Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights switches on the holiday cheer in Riverside

By Alejandra Molina, The Press-Enterprise

RIVERSIDE >> With millions of bulbs and a splash of fireworks, Riverside’s 24th annual Festival of Lights did not disappoint the tens of thousands of children and adults who gathered to see Friday’s switch-on ceremony.

The lights at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa went on at 5:30 p.m., but people began lining up along Main Street and Mission Inn Avenue in downtown Riverside more than an hour before the show.

Children rode the carousel and Ferris wheel, while others enjoyed live bands and savored kettle corn and hot cocoa before the fireworks show.

A number of food vendors like Nothing Bundt Cakes and Barrett’s Dessert Tamales sold treats to passers-by. And live entertainment ranged from local rock bands to a more traditional duo playing Christmas music.

The lights will shine nightly through Jan. 7.

IF YOU GO

• When: 5-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-10 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 23. Noon-9 p.m. Christmas Eve. Closed on Christmas. Noon-11 p.m. Dec. 26-Jan. 7. Lights stay on from dusk until around midnight.

• Where: Downtown Riverside

• Admission: Free

• Information: riversideca.gov/fol/

 

Original Article — https://goo.gl/v9DmUa