JOYFUL: The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa’s Festival of Lights is returning to Riverside for many nights full of Christmas spirit.
By Natalie Vargas, Staff Writer
The Festival of Lights is an age-old tradition that brings the community together to experience Christmas joy. This year’s 26th Annual Festival of Lights is being held from November 23, 2018 until January 6, 2019, varying from 3pm-11pm each day. The festival provides free admission to everyone, excluding paid attractions. The Los Angeles Times recognizes the Festival of Lights as Riverside’s most notable feature. Kicking off the Festival of Lights was the Switch-On Ceremony, held on November 23, 2018 and showcasing over five million lights being turned on. Musical artist, Robin Thicke, performed his single “Blurred Lines” and other hit songs as well as a cover of Frank Sinatra’s “Jingle Bells” at the Switch-On Ceremony to commemorate the beginning of the festival.
Surrounding the event is an array of carnival-like food and restaurants open in the Pedestrian Mall. Throughout the festival, street performers play instruments, dance, or sing, demonstrating their own personal skill. Free activities the fair has includes: LED swings and seesaws that share a “playground” experience, and art markets were people can buy art from local artists. A popular activity is the horse drawn carriage ride that takes people around to admire the lights and additional scenery. Additionally, there are more attractions such as: a vintage carousel ride that is classic fun for families and The Giant Wheel, a large spectacle that people can ride. Specifically for children, there is a Santa Claus for pictures and a trackless train ride to enjoy.
The Festival of Lights truly provides an atmosphere for any age to love and relish in the spirit of Christmas. “It is amazing to see all of the lights and the families that still come out every year,” Samantha Flores (11) said. Still after 26 years, the festival is relevant in the lives of people in this community. It brings Riverside together as a community to appreciate the 26th anniversary of this timeless tradition.