Introduction

Every winter, Riverside turns into a small, glowing wonderland. The Riverside Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa covers the hotel and nearby streets with millions of tiny lights. People come to walk, eat, take photos, and enjoy family time. This friendly guide helps you plan a smooth trip. It is written sothat readers in Europe and everywhere can understand it. You will learn when the event runs, what happens on the big switch-on night, where to stand for the best photos, how to park safely, how to avoid crowds, what to wear, and how to stay safe.

Quick facts at a glance

Event: Riverside Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (Downtown Riverside).
Switch-on (2025): Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 — main switch-on ceremony in the evening.
Season: Late November → late December / early January (dates may change each year).
Lights: Over 10 million lights decorate the hotel and downtown (figures vary by year).
Cost: Outdoor viewing is usually free. Special tours, dinners, and VIP packages cost extra.
Crowds: Switch-on night and weekends are very busy — expect lines and limited parking.
Safety note: Watch for fake QR codes at parking meters. Use official payment apps and report suspicious signs.

Why visit the Riverside Festival of Lights?

The Riverside Festival of Lights is special because it mixes history, architecture and bright holiday lights. The Mission Inn is a beautiful old hotel. When it lights up, the building looks magical. The festival is easy to enjoy in an evening or during a short stay. If you are visiting Southern California, you can add Riverside to a trip that also includes Los Angeles, Palm Springs or San Diego.

For European travellers, this festival offers mild winter weather, huge photo opportunities and a local feel that is different from big Christmas markets back home. It is a short, atmospheric city break that is great for couples, families and photographers.

A short history in simple words

The festival began small. Over the years, the Mission Inn added more decorations and people loved it. Local shops and the city joined the idea. Now the event is one of the region’s best-known holiday shows. Families visit every year. The switch-on ceremony became a big moment with music, lights and sometimes fireworks. Locals see this event as a warm community tradition.

Riverside Festival Of Lights — The Mission Inn shines with millions of lights during the annual Festival of Lights.

Dates & what happens on the switch-on night

The festival usually starts in late November and runs until late December or early January. The biggest night is the switch-on, when organizers light most of the displays at once. On that night, many people come to watch and enjoy food stalls, live music, and family events. Roads near the hotel may close, so expect crowds and changed traffic patterns. Always check the official Mission Inn and City of Riverside pages near your travel date.

What to expect on switch-on night

Live performances and music.
Food and craft vendors.
The big moment when the lights turn on — people clap and take pictures.
Extra security and road closures.

Tip: For the best view, arrive 30–60 minutes early on switch-on night.

Where to get the best photos: top spots & map ideas

Top photo places

Mission Inn Main Facade & Courtyard — the classic big picture. Use a wide lens for the whole building.
Main Street Pedestrian Mall — lines of trees lit up with vendors in the middle — perfect for street-style shots.
Hotel balconies & nearby rooftops — for a high view of the courtyard (book a room or table with a view if possible).
Side streets & alleys — quieter places with soft backgrounds for portraits and bokeh shots.

Simple map pins to add on your page

Mission Inn courtyard (main pin).
Main Street Pedestrian Mall (pin).
Paid parking garages (pin).
Rideshare drop-off point (pin).

How to get there (best ways for European visitors)

Fly in

Most international visitors fly into LAX (Los Angeles). From LAX, Riverside is about 1–1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic.
Ontario International (ONT) is closer and sometimes easier, about 30–45 minutes from Riverside by car.

Drive or hire a car

Renting a car gives Flexibility and is a common choice. It also lets you visit other places like Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, or San Diego.

Train & bus

Trains and buses reach Riverside, but they can be less handy for evening events. If you use trains, check for shuttle or taxi options for the last part of the trip.

Rideshare

Rideshare drop-off is useful to avoid parking stress. After big events, pickup lines can be long.

Shuttles

The city sometimes runs shuttles from park-and-ride lots on busy event nights. Check local visitor information for the latest.

Parking tips and safety

Parking reality

Downtown garages and metered lots are available but fill quickly during weekends and the switch-on. You may need to walk 10–30 minutes from some lots on busy nights.

Rideshare + drop-off

If you want to skip parking, use rideshare and official drop-off zones. Follow event staff instructions.

Shuttle options

If shuttles run in the year you visit, parking at a park-and-ride lot and taking a shuttle is a smart plan.

Parking scam warning

Do not scan unknown QR codes on parking meters. Scammers sometimes put fake QR codes to steal payments. Use official meters, a city app, or the approved parking site. If you see a suspicious QR code, report it.

Quick parking checklist

Use official meter or city app.
Take a photo of your parking spot and meter number.
Keep small cash as backup.
Have a plan B: rideshare or arrive later.

Crowd strategy: when to go for the best visit

Decide what you want from the visit and pick the time to match.

Want calm? Go on weeknights (Mon–Thu). Fewer people and easier photos.
Want great photos? Go at dusk (blue hour) when the sky still has color.
Want big atmosphere? Weekends and switch-on nights are busy with vendors and shows.

Crowd quick table

Time to visit	Crowd level	Best for
Weeknights (Mon–Thu)	Low	Quiet walk & photos
Early evenings (dusk–8pm)	Medium	Blue-hour photos
Weekend nights	High	Full market & festive vibe
Switch-on night	Very high	Big show & fireworks

Family tips & things kids will love

Family-friendly features

Small rides and activities, Santa photo spots, and market stalls for treats and crafts. Nearby centers sometimes run workshops or mini-performances.

Practical family tips

Pick a clear meeting spot in case someone gets lost (a shop or statue works well).
Bring snacks and a small thermos for warm drinks.
Use a sturdy stroller if you have very young kids — downtown streets can be long and busy.

Accessibility & safety: easy advice

Wheelchair access

Main Streets and the pedestrian mall are mostly accessible, but some older courtyards have steps. Contact the event organizers or the Mission Inn for exact ADA routes and parking.

Noise & sensory care

The switch-on can be loud with music and fireworks. For those sensitive to noise, pick a quieter weeknight or a side street.

Emergency help

On busy nights, first-aid and public safety staff are usually present. Keep your phone charged and note local emergency numbers.

Where to stay & sample 48-hour itineraries (European-friendly)

Where to book

Mission Inn Hotel & Spa — ideal for location and atmosphere. Book early for rooms with courtyard views.
Downtown boutique hotels — are walkable and often easier on the budget.

48-hour relaxed break

Day 1: Arrive, check in, late lunch, relax, evening lights and dinner.
Day 2: Morning spa or museum, lunch, golden-hour photos, evening lights again.

48-hour photography weekend

Day 1: Check in, scout at golden hour.
Night 1: Blue-hour and night photos.
Day 2: Sunrise photo, edit, and head home.

What to wear: practical fashion for Europeans

Even in Southern California, winter nights can feel cool. Dress in layers to stay warm and look stylish.

Ideas

Base layer + sweater + coat or fashionable wrap.
Comfortable walking boots.
Scarf and gloves for long photo sessions.
Smart-casual outfit for dinner at nicer restaurants.

Food, markets & cultural stops

Food to try

Hot chocolate, churros, roasted nuts, and seasonal street food. For a European taste, visit local bakeries and bistros for good coffee and pastries.

Cultural stops

Combine the lights with the Riverside Art Museum or a show at the Fox Performing Arts Center for a cultural touch.

Table: price & time expectations

Item	Typical cost	Time needed	Notes
Outdoor viewing	Free	1–3 hours	Walk & photos
Special tours (hotel)	Paid (varies)	1–2 hours	Book ahead
Dinner at Mission Inn	$$$	1.5–3 hours	Reserve early
Parking (garage)	Paid	Varies	Allow extra time
Shuttle service	Often free/low cost	20–40 min	Check local info

Pros & Cons

Pros

Beautiful historic backdrop and millions of lights.
Free outdoor access for most visitors.
Great for photos and family outings.

Cons

Very crowded on big nights — long waits.
Parking can be hard and some businesses close early.
Watch for parking QR-code scams — use official channels.

FAQs

Q1: When does the Festival of Lights run?

A: It usually runs from late November through December or early January. Check the Mission Inn and City of Riverside pages for exact dates each year.

Q2: How many lights are there at the Mission Inn?

A: The display uses over 10 million lights in most years. Totals may rise if new installations are added.

Q3: Is the Festival of Lights free?

A: Yes — outdoor viewing is usually free. Special tours, dinners and VIP packages cost extra.

Q4: Where should I park?

A: Use downtown garages or park-and-walk lots. Rideshare drop-off is handy. Allow extra time for parking on busy nights.

Q5: Is the event wheelchair accessible?

A: Many main routes are accessible, but some historic courtyards have steps. Contact event organisers or the Mission Inn for full ADA details.

Step-by-step visiting plan

Pick your date — prefer weeknights for a calmer experience.
Book hotel or dinner — Mission Inn gets busy on switch-on weekend.
Plan transport — pick a garage, shuttle or rideshare option.
Pack basics — warm clothes, camera, phone charger.
Arrive early — 30–60 minutes early on big nights.
Scout photo spots — golden hour scouting is helpful.
Enjoy the market & food — carry small cash.
Head home safely — pre-book rideshare or know your lot location.

Conclusion

The Riverside Festival of Lights is a friendly, atmospheric event that blends historic architecture with festive sparkle. Whether you come as a Family, a photographer, or a short-trip traveller from Europe, the Mission Inn and downtown Riverside offer scenes that warm the heart and look great in photos. Plan ahead: pick the right night for your goals, keep an eye on parking and safety, and book key dinners or hotel rooms early if you want a premium view.