The holidays are back, where pumpkins are swapped for snowmen, peppermint seems to be in everything, and the world glows with colorful lights and smiling faces. Santa is officially back in town, and so are parades, tree-lighting festivals, the ballet, and all the hot chocolate you can drink. Here are 12 blissful events to brighten up your holiday season.
Lake Elsinore
Winterfest
A magical night with snowy sled runs, pictures with the man himself, thrilling performances, and a festive holiday parade!
When: December 7th
Where: Historic Main Street in Lake Elsinore
Time: 5-9:30 pm (parade starts at 5:15 pm)
Price: Free
Learn more here: https://www.lake-elsinore.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=989
Santa Dash
Dress up and join one of the hundreds of Santas at this early bird 5k! Make sure to dress up as spiritedly as possible—you may just win a prize!
When: December 21st
Where: Lake Elsinore Levee 500 Diamond DrLake Elsinore, CA 92530
Time: 7 am
Price: Free
Learn more here: https://www.lake-elsinore.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=1003
Register for the race here! Online registration closes at 4 pm on December 20th: https://secure.rec1.com/CA/lake-elsinore/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMzNjE0NjI=
Riverside
Mission Inn: Festival of Lights
Many love downtown Riverside for its historic buildings, food, and, most importantly, the Mission Inn. The Spanish-style architecture transforms into a glittering Christmas wonderland every holiday season. Put on your scarves and beanies, get a hot chocolate, and be merry!
When: November 23rd-December 31st
Where: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Time: 4:30 pm for opening night and 5 pm for the others
Price: Attending is free, but parking spaces fill up quickly! Reserve your spot here: http://www.folparking.com/
Learn more here: https://riversideca.gov/fol/
The Nutcracker Ballet
The Inland Pacific Ballet Academy continues its annual tradition of performing the beloved Nutcracker ballet in Riverside. Come one, come all to watch this critically acclaimed performance of the classic tale.
When: December 14th and December 15th
Where: 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Time: Doors open at 1 pm, and the show starts at 2 pm
Price: Ticket prices vary; buy tickets here
Learn more here: https://ipballet.org/the-nutcracker/
San Bernardino
Holiday Gala
Dress to the nines and head South to enjoy live orchestra performances of beloved Christmas classics the Music Department at California State University San Bernardino is performing!
When: December 4th and 5th
Where: Jack H. Brown Hall, 5500 University Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407
Time: 7 pm open at 6:30
Price: Ticket prices range from $17-$22
Learn more here: https://www.purplepass.com/events/298276-holiday-gala-2024-(night-1)-dec-4th
Perris
The Polar Express
Have you ever wanted to try the beloved Christmas cult classic for yourself? Now you can! From hot chocolate, pajamas, and a special guest, you can experience what it’s like to ride the Polar Express all the way up to the North Pole.
When: Present- December 31st
Where: 2201 S A St, Perris, CA 92570
Time and Price: Times and ticket prices vary. Visit the following here to find out more information.
Learn more here: https://socalthepolarexpressride.com/faqs/
Wildomar
Winter Wonderland Open Farm Day at Howe Ranch
Drink hot chocolate in the enchanted forest, pet fuzzy animals, take a trip to the North Pole, drink all the hot cocoa you can, and so much more at this ranch-turned winter wonderland!
When: December 8th
Where: 22053 Highland St, Wildomar, CA 92595
Time: 1 pm-8 pm
Price: Ticket prices range; visiting the North Pole is $20- purchase tickets here https://thehoweranchpayment.com/?utm_source=AllEvents.in&utm_medium=event-discovery-platform&utm_campaign=wildomar-events
Learn more here: https://allevents.in/wildomar/winter-wonderland-open-farm-day-at-howe-ranch/200027266383150
Temecula
Santa’s Electric Light Parade
Grab some hot chocolate, a couple of chairs, and lots of blankets, and prepare to see an electrifyingly festive parade that is sure to give you all the fun thrills you’ll need this chilly season.
When: December 6th
Where: the intersection of Jefferson Ave. and Del Rio Rd
Time: 7 pm
Price: Free!
Learn more here: https://temeculaca.gov/1089/Santas-Electric-Light-Parade
A Christmas Carol
Take a break from gift shopping and see a stage production of everyone’s favorite story about a holiday hater! The one and only Ebenezer Scrooge is underneath stage lights for another year in the Old Town Temecula Community Theater!
When: Dates vary. Visit the link below to find out more information
Where: 42051 Main St, Temecula, CA 92590
Time: Start times vary on the date
Price: Ticket prices range from $22-$30, depending on the desired seat
Find out dates, times, and prices here: https://tickets.temeculatheater.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=1545
Peltzer Tree Lighting Ceremony
At this festive two-day event, you can ice skate, see St. Nick, enjoy live performances, shop local vendors, and see the tree lighting at this festive fun 2 day event!
When: November 30th and December 1st
Where: Peltzer Winery 40275 Calle ContentoTemecula, CA, 92591
Time: Both days go for 11 am-8 pm
Price: Free!
Learn more here: https://www.inthelooptemecula.com/events
Temecula on Ice
It may not snow much in the Inland Empire, but that’s not stopping the city of Temecula! Starting in mid-December, an ice rink is brought to Old Town Temecula! So lace up your skates, grab a bumper if needed, and get out on the ice!
When: December 12th- January 5th
Where: 41902 Main Street Temecula, California 92590
Time: Weekdays 10 am-9:30 pm Weekends 10 am- 11 pm, times vary on holidays
Price: Entry ranges from $21-$30
Learn more here: https://temeculaca.gov/1120/Temecula-On-Ice
Holiday Bike Ride
Nothing beats driving around and looking at Christmas lights. But Temecula is bringing about a new tradition by having participants bundle up and look at the lights up close on decorated 2-wheel bicycles! Jack Frost nips at your nose as you ride around and feel the Christmas spirit surround you. Participants must wear helmets, and have bike lights, and only 2-wheel bikes are allowed!
When: December 14th
Where:28582 Harveston DriveTemecula, CA 92591 at Picnic Shelter B (South)
Time: 7-8:30 pm
Price: Free!
Learn more here: https://secure.rec1.com/CA/temecula-ca/catalog
