RIVERSIDE – (INT) – The Inland Empire’s signature holiday event, the Festival of Lights, is aglow. It has become a time-honored tradition for generations of Southern California residents.

The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa welcomes guests to experience holiday lights and decorations, live entertainment and lots of goodies in Downtown Riverside.

Attractions at the Festival of Lights include the Artisans Collective, lighted displays, rides, entertainment, food vendors, UCR Snow Globe, Santa Claus and more.

The 27th Annual Festival of Lights brightens the sky around the historic Mission Inn and features approximately 4.5 million lights and a dazzling fireworks display. There will be more than 400 animated figures including angels, elves and Dickens carolers, live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, food vendors and a visit by Santa Claus. Live music and dance will be performed at the University State and Ben Franklin Stage across from Santa’s house

4.5 million lights were switched on at dusk Friday and will glow nightly until New Year’s Eve.

Story Date: December 29, 2019