For almost 20 years, Riverside’s Mission Inn Hotel & Spa has brought holiday spirit, magic, hope, and love to families in Southern California and around the world with the annual Festival of Lights event. This year, the 18th annual Festival of Lights kicks off on Friday, November 26, and is a special gift to the community from Duane and Kelly Roberts, owners of The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. With one of the largest collection of lights on the West Coast, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is adorned with more than 3.5 million brilliant lights as well as more than 400 animated figures, such as angels, elves, and carolers that come alive throughout the iconic property. The event brings families, couples, and the community together, which is needed now more than ever.
“We are excited to bring back The Festival of Lights celebration for the 18th year in a row to the local Riverside residents as well as visitors from around the world,” note the Roberts. “It brings great joy to see the awe and excitement in the eyes of our guests and visitors, and the reason we continue to share this tradition with the community.”
Local residents and out of town travelers alike are invited to experience this spectacular Southern California holiday tradition, on view through January 2, which features an elaborately decorated Christmas tree, special appearances by Santa Claus, carolers singing cheerful holiday tunes, horses pulling authentic carriages, and hundreds of characters dressed in 17th century costumes entertaining the crowd and evoking the spirit of the season.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa has created a number of seasonal getaway packages for those who want to extend the holiday celebration. (800/843-7755, www.missioninn.com)
