The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa will host its 34th annual Festival of Lights in downtown Riverside, California, running from Nov. 21, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. The free public Switch-On Ceremony on Nov. 21 opens the event with a fireworks display, live performances, and the lighting of millions of festive lights.
Seasonal features throughout the hotel property include a lobby gingerbread house, nightly snowfall, meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a holiday market selling cocoa and themed retail. For the first time, the resort is partnering with Build-A-Bear Workshop to host select pop-up events where guests can build personalized plush toys.
Over the course of the six-week event, visitors can access a newly opened Festival of Lights gift shop operating year-round on the property. Scheduled programming includes weekend Breakfast with Santa events, a Memories with Santa photo studio on select days, and guided Festival of Lights & Delights evening tours.
Overnight hotel guests receive exclusive access to resort credits, in-room Christmas trees, and family story time sessions hosted by Santa’s elves. Access to photo sessions, breakfast events, and guided tours can be reserved through bookable VIP packages for both hotel guests and day visitors.
The festival forms part of the 150th anniversary year for the historic landmark hotel in Riverside. The annual tradition is organized by The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in partnership with local community organizations, including the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce.
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