The 33rd Annual Festival of Lights
Visitors can wander through illuminated courtyards filled with millions of twinkling lights, festive displays, and holiday decorations. The event features roaming carolers, a giant gingerbread house, fresh fallen snow, and live entertainment. Guests can also browse the Holiday Marketplace and Festival of Lights Store or arrange photos with Santa.
What to Expect
Over 10 million sparkling lights transform the historic hotel and courtyards.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown San Bernardino
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Food & Drink
Enjoy festive menus, holiday brunches, Breakfast with Santa at The Steakhouse on Saturdays and Sundays from November 22 through December 20, and seasonal cocktails at the lounges.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday light enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive and dazzling
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: Valet and self-parking are open to visitors as well as hotel guests, and rates vary by event and season.
- Pets: Only service animals are allowed.
Tips & Advice
- Come on November 21 for the Opening Ceremony, which starts the festival with fireworks, live entertainment and a visit from Santa.
- Book Breakfast with Santa at The Steakhouse early, because it runs only on Saturdays and Sundays from November 22 through December 20.
- Reserve restaurant tables ahead, especially on weekends and holidays, when the hotel highly recommends reservations for dining during the festival.
- Arrive by sunset, because that's when the roaming carolers, the giant gingerbread house and the fresh fallen snow begin.
- Book the Signature Santa Experience if you want a photographer to capture your family's visit with Santa.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening Ceremony on November 21 with fireworks, live entertainment and a visit from Santa.
- Breakfast with Santa at The Steakhouse every Saturday and Sunday from November 22 through December 20 (booked separately).
- New this year: the Festival of Lights Store, plus Lights and Delights Tours and Family Experiences.
- Holiday dining to book separately: Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet and Christmas Day dining.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see and do?
The Mission Inn is covered in more than 10 million lights, with decorations and displays through its courtyards. Once the sun sets, there are roaming carolers, a giant gingerbread house and fresh fallen snow. You'll also find live music and entertainment, visits with Santa and holiday shopping.
What's new this year?
There's a new Festival of Lights Store. This season also brings Lights and Delights Tours, a Holiday Market and Family Experiences. Breakfast with Santa at The Steakhouse is also a new addition.
How can we meet Santa?
The Signature Santa Experience gives your family a moment with Santa while a photographer captures it. On weekend mornings, Breakfast with Santa at The Steakhouse has Santa acting as honorary maître d', greeting guests and visiting tables.
Where can we eat and drink?
The Mission Inn Restaurant, The Steakhouse, Bella Trattoria and Las Campanas all serve festive menus. The Presidential and California Lounges pour special holiday cocktails, and Candy Lane sells sweets. Reservations are highly recommended on weekends and holidays.
Do I need to be a hotel guest to visit?
No. The public is welcome to dine, visit the shops and join tours without staying at the hotel.
More Christmas Events Near San Bernardino
More Christmas Events near San Bernardino
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.