Mission Inn Festival of Lights: Dates, Parking, Food, and What to Know

Plan Mission Inn Festival of Lights in Riverside with official source links for dates, parking, food, lights, Santa, Downtown Riverside, and what to know before you go.

Mission Inn Festival of Lights in Riverside

One of the Inland Empire's best-known holiday events: visual, walkable, family-friendly, and useful for locals and visitors planning Downtown Riverside nights.

Scheduled: Nov 21-Dec 31, 2026. Open the current event listing.

City: Riverside
County: Riverside County
Typical Season: Late November through early January
Scale: Regional
Primary Source: The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Additional Source: City of Riverside Festival of Lights

Why This Event Matters

The official Mission Inn page describes the event as a late-November-to-early-January holiday tradition with more than 10 million lights, decorations, dining, entertainment, vendors, and Santa visits.

What To Know Before You Go

Check the switch-on date, display period, Downtown Riverside parking, Main Street vendor zones, hotel dining, and any active ice-rink details before choosing a night.
Families, couples, and visitors should compare weekday and weekend crowd levels and arrive with a parking plan.
Confirm current dates each fall with the City of Riverside and Mission Inn before making plans.

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