Riverside’s Mission Inn Hotel & Spa ‘Festival of Lights’ Returns, Lighting Up California’s Holiday Season: Know More

Published on November 23, 2025

The festive season is once again upon us in Riverside, California, as the iconic Festival of Lights returns to the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. This beloved holiday tradition has captivated visitors for over three decades, and as 2025 marks its 33rd anniversary, it continues to draw thousands of spectators eager to witness the magical transformation of Riverside’s downtown into a winter wonderland. This year’s festival, featuring millions of lights, carnival rides, caroling, and visits from Santa Claus, offers a delightful experience for all ages.

As a signature event in Riverside’s holiday calendar, the Festival of Lights offers much more than just a dazzling display. The event has become a key attraction, significantly boosting the city’s tourism industry and drawing in visitors from across the nation. Each year, the festive spectacle, held on the pedestrian mall surrounding the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, becomes a gathering point for families, tourists, and residents alike. The switch-on ceremony, which kicks off the festival, is always an eagerly awaited event. This year, it took place on Saturday, marking the beginning of the official holiday season in Riverside.

A Legacy of Tradition

Since its inception in 1992, the Festival of Lights has been a labor of love for the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, one of Riverside’s most historic and well-known landmarks. The festival was founded by the late Duane Roberts, who also served as the Mission Inn’s owner. Under Roberts’ leadership, the festival grew from a local tradition into a major holiday attraction that now draws up to 500,000 visitors over the course of its one-month duration. The event’s rich history has made it an integral part of Riverside’s cultural identity.

Following the passing of Roberts in November 2025, there was a moment of reflection as the festival began without its founder. However, the spirit of the event remains alive and well, as the city continues to honor his legacy. This year’s festivities were presided over by key figures from the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and the Riverside City Council, with special efforts made to ensure that the festival would continue in the same joyous spirit that Roberts envisioned. The absence of the festival’s founder added a poignant undertone to the event, but the celebrations continue as a tribute to his years of dedication to the community and Riverside’s tourism growth.

The festival’s first switch-on ceremony in 1992 included just a few lights, but over the years it has evolved into a monumental spectacle with over 5 million lights illuminating the historic buildings and streets of Riverside. The switch-on event, traditionally held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, marks the beginning of the holiday season in Riverside and has grown into one of the largest holiday lighting ceremonies in the United States.

Economic and Tourism Impact on Riverside

The Festival of Lights has a profound impact on Riverside’s local economy and tourism industry. As the largest holiday festival in Southern California, it brings in visitors not only from Riverside itself but also from neighboring cities and states. Over the years, the festival has attracted tourists looking to experience the magic of the holidays in a unique setting, making Riverside a key holiday destination in California. The increase in foot traffic during the month-long celebration brings a significant boost to local businesses, particularly those in hospitality, dining, retail, and entertainment.

Visitors flock to Riverside not only to see the lights but also to enjoy the wide range of entertainment offerings at the festival. Attractions such as carnival rides, live music performances, and special appearances by Santa Claus are all part of the festivities, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that draws crowds of all ages. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa itself becomes a focal point of the event, with its majestic architecture providing a stunning backdrop to the thousands of lights that adorn it. For many, the Festival of Lights is a destination holiday event that offers something for everyone.

Beyond just the holiday displays, the festival’s timing—during the peak travel season for many families—means it serves as a perfect opportunity for tourists to explore Riverside and the broader Inland Empire region. Visitors to the festival often extend their stay to take in the local attractions, from historical sites and museums to nearby nature preserves. With Riverside’s proximity to Los Angeles, it also serves as a perfect getaway for those wanting to experience a more intimate and festive environment away from the busy holiday crowds of the larger metropolitan areas.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

The Festival of Lights offers much more than the visual allure of millions of lights—it also creates a strong sense of community. The event is a gathering point for families, tourists, and locals, creating a shared holiday experience. Local businesses, including restaurants, shops, and artisans, often set up holiday markets or participate in the festivities, enhancing the festive spirit. Visitors can enjoy holiday treats, shop for gifts, and experience Riverside’s vibrant local culture, making the festival a complete holiday package.

Additionally, the event serves as an introduction to Riverside’s rich history. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, with its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, has long been one of the city’s main attractions, and the Festival of Lights highlights its significance. Visitors have the chance to learn about the history of the Mission Inn, which was originally built in 1902, and explore its grand interior while enjoying the dazzling lights that adorn its facade. The festival, with its historical tie-ins, provides a cultural experience that deepens visitors’ connection to Riverside and its heritage.

Resilience and Recovery

The Festival of Lights’s resilience through challenging times highlights its importance not just to Riverside but to the broader Southern California tourism industry. The event was temporarily suspended during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the 2020 and 2021 festivals canceled or modified due to public health concerns. However, the festival’s return in 2022 marked a moment of optimism and recovery, and since then, it has resumed full-scale operations. As one of Riverside’s top tourism events, it underscores the city’s ability to bounce back and continue offering vibrant cultural experiences.

In the years to come, the Festival of Lights will likely continue to be a key part of Riverside’s efforts to boost its profile as a holiday destination. The success of the event serves as a reminder of the significant role that festivals can play in driving tourism and supporting local economies. Riverside’s investment in the festival’s growth, paired with its cultural significance, ensures that the Festival of Lights remains a must-see event on the national holiday calendar.

Looking Forward: The Future of Riverside’s Holiday Tradition

As Riverside celebrates the 33rd edition of the Festival of Lights, there is much anticipation for what the future holds. The festival’s growing success and its continued ability to adapt and thrive in a post-pandemic world highlight its place as a cornerstone of Riverside’s tourism offerings. Whether it’s the millions of lights, the carnival atmosphere, or the opportunity to experience Riverside’s history, the Festival of Lights continues to offer visitors a truly unforgettable holiday experience.

For both residents and tourists, the Festival of Lights provides a chance to create cherished memories, enjoy the holiday spirit, and explore one of California’s most iconic cities during the most magical time of year. With millions of lights, family-friendly activities, and the unique atmosphere created by the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside is firmly established as one of California’s premier holiday destinations, and the Festival of Lights is at the heart of it all.