article is the “Starlight Tower,” a towering structure lit in a rotating spectrum of colors that creates a celestial effect reminiscent of the Northern Lights.

Music & Performances
The festival’s entertainment lineup is curated to capture the holiday spirit. On Friday nights, the Inn hosts a “Jingle Bell Jazz” concert featuring local jazz bands and a guest vocalist. Saturday sees a “Caroling at the Mission” event, where a chorus of voices rings out in the historic courtyard. Sunday culminates in a family‑friendly “Elf Parade,” complete with costumed performers and a surprise appearance by Santa himself. The travel‑and‑leisure piece includes a link to the Riverside County Tourism Board’s calendar, which lists these performances with times and venues.

Holiday Market
A bustling holiday market runs concurrently with the lights, showcasing artisanal gifts, handcrafted ornaments, and seasonal treats. The article points readers toward the market’s vendor list, which includes a mix of local chocolatiers, bakers, and artists. Highlighted stalls include “Sweet Treats by Marisol,” a local baker who specializes in holiday cupcakes, and “Gifts & Glitz,” a boutique offering custom jewelry inspired by Christmas motifs.

Food & Drink
Food is an essential part of any holiday celebration, and the Festival of Lights delivers with a diverse array of culinary options. The article features a short interview with the Inn’s executive chef, who discusses the seasonal menu—think roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and a signature “Mission‑Inn Christmas Roast.” A side note mentions a partnership with the nearby Riverside Food Truck Collective, which offers a rotating selection of gourmet tacos, pizza, and vegan options.

Visitor Tips

The travel‑and‑leisure feature provides practical advice for families planning a visit. Parking is limited on the Inn’s main lot, so the article recommends arriving early (around 6 pm) or using the nearby public parking garage, which offers a shuttle to the grounds. For those wanting a more leisurely experience, the piece suggests booking a guided tour, which includes a private viewing of the lights, a behind‑the‑scenes look at the light installation process, and a chance to meet the festival’s master electrician.

Accessibility is another consideration addressed in the article. The Inn’s website—linked in the feature—details accessible entrances, wheelchair‑friendly pathways, and a stroller‑friendly route that allows parents to explore the market without hassle.

Community Impact

Beyond the sparkle and fun, the Festival of Lights serves as a vital fundraiser for local charities. According to the article, the event supports the Riverside Children’s Hospital and the Local Food Bank through ticket sales and donation booths. The festival’s organizer, a long‑time Mission Inn employee, mentions that the event’s community outreach efforts have grown each year, expanding from a single charity partnership to a multi‑organization coalition that benefits hundreds of families during the holiday season.

Where to Find More Information

The article ends by directing readers to two primary sources for deeper exploration. The first is the Mission Inn’s official “Festival of Lights” page, which hosts a downloadable schedule, ticket pricing (if applicable), and a map of the festival grounds. The second link leads to Riverside County’s tourism portal, where visitors can find complementary events such as “Riverside Holiday Trail,” a city‑wide walking tour of other festive light displays.

For those who want to relive the experience after the lights go down, the article mentions the Inn’s new virtual reality tour, accessible via the website, which offers a 360° view of the decorated grounds and allows users to “step inside” the holiday market.

In Short

The travel‑and‑leisure piece does an excellent job of condensing the Festival of Lights’ sprawling attractions into an accessible guide. It captures the blend of tradition and modernity that makes the event a highlight of the Southern California holiday calendar. From the dazzling light displays that bathe the Mission Inn’s historic facades to the music, food, and community spirit that fill the evenings, the festival offers a multi‑sensory celebration that reminds us why light—both literal and figurative—is so powerful during the season of giving. Whether you’re a first‑time visitor or a returning fan, the article provides the information you need to plan a memorable holiday adventure under the glowing stars of Riverside’s most beloved festival.