Riverside, CA, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with a variety of festive events that cater to all ages. The much-anticipated Festival of Lights turns the historic Mission Inn Hotel into a spectacular display of over a million twinkling lights, illuminating the downtown area with orange-themed decorations in honor of the city's citrus heritage.
In addition to this stunning light show, the Riverside Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony brings the community together to celebrate with crafts and seasonal treats, culminating in the illumination of a towering tree. For those looking to experience some magical moments on ice, the Disney on Ice Holiday Show delivers an enchanting performance featuring Disney's iconic characters, blending festive storytelling with breathtaking figure skating. Both locals and visitors will find Riverside brimming with holiday cheer and unforgettable experiences.
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The Top Christmas Events in Riverside
- Festival of Lights
- Riverside Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Candlelight Carols Concert
- Riverside Dickens Festival
- Holiday Market at Tyler Mall
- Christmas at Castle Park
- Riverside Christmas Parade
- Jingle Bell Run
Riverside Holiday Light Displays
Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Million-light display at historic Mission Inn Hotel
Description:
Riverside's historic Mission Inn Hotel transforms into a dazzling spectacle with over a million twinkling lights. This beloved tradition, started in 1992, has grown into a six-week celebration that illuminates the entire downtown area. Visitors can embark on a guided tour to learn about the inn's architectural marvels while basking in the glow of intricate light displays. The festival pays homage to the city's citrus heritage with orange-themed decorations throughout. Riverside's Festival of Lights stands out as one of the nation's largest holiday light collections, drawing crowds from across Southern California.
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Riverside Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market at Tyler Mall
What to Expect:
Pop-up market featuring local artisans and crafters
Description:
Tyler Mall hosts a vibrant Holiday Market, showcasing the talents of local artisans and crafters. This pop-up event transforms a section of the mall into a bustling marketplace, reminiscent of European Christmas markets. Visitors can browse unique, handcrafted gifts that reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the Inland Empire. The market features live demonstrations by skilled artisans, allowing shoppers to witness the creation process firsthand. Local food vendors offer seasonal specialties, filling the air with enticing aromas. This event stands out for its focus on supporting local creators and providing an alternative to mass-produced holiday gifts.
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Riverside Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Candlelight Carols Concert
What to Expect:
Intimate candlelit performance of classic carols
Description:
Riverside's historic First Congregational Church hosts an intimate Candlelight Carols Concert, offering a serene respite from the holiday hustle. The church's stunning Gothic Revival architecture provides a fitting backdrop for this traditional musical event. Soft candlelight bathes the sanctuary, creating a warm ambiance as voices rise in harmony. Attendees can join in singing beloved carols, connecting with a centuries-old tradition. The concert features performances on the church's restored 1920s-era pipe organ, showcasing its rich, resonant tones. This event stands out for its focus on the simple beauty of vocal music and its celebration of Riverside's architectural heritage.
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Riverside Other Holiday Activities
Riverside Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community-wide celebration at historic downtown plaza
Description:
Riverside's downtown plaza bursts to life as the community gathers for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. This cherished event, held at the site of the city's original orange tree, connects present-day residents with Riverside's agricultural roots. The air fills with the aroma of cinnamon and spices as local vendors offer seasonal treats. Children can participate in craft workshops, creating ornaments that reflect the city's diverse cultural heritage. The ceremony culminates in the illumination of a towering tree, symbolizing unity and marking the official start of Riverside's holiday season.
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Riverside Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Riverside Dickens Festival
What to Expect:
Victorian-era celebration inspired by Charles Dickens
Description:
Riverside steps back in time during the Dickens Festival, celebrating the works and era of Charles Dickens. This unique event transforms downtown into a Victorian-era street scene, complete with costumed characters and period-appropriate decorations. Visitors can attend dramatic readings of Dickens' works, including his beloved "A Christmas Carol." The festival features authentic 19th-century games and activities, offering a hands-on experience of Victorian life. Local actors bring Dickens' characters to life, roaming the streets and interacting with guests. This literary-inspired celebration stands out for its immersive approach to history and literature.
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Christmas at Castle Park
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed amusement park experience
Description:
Castle Park transforms into a winter playground during its Christmas celebration. This unique event combines the thrill of amusement park rides with holiday cheer. Visitors can enjoy specially decorated attractions, including a holiday-themed miniature golf course. The park's iconic castle becomes a backdrop for a dazzling light show, synchronized to classic holiday tunes. Guests can meet Santa's elves and participate in holiday-themed games throughout the park. Castle Park honors its 1970s roots with retro decorations and music from that era. This event stands out for its blend of family-friendly attractions and seasonal festivities.
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Riverside Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-wide parade with focus on local organizations
Description:
Riverside's streets come alive during the annual Christmas Parade, a beloved tradition that showcases the city's diverse community. This vibrant procession features elaborately decorated floats, many highlighting Riverside's citrus heritage. Local school bands fill the air with holiday melodies as they march along the route. Community organizations and businesses participate, creating a true reflection of Riverside's spirit. Spectators can catch glimpses of vintage cars, a nod to the city's role in early automobile culture. The parade culminates with the arrival of Santa Claus, often riding atop a historic Riverside fire truck.
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Jingle Bell Run
What to Expect:
Charity run with holiday costumes and jingle bells
Description:
Riverside's streets ring with the sound of jingle bells during this unique charity run. Participants don holiday-themed costumes and tie bells to their shoes, creating a merry melody as they race through the city. The run winds past some of Riverside's most iconic landmarks, including the historic Mission Inn. Runners can participate in a costume contest, adding a playful element to the athletic event. This run supports local charities, embodying the spirit of giving during the holiday season. The Jingle Bell Run stands out for its blend of fitness, fun, and philanthropy, all wrapped up in holiday cheer.
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Nearby Events
Disney on Ice Holiday Show (Ontario)
What to Expect:
Beloved Disney characters perform on ice
Description:
Disney's most iconic characters glide and twirl across the ice in a spectacular holiday-themed performance. This unique show blends the magic of Disney storytelling with the athleticism of figure skating. Audiences are transported through a winter wonderland as familiar tales unfold with a festive twist. You'll witness breathtaking jumps and spins as skaters bring favorite characters to life. The show pays tribute to Walt Disney's early animated shorts, which often featured ice skating scenes. With elaborate costumes and set designs, this ice extravaganza creates an immersive experience that captivates both children and adults alike.
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Christmas on Euclid Experience (Ontario)
What to Expect:
Victorian-era themed holiday celebration
Description:
Euclid Avenue in Ontario transforms into a Victorian-era Christmas scene, transporting visitors to a bygone era. This unique celebration showcases the area's rich history, with costumed performers recreating 19th-century holiday traditions. Visitors can ride in horse-drawn carriages along streets lined with meticulously preserved historic homes. The event honors Ontario's agricultural heritage with displays of vintage farming equipment adorned with holiday decorations. Handcrafted ornaments and period-appropriate gifts are available from local artisans, offering a glimpse into Christmas shopping of the past. The Christmas on Euclid Experience stands out for its authentic recreation of Victorian holiday customs.
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Christmas on Euclid Experience
Ontario Reign Holiday Hockey Game (Ontario)
What to Expect:
Professional hockey game with holiday twist
Description:
The Ontario Reign takes to the ice for a thrilling holiday-themed hockey match. This unique sporting event combines the excitement of professional hockey with seasonal cheer. Players don specially designed holiday jerseys, which are later auctioned for local charities. Between periods, fans can participate in holiday-themed contests on the ice. The game pays homage to hockey's winter roots, celebrating the sport's connection to the holiday season. With high-energy plays and festive music echoing through the arena, this event offers a dynamic alternative to traditional holiday activities in the Inland Empire.
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Ontario Reign Holiday Hockey Game
Santa Claus Lane (Corona)
What to Expect:
Neighborhood-wide holiday decoration extravaganza
Description:
A quiet Riverside neighborhood transforms into Santa Claus Lane, as residents compete to create the most elaborate holiday displays. This grassroots event, started in the 1950s, has evolved into a beloved local tradition. Visitors can stroll or drive through streets lined with twinkling lights, animated figures, and creative themed displays. Many homes feature unique, handcrafted decorations that reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of the residents. The lane honors Riverside's citrus heritage with orange-themed decorations interspersed among the holiday scenes. This community-driven spectacle showcases the neighborhood's creativity and spirit of friendly competition.
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Snow N Glow Holiday Festival (Pomona)
What to Expect:
Combination of snow play and light maze in SoCal
Description:
The Snow N Glow Holiday Festival brings a touch of winter wonder to sunny Southern California. This unique event combines the thrill of snow play with the beauty of a light maze. Visitors can zoom down snow tubing lanes, a rare treat in the region's mild climate. The festival features a sprawling light maze with over a million twinkling bulbs, creating mesmerizing patterns and tunnels. Guests can warm up around private fire pits, roasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa. The event pays homage to California's diverse landscapes, from snowy mountains to sun-drenched beaches, all within one festive space.
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Annual Corona Chamber Christmas Walk (Corona)
What to Expect:
Historic downtown walking tour with holiday theme
Description:
Corona's historic downtown comes alive during the Annual Chamber Christmas Walk. This guided tour weaves through the city's charming streets, showcasing buildings dating back to the early 20th century. Participants learn about Corona's unique circular layout, known as "The Circle City," while enjoying holiday decorations and live performances. Local shops and restaurants offer special promotions, allowing visitors to experience the best of Corona's small businesses. The walk highlights the city's agricultural heritage, with stops at historic citrus packing houses adorned for the season. This event stands out for its blend of local history, community spirit, and holiday cheer.
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Annual Corona Chamber Christmas Walk
Magic of Lights at Auto Club Speedway (Fontana)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show at famous racetrack
Description:
The Auto Club Speedway transforms into a twinkling wonderland during the Magic of Lights event. This unique drive-through experience allows visitors to enjoy elaborate light displays from the comfort of their own vehicles. The famous racetrack becomes a canvas for animated light sculptures and themed vignettes. Guests can tune their car radios to a special station for synchronized holiday music. The event pays homage to the speedway's racing heritage with light displays featuring famous cars and drivers. This innovative approach to holiday lights offers a safe, socially-distanced celebration that's unlike any other in the region.
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Magic of Lights at Auto Club Speedway