A grand courtyard dressed for Christmas with strings of lights, flags, a sculpture display, and guests dining at night.
A festive garden walkway lit up with colorful string lights and oversized nutcracker soldiers, with trees wrapped in red, gold, and white glow.

34th Annual Festival of Lights

November 21, 2026 - January 3, 2027

Celebrate the start of the Festival of Lights with the Opening Ceremony with fireworks, live entertainment, a visit from Santa, and an epic start to the Holiday Season!

For more than three decades, the Festival of Lights has transformed The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa into one of Southern California’s most celebrated holiday destinations. Named one of the “Best Public Lights Displays” by USA Today, this beloved Riverside tradition continues to enchant guests and visitors from across the region and beyond.
Each year from late November through early January, The Mission Inn comes alive with more than 10 million sparkling lights, dazzling decorations, festive displays, and holiday experiences for all ages.
Guests can enjoy the excitement of the annual grand switch-on ceremony, live entertainment, seasonal treats, holiday shopping, family-friendly activities, and memorable photo opportunities with Santa Claus.

A festive courtyard at night, packed with warm holiday lights, colorful flags, sparkling trees, and a statue display with people dining under the glow.

Festival of Lights Dining

Celebrate the season with unforgettable holiday dining experiences at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Enjoy festive menus, elegant surroundings, and the glow of millions of lights while creating memories around the table with family and friends. From special holiday celebrations to seasonal culinary offerings, dining at The Mission Inn is an essential part of the Festival of Lights experience. Book your holiday brunches, breakfast with Santa, or a dazzling dinner at any of our restaurants.

Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa at The Steakhouse A magical new addition to the legendary Festival of Lights holiday season has arrived at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Join us at The Steakhouse for Breakfast with Santa every Saturday and Sunday from November 22 through December 20. We've enlisted Santa himself as our honorary Maître d',greeting guests, visiting tables, and creating unforgettable moments with all the little ladies and gentlemen in attendance. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in a warm and festive setting while making cherished holiday memories with family and friends. From Santa's personal visits to the enchanting atmosphere that only The Mission Inn can provide, this special experience is destined to become a treasured holiday tradition. Celebrate the season, share in the magic, and create memories that will last a lifetime at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa.

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A festive mall entrance with a “Santas Toy Shop” sign, towering Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and nutcracker figures by the doorway.

Holiday Experiences

The magic of Festival of Lights extends throughout the property with activities designed for guests of all ages. Wander through beautifully illuminated courtyards, enjoy live music and entertainment, visit with Santa, discover unique gifts, and embrace the traditions that make this season so special.

This year experience: Lights and Delights Tours, Holiday Market, Festival of Lights Store, Family Experiences, and many more surprises.

Fireworks burst overhead as a golden, light-decorated tower glows in the night sky.
A Christmas-lit walkway with glowing trees and a decorated hotel entrance in the distance.

Festival of Lights Traditions

Dazzling Lights

Each year when the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa lights up with more than ten million twinkling lights and decorations, Downtown Riverside is turned into a Holiday Haven. The moment the sun sets, the magic begins with roaming carolers, a giant gingerbread house, and fresh fallen snow. Stay and get the most out of your visit.

A warmly lit Christmas scene outside a toy shop, packed with decorated trees, garlands, shiny ornaments, and nutcracker figures.
A grand hotel courtyard festooned with red, white, and golden holiday lights and glowing decorative arches at night.

Festive Surprises

New Holiday Experiences

Holiday Marketplace, and the NEW Festival of Lights Store will help you bring the magic of the season home. While the Signature Santa Experience gives you and your loved ones a special moment to meet Santa while our photographer captures the experience. Sign up for our Newsletter to stay Inn the know.

A festive cocktail in a martini glass, topped with dark cherry garnish, with Christmas lights and ornaments blurred in the background.
A night courtyard of historic buildings wrapped in bright Christmas lights, with a palm tree and people dining below.

Holiday Dining

Festive Dining and Cocktails

Enjoy festive menus, elegant surroundings, and the glow of millions of lights while creating memories around the table with family and friends. Book your Holiday Dining Traditions for Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet, Christmas Day, and Breakfast with Santa. Or lift your holiday spirits at one of our lounges with our special cocktails.

Dining

    Create Your Own Mission Inn Tradition

    Every season offers a new way to experience the history, hospitality, and charm of The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. From beloved holiday celebrations to peaceful seasonal escapes, discover the moments that make every visit unforgettable.

    Plan Your Visit
     

    The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa A lit-up historic church façade at night, wrapped in warm string lights, with potted plants and poinsettias lining the entrance. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Festive courtyard at night, packed with Christmas string lights, flags, glowing decorations, and a sleigh-and-reindeer display. A grand indoor courtyard with curved balconies and arches around a glowing circular skylight, lit in blue. Inside a holiday-decorated hall with glowing chandeliers, tall lit Christmas trees, and festive wreaths and garlands.

    Stay connected for the latest Festival of Lights announcements!