The fall season is one of the much-awaited seasons of the year in Southern California. Aside from the dramatic temperature loss and the changing colors, it is home to great traditions that make everyone excited.
One of the popular events in Southern California is the Festival of Lights, a lavish display of Christmas light at a historic and famous hotel in Riverside called Mission Inn, making the place one of the leading destinations in the United States in 2019.
The Festival of Lights in the Riverside of South Carolina has been part of many people’s lives. Started in 1992, it has been practiced and celebrated up to the present. It usually starts from the last week of November to the first week of January.
For the past several years, the celebration of the Festival of Lights in Riverside is grand and extravagant. But because of the coronavirus, Mission Inn Hotel & Spa scaled-down the affair last year to observe precautions from the pandemic and prevent large crowds.
Originally, the annual event received a budget ranging from $378,000 to $825,000 in recent years. For 2020’s celebration, the Riverside City Council voted to limit the funding to only $60,000. Still, everyone can feel the essence of the Christmas season. There are holiday-themed selfie stations, large ornaments, three-holiday trees, and more.
What is Riverside Famous For?
More than the Festival of Lights at the Mission In Hotel, Riverside is known for many places you can explore.
As an example. Think of the California Citrus State Historic Park. Riverside has been California’s center of the citrus growing industry. For instance, in 2016 and 2017, it produced approximately 4 million tons of fresh citrus. It is where the citrus sector has started. It is an open-air museum with 248 acres of land coverage and opened in 1984.
Riverside is also popular for its Mission Inn Museum, which showcases several artifacts of the hotel’s past. Mission Inn Museum prides itself with a Spanish-Revival architecture that you would love to see and witness.
Another place to explore in Riverside is Mount Rubidoux. While it takes an hour or two to climb, your effort is worth it as you reach the top. You can see the stunning view of the city. It is picturesque. If you travel on the 4th of July, you will witness the fireworks display at the summit.
If you have explored Mount Rubidoux, it is time to go to the Riverside Convention & Visitors Bureau to complete your escapade in the city. Transformed in 2014, it now boasts more than 65,000 square feet of land, increasing its capacity to host plenty of events or conventions. Serving the city for years now, it has a growing number of satisfied customers, and it stays committed to being part of many success stories. From outdoor events plaza, deluxe halls to the unique cuisine, Riverside Convention & Visitors Bureau has them all.
How Many Days Does the Festival of Lights Last?
It is disappointing to miss any holiday event because it only runs for a few days. The Riverside Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn Hotel, on the other hand, is different as it is a six-week event. It usually starts from the last week of November to the 1st week of January, so many people have a lot of time to explore the place.
Apart from the annual Festival of Light, the Mission Inn Hotel’s surrounding activities can take your experience to the next level. If you are tired of roaming around the destination, treat yourself to delicious food from any restaurant near the hotel.
A carriage ride is another go-to adventure in the Mission Inn Hotel. If you want to see the Festival Lights in style and luxury, a carriage ride will be your best bet.
But because of the pandemic, Mission Inn Hotel limited the activities. Still, everyone can experience the Festival of Light while following strict social and physical distancing.
How Much Does the Festival of Lights Cost?
During the long summer, you usually go to the beach to beat the extreme heat or go to malls.
If you want to be close to nature, you choose trekking, mountain climbing, and other outdoor activities.
During the Christmas season, exploring any light festival is your go-to option. If you are in Riverside, the Festival of Lights is an excellent destination you can ever have.
But how much does it cost? Well, the price of tour tickets at the Mission Inn Hotel varies. For travelers aged 12 and older, tours cost around $25. It is incredibly affordable.
How about children aged 3 and 11? Tour tickets only cost around $10, which will not cause a fortune.
But the price may vary. Plus, not everyone can enjoy the 2020 annual Festival of Light because of the coronavirus.
