Mission Inn Hotel and Spa's Festival of Lights - Riverside, California

Lou Urzua

We had an incredible time at the Mission Hills Festival of Lights display! The atmosphere was magical, with talented musicians filling the air with festive melodies, charming shops offering unique finds, and plenty of delicious food options to indulge in. The light displays were absolutely breathtaking, creating a stunning winter wonderland that truly brought the Christmas spirit alive for our whole family. It’s a must-see experience—highly recommend!

Adrienne Bell

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner at the Mission Inn restaurant. We were sung to by carolers singing Christmas songs and they did a wonderful job. The place is spectacular with Christmas decorations and lights everywhere.

The festival of lights was a beautiful exhibit however it has been cut down in size It's not as large as it used to be 6 years ago. But it's still beautiful. It's a perfect way to start your holiday.

gomarketingsuccess dotcom

We went on the weekend so it was very crowded. We didn't get to see the mission courtyard decors because the pathway wasn't moving, packed like sardines. It was too many people, we only explored the outside of the mission.

Even though, we can't see the courtyard, it was still a nice experience.
So next time if we can come back will be after xmas around new year or so to let the party die down a bit.

Here the recommendations:
1. Bring your own toilet papers or towels, a small led light, a wipe..if you need to go to the potty outside because you will need it. Public Restroom at the cafe was wrapped around the corner. I stood for 15 mins, line wasn't moving so i decided to use the quick potty outside.
2. Potty toilet is near the parking garage so park at that garage if you can. $15 parking.

Besides the potty issue and crowd like sardines, it was fun to see plenty of lights decoration. We didn't buy any food, lines were long.

We will be more prepared next time.

Sophia Chiu

I love the Mission Inn, having stayed there before last year and this time again - the hotel is so gorgeous, everyone should stay here at least once so you can walk around all the corridors and courtyards and explore all the nooks and crannies.
That said, coming here specifically for the Festival of Lights is rather underwhelming. Very crowded, loud and I was expecting a large bedazzled area with lots of kiosks and food stalls - there were maybe 5-6 stalls selling food. That's it. Some of the shops were open in the open air promenade but there's just not many shops in general. There's light displays that everyone crowds around to take pics but honestly you're better off going to something like Enchanted Forest at Descanso Gardens or Zoo Lights at LA Zoo.
The Mission Inn is beautifully decorated (though mannequins are kitschy, bordering on bizarre) - but unless you're a hotel guest, you're only going to be allowed to go thru the front entrance area and exit out the side garden. There will be hotel security at all doors leading to the interior of the hotel.

William deSilva

Although growing up in Southern California and going to the mission Inn for years, I now live in Utah, and we made a special trip to see the festival. We were disappointed in that they no longer have carriage rides around the mission Inn and at the roads were closed.Still a beautiful Christmas tradition.

L Verduzco

I went to the Riverside Festival of Lights Saturday night. It is located in beautiful downtown Riverside. Walking down Main St. and Mission Inn Avenue. A beautiful display of lights for the season with plenty of vendors, shops, food, and live music. Walking on Mission Inn Avenue. and seeing the Mission Inn fully covered in lights and decorations is stunning. You can stand in line and take a tour through the Mission Inn. Just passed the Mission Inn is the Cheech Marin museum. In the corner of Mission Inn Avenue and Lemon St. Is a carnival with rides, games, and food. You can purchase tickets or a bracelet for unlimited rides. The Riverside Festival of Lights is a place for the entire family. This year wasn't as crowded as previous years that I attended. I do miss the bucket of donuts, I haven't seen the stand in a few years. I also didn't see the carriage rides ?‍♀️?‍♂️ and for some reason, I missed the ice rink. I felt safe walking around the event, and you have until December 31st. to check it out.

julie zarate

Enjoyed returning to Festival of Lights after many years. It did not disappoint. The beautiful decor coupled with beautiful weather was just lovely. I hope to return and actually stay at the Mission Inn during the festival. It feels magical.

Mark Alan

Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside - Festival of Lights 2023!

Riverside's Mission Inn seemed to have outdone themselves for this year's edition of their Annual Festival of Lights... Both Inside and outside the complete hotel and surrounding area has been transformed into a Enchanted Christmastime Celebration and Winter Wonderland atmosphere. The attached 23 pictures have only touched on all that is there is to see and enjoy... Don't miss this year's spectacular Festival of Lights- It is one of the best!