Introduction

Riverside’s Festival of Lights at the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a warm, glowing winter event that many people love. Every year the hotel façade and nearby streets shine with millions of lights. Families, photographers, and travelers visit from nearby cities and sometimes from other countries. If you plan to visit in 2025, this guide will help you prepare. You will learn the festival dates, how the switch-on ceremony works, the best times to go, smart parking tips, the best photo spots, simple family plans, and travel tips for people coming from Europe. I wrote this guide in plain, friendly language so it’s easy to read. Use the quick checklist near the end to get ready fast. Bookmark this page, pack your warm coat, and get ready for a bright and happy evening under the lights.

What is the Festival of Lights?

History in one line

The Festival of Lights is an annual holiday event at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in downtown Riverside. The hotel and nearby streets are decorated with millions of lights and animated holiday displays.

Simple summary

A long time ago, the Mission Inn began decorating its grounds for the holidays. Over years, the decoration grew larger and more detailed. Local groups, the city, museums, and small businesses joined in. Today, the Festival of Lights is a full community event with music, food vendors, family activities, and a big opening night called the Switch-On Ceremony. Most of the light displays are free to view from public streets, though some rides, shows, or special photo areas might need tickets. This event is great for families, couples, photographers, and anyone who loves holiday sparkle.

Dates, times & the Switch-On Ceremony

2025 headline dates

• Switch-On Ceremony (opening night): November 22, 2025 — a big public event with music and a lights-turning-on moment. If you want a good spot, get there early.
• Festival period: Usually from late November through early January. Lights typically come on at dusk and stay up late each night. Some special activities run only on specific days.

What to expect on opening night

Opening night is loud and lively. You will see live performances, short speeches, and a coordinated moment when large sections of the display light up. Expect bigger crowds, road closures in some areas, and long lines for nearby parking. If you want the big energy and a festive crowd, go to the Switch-On. If you prefer a quieter visit and calmer photos, choose a weeknight a few days after opening.

Where it is & how to get there

Address & main walking area

Mission Inn Hotel & Spa — 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Downtown Riverside, CA. The main displays are along Mission Inn Ave and the nearby pedestrian mall.

By public transport

• Metrolink: The Riverside–Downtown station is the regional rail stop. From there, take a short taxi or rideshare into downtown.
• Local buses & event shuttles: On busy nights, the city often runs extra buses or shuttles. Check the local transit information before you go.

By car & rideshare

Most visitors drive or use rideshare. Rideshare drop-off points near the hotel reduce the need to circle for parking, but pick-ups after the event can take time. If you drive, plan parking or follow the parking strategies below.

Best times to go

• Weeknights (Mon–Thu): Best for smaller crowds and easier parking. Great for relaxed walks and photos.
• Early evening (dusk–8:30 PM): Best for photography — the sky still shows color and the lights are bright.
• Opening weekend & holiday weekends: Expect the biggest crowds, longer waits for parking, and busy vendor lines. Go only if you like buzzy crowds.

Tickets, rules & accessibility

• Public viewing is free. The majority of the lights are visible from public streets without a ticket.
• Ticketed activities: Special features like ice rink sessions, certain rides, or professional Santa photo areas may require tickets. These can sell out on some nights.
• Accessibility: Main walking routes are generally wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, but some side streets and vendor areas can be crowded. If you need ADA services, contact the event organizers or the Mission Inn ahead of time.

Parking hacks + where locals park

Parking is the number-one headache for many visitors. Use these practical tips to avoid long waits.

Quick parking comparison table

Parking option	Walk time	Typical cost	Best for
City garages (municipal)	2–10 min	Metered / hourly	Reliable municipal spots
Pre-reserved festival lots	0–10 min	Flat event fee	Avoid circling — book early
Private / merchant lots	0–5 min	$15–$30	Very close but may be expensive
Park farther + rideshare	5–20 min + short ride	Garage fee + rideshare	Avoid downtown gridlock
Street metered parking	Walkable	Metered	Chance find; limited time

Smart parking tips

1. Pre-book parking if reserved festival lots are available. This is the easiest way to avoid wasting time searching.
2. Use municipal garages (Park Riverside or city garages). They are managed and usually fair-priced. Save their addresses in your map app.
3. Arrive early (before 5 PM) on busy nights to get a closer spot. Leaving after 8:30–9:00 PM usually means faster traffic out.
4. Park farther and rideshare — it often beats circling the nearest lots for an hour.
5. Stay at the Mission Inn if Possible — valet or hotel parking packages may include priority access on peak nights.

Best photo spots & camera tips

This festival is a photographer’s dream. Here are the best places to get great pictures and simple camera settings to use.

Top 8 photo spots

1. Mission Inn front façade (archway): The classic scene. Photograph at dusk for rich color.
2. Orange St. vantage point: Shows the hotel in the context of the street and lights.
3. Candy Cane Lane installation: Great for close-up shots and soft light bokeh.
4. Nutcracker statues on Main St.: Perfect for family and portrait shots.
5. Pedestrian mall long-exposure shots: Use a tripod for 1–2 second exposures to blur motion artistically.
6. Rooftop or upper-level views (if available): Try for skyline and hotel rooftop shots during golden hour.
7. Close-up ornament & bulb details: Macro or phone close mode for texture photos.
8. Santa / family photo area: Great for posed portraits — add a gentle fill flash for faces.

Camera & phone tips

• Phone: Use night mode and keep the phone steady. Use portrait mode for people and night mode for wide scenes.
• DSLR: Tripod is your friend for long exposures. Start ISO around 400–800 at dusk. Use aperture f/4–f/8 for sharpness.
• Social posts: Save vertical (9:16) for reels/stories and horizontal for feed posts.

Family itineraries — 3 easy plans

Here are three tested plans you can use depending on who you’re with and how long you want to stay.

Family with young kids (relaxed 3-hour plan)

• 16:30: Arrive and park in a nearby garage.
• 17:00: Walk vendor row for snacks and hot chocolate.
• 17:30: Ice rink session or a small ride for kids (if available).
• 18:15: Santa photo time — check posted schedules to reduce wait.
• 19:00: Walk the front façade, take twilight pictures.
• 20:00: Head home before the biggest crowds leave.

Couples’ evening (romantic 2–3 hour plan) 

• 17:30: Park and stroll toward the Mission Inn.
• 18:00: Dusk photos and a slow walk through the lights.
• 19:00: Dinner at a cozy downtown restaurant (book in advance).
• 20:30: An after-dinner walk when crowds thin for a more private atmosphere.

Quick-Stop (60–90 minutes)

• Choose 2–3 must-see spots (façade, Candy Cane Lane, Santa).
• Time your visit around dusk for the best lighting.
• Park a little further and use a short rideshare if speed is important.

Where to eat & stay nearby

Stay

• Splurge: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa — the most convenient, full festive experience, and often sells special holiday packages.
• Mid-Range & Budget: Several downtown hotels are within a short walk. Being 10 minutes from the festival is a helpful trade-off if you want cheaper rates.
  

Eat

• Family-friendly diners — simple menus, kid meals, and fast service.
• Bistros and date-night restaurants — reserve in advance on busy evenings.
• Festival vendors — hot chocolate, kettle corn, and quick bites. For a fuller meal, try local cafés and restaurants during the day.

Safety, crowds & what to bring

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes — expect walking and standing.
• Small bag with phone charger, water, hand sanitizer, tissues, and a light jacket.
• Cash & card — many vendors accept cards but small cash can help.

Safety tips

• Set a meeting point (a statue or fountain) in case your group separates.
• Keep valuables safe and be aware in crowds.
• If you have mobility needs (stroller or wheelchair), avoid the busiest nights or arrive early to find accessible paths.

Local events to pair with the festival

Add a daytime cultural stop to your trip. The Riverside Art Museum and The Cheech often run special exhibitions and family programs during the festival. Check their calendars before you go and book any timed tickets early. Pairing a museum visit with an evening of lights makes a full and memorable day.

European travel tips — when you travel from Europe

Getting there

• Fly into LAX (Los Angeles) or ONT (Ontario). LAX offers more international flights, while ONT is closer to Riverside. From LAX, plan 1–2 hours travel to Riverside, depending on traffic; from ONT, it’s usually 20–40 minutes.
• Renting a car gives freedom, but parking and holiday traffic matter. Rideshare is convenient, but expect pick-up queues after the event.

Visa & travel basics

• ESTA — many European visitors need an approved ESTA for entry. Apply early.
• When to travel — midweek in early December for smaller crowds; late November opening for the most spectacle.

Money & budget

• Plan for parking fees and vendor prices. Book hotels early to avoid high holiday rates. Think about travel insurance for peace of mind.

Clothing & comfort

• Nights can get cool — pack a warm coat and layers. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Fashion & lifestyle — how to dress for great photos

Blend European style with practicality. A wool coat, scarf, warm boots, and gloves look great and keep you cozy. Influencers often choose a neutral coat with a colorful scarf for contrast against bright lights. For portrait shoots, a compact LED or a small reflector helps faces look warm at dusk.

Food, culture & activities

Festival food typically means hot chocolate, roasted nuts, kettle corn, and festival truck meals. For a local flavor, try restaurants that serve fresh Californian dishes and citrus-based desserts. Pair your evening lights visit with daytime museum stops to make the most of your trip.

Comparison table — Which itinerary suits you?

Itinerary	Length	Best for	Pros	Cons
Family fun	2–4 hours	Families with kids	Kid activities, Santa photos	It can be tiring for small kids
Romantic evening	2–3 hours	Couples	Dusk photos, dinner options	Busy on weekends
Quick-stop	1 hour	Stopover visitors	Fast and photo-focused	Miss rides and vendor experiences

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Dramatic lights and a beautiful historic hotel background make for excellent photos.
• Family programs like ice rinks, rides, and Santa are fun for kids.
• Free public viewing means you can enjoy the lights without a ticket.

Cons

• Crowds and parking can be frustrating on peak nights.
• Some attractions require tickets and may sell out.
• Post-event rideshare pick-ups can take extra time.
  

FAQ

Conclusion

The Festival of Lights Riverside at the Mission Inn is a joyful, Photogenic Holiday tradition. With a little planning — picking the right night, booking parking, and packing warm layers — you can have a smooth and magical visit. Use the photo tips, follow the family plans if you have kids, and bring a small tripod or a steady phone for great shots.