Experience the holidays in Temecula at a glance! Our guide highlights all the key festive events. Whether you're rediscovering your city or visiting for the first time, this guide reveals the best of Temecula's holidays.
Start your holiday season with the frosty fun of Temecula Chilled, where stunning ice sculptures and festive displays bring an air of winter magic. Marvel at the vibrant and colorful Old Town Temecula Holiday Lights adorning the historic downtown area, creating a picturesque atmosphere. And Santa's Electric Light Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its dazzling array of illuminated floats and joyful participants. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Temecula
See these and even more events listed below!Temecula Holiday Light Displays
Old Town Temecula Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Historic district illumination
Description:
Old Town Temecula bursts to life with a dazzling display of holiday lights. The historic district's wooden boardwalks and rustic buildings provide a unique backdrop for the illumination. Twinkling lights outline the architectural features of buildings dating back to the 1800s. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour to learn about the area's gold rush era while enjoying the modern light spectacle. The event seamlessly blends Temecula's rich past with contemporary holiday cheer, creating a visually stunning experience that captivates all who attend.
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Old Town Temecula Holiday Lights
Temecula Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Snowbell Rockin’ Nights
What to Expect:
Rock music-themed winter celebration
Description:
Snowbell Rockin' Nights injects a dose of rock 'n' roll into Temecula's winter festivities. This unconventional event fuses holiday cheer with live rock performances, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Attendees can headbang to holiday classics reimagined with heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums. The celebration pays tribute to Temecula's burgeoning music scene, which has been gaining recognition in recent years. You'll find yourself immersed in a winter party unlike any other, where ugly sweaters meet leather jackets and Santa hats top long-haired rockers.
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Temecula Other Holiday Activities
Temecula Chilled
What to Expect:
Wine-themed winter celebration
Description:
Temecula Chilled transforms California's wine country into a frosty paradise. This unique event blends the region's renowned viticulture with winter festivities. Visitors can sample ice wines while strolling through vineyards adorned with twinkling lights. The celebration pays homage to Temecula's rich winemaking history, which dates back to the 1800s. Artisanal ice sculptures dot the landscape, showcasing local artists' talents. You'll discover a perfect fusion of California's warm hospitality and winter's cool embrace at this one-of-a-kind gathering.
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Peltzer Ice Skating Rink
What to Expect:
Farm-based ice skating experience
Description:
Peltzer Ice Skating Rink offers a unique twist on winter recreation in Temecula. Set against the backdrop of a working farm, this rink combines agricultural charm with icy fun. Skaters glide across the ice surrounded by rustic barns and tractors decked out in twinkling lights. The venue pays homage to Temecula's agricultural roots, which predate its famous wineries. Visitors can warm up with hot apple cider pressed from the farm's own orchards, infusing the air with a spicy aroma. This distinctive setting provides an unforgettable skating experience.
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Nearby Events
Santa's Electric Light Parade (Murrieta)
What to Expect:
Illuminated moving parade
Description:
Santa's Electric Light Parade electrifies Murrieta's streets with a procession of luminous floats. This dynamic event features an array of vehicles and performers adorned with vibrant LED lights. The parade route winds through the city, bringing the celebration to different neighborhoods. Spectators can marvel at the intricate light designs that pay tribute to local landmarks and history. This mobile light show originated as a small community gathering and has grown into a beloved regional tradition, drawing participants and viewers from across Southern California.
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Murrieta Festival of Trees (Murrieta)
What to Expect:
Community-decorated tree showcase
Description:
Murrieta's Festival of Trees showcases the creativity of local organizations and businesses. This unique event features a forest of trees, each decorated by a different community group to reflect their identity and mission. Visitors can wander through the display, admiring the diverse themes and intricate ornaments. The festival highlights Murrieta's strong sense of community, which has been a hallmark of the city since its founding in the late 1800s. Silent auctions allow attendees to bid on their favorite trees, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
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Holiday Magic on Main Street (Lake Elsinore)
What to Expect:
Small-town Americana celebration
Description:
Holiday Magic on Main Street transports visitors to a Norman Rockwell painting come to life in Lake Elsinore. This charming event captures the essence of small-town Americana during the holiday season. Storefronts compete in a window decorating contest, showcasing elaborate displays that harken back to the city's early 20th-century roots. Visitors can take a horse-drawn carriage ride down the festively adorned street, experiencing a slice of nostalgia. The celebration honors Lake Elsinore's history as one of the oldest cities in Riverside County, founded in 1888.
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Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting (Menifee)
What to Expect:
Interactive community tree lighting
Description:
Menifee's Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting event brings the community together for a collaborative illumination experience. This unique celebration allows attendees to participate in lighting the town's Christmas tree through a synchronized countdown. The event features an impressive 50-foot tree, adorned with thousands of LED lights that dance to music. Visitors can explore an array of local artisan booths, showcasing Menifee's growing arts scene. The tree lighting tradition in Menifee began in 2008, shortly after the city's incorporation, and has grown into a beloved annual gathering.
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Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting