Festival of Lights makes season bright
A winter wonderland of freshly fallen snow, horse-drawn carriages, live reindeer, an outdoor ice skating rink, cheerful holiday decorations, 17th-century-style carolers and other live entertainment — illuminated by the brilliant effect of more than 3.5 million twinkling lights — await Coachella Valley residents only about an hour away in historic downtown Riverside.
The 20th annual Festival of Lights celebration, sponsored by the majestic Mission Inn & Spa at the heart of the downtown area, will begin the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 23, and continue through Saturday, Jan. 5.
An opening day “Switch-On Ceremony” at 4:30 p.m. will draw thousands of spectators to watch not only the swift transformation of the area with the sudden effect of the lighting, but also a fireworks show.
Most activities will take place along Main Street between University and Mission Inn Avenues, and on the dining and shopping promenade that runs alongside the inn. Festival-related specials will be offered by many of the businesses in the vicinity, and artistic and holiday-themed vendors will also be stationed throughout the area.
The Mission Inn & Spa, built in 1903 in the Mission Revival style, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a State of California Historic Landmark. It contains 238 guest rooms and 27 suites, eight dining options and a full-service spa. Special dining and lodging packages are being offered at the inn during the festival, and a 12-foot by 8-foot mistletoe will greet visitors at the entrance.
For more details on the festival, visit www.festivaloflightsca.com. For more information on the inn and its festival specials, call (951) 341-6730 or 1-800-843-7755 or visit www.missioninn.com. The inn is at 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside.