It is the holiday season which means it is time to bring out the festive lights, Christmas trees, and holiday spirit. Whether you need to get some holiday shopping done, want to go see a Christmas show, or take a ride on the infamous Polar Express, there is something for everyone. So grab your hat, scarf, and hot chocolate to embrace the holiday season with these 12 merry events in the Inland Empire sure to help get even Scrooge in a festive spirit.
Riverside
Mission Inn Festival of Lights
Take a trip to downtown Riverside to see the beautifully decorated historic hotel. Each year, the Mission Inn hotel staff transforms the hotel from a gorgeous Spanish-style stay to a Christmas wonderland. Come see the lights, drink hot chocolate, and maybe shop while you are here.
Where: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside CA 92501
When: November 18th – January 7th
Cost: Attending is free but parking spaces fill up fast! Reserve your parking spot here: https://app.parkmobile.io/venue/festival-of-lights/events
Find out more information here: https://www.missioninn.com/about/festival-of-lights
The Festival of the Trees Holiday Fair
Come bring your kids to take photos with Santa, look at the beautifully decorated Christmas trees, shop with local vendors, and participate in fun Christmas activities!
Where: 3637 5th St Riverside CA, 92501
When: November 25-26, 10 am-9 pm
Cost: Free
Find out more information here: https://riversideca.gov/calendar/event/festival-trees-holiday-fair
Perris
The Polar Express
I love this classic Christmas movie starring Tom Hanks. Have you always wanted to board the magical train that takes you to Santa’s workshop in the North Pole? Now you can! Come in your pj’s, drink hot chocolate, and get a bell, but make sure to show your golden ticket!
Where: 2201 S. A St, Perris CA 92570
When: November 19 – December 30
Cost: Prices vary per person and ticket
Find out more information here: https://socalthepolarexpressride.com/
Menifee
Menifee Hometown Holiday Festival
Dress up in your best ugly Christmas sweater for a chance to win the contest, donate to a toy drive, enjoy live music, shop at local vendors, and get a chance to see Santa!
Where: 28237 La Piedra Rd, Menifee, CA 92584
When: December 9th, 3 pm-8 pm
Cost: Admission is free
To find out more information visit https://allevents.in/menifee/menifee-hometown-holiday-festival/80001162557264?ref=eventlist-cat
San Bernardino
The Nutcracker Ballet Performance
Come to the California Theater of Performing Arts in the city of San Bernardino to see the ballet performance of The Nutcracker. Come see professional and local dancers perform the classic Christmas tale.
Where: 562 W 4th St, San Bernardino CA 92401
When: December 8-9 at 7 pm and December 10 at 2:15 pm
Cost: Ticket prices range from $ 40 to $50, depending on your seats.
Find out more information here: https://dola.com/events/2023/12/10/inland-dance-theatre-presents-the-nutcracker-tickets
Temecula
Temecula on Ice
Are you sad that you cannot ice skate in Southern California? Well, now you can! Come to Old Town Temecula, lace up your skates, and get out on the ice. Don’t have skates? Not to worry they are available to rent! (and helmets for the little ones).
Where: 41902 Main Street, Temecula CA, 92590
When: December 14 – January 7 but the days of the week vary
Cost: General Admission is $20 and includes skates, but other pricing options are available
To find out about days open and prices and any other information visit here: https://temeculaca.gov/1120/Temecula-On-Ice
Holiday Market
Get Christmas shopping done with local vendors in a cozy holiday market. Take advantage of cute photo opportunities, enjoy music, and get the chance to see Disney’s Frozen’s Elsa and Anna!
Where: 40820 Winchester Rd, Temecula CA, 92591
When: December 9th, 10 am – 9 pm
Cost: Free
To find out more information visit: https://www.promenadetemecula.com/en/events/it-s-peachy-merry-everything-holiday-market-41770.html
Santa’s Electric Light Parade
Set up chairs, get cozy with blankets, and enjoy some hot cocoa to get in the Christmas spirit with an electrifying Christmas light parade.
When: December 1st, 7 pm sharp
Where: 41000 Main St, Temecula, CA
Cost: Admission is free but good spots fill up fast!
To find out more information visit: https://temeculaca.gov/1089/Santas-Electric-Light-Parade
Merry Little Market
This little magical three-day event is filled with twinkling lights, carolers, yummy Christmas treats, and local vendors all while being surrounded by a magical Christmas atmosphere.
When: December 15th-17th, 10 am-9 pm
Where: 41000 Main St, Temecula, CA
Cost: Admission is free
To find out more information about day 1 visit: https://www.inthelooptemecula.com/events/merry-little-market-nh4h6
To find out more information about day 2 visit: https://www.inthelooptemecula.com/events/merry-little-market-nh4h6-n5j8j
To find out more about say 3 visit: https://www.inthelooptemecula.com/events/merry-little-market-nh4h6-n5j8j-mf28a
A Christmas Carol
Come to the Old Town Temecula Theater to see a live performance of the Christmas tale with music from Broadway stars, Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens. See how Temecula Valley’s and New York’s actors bring this Christmas classic to life.
Where: 42051 Main St, Temecula CA, 92590
When: November 30 – December 9, dates and times vary
Cost: Prices vary on seats
To find out the dates, times, and ticket prices visit the link here: https://temeculavalleyplayers.com/
Holiday Bike Tour
Nothing says Christmas quite like looking at the festively decorated houses and nothing says Southern California like enjoying our warm winter. So, Temecula combined the two! Grab your bikes and festive Christmas sweaters to ride 2-3 miles and take a look at some very festive, beautifully decorated houses. Everyone must have their own bike! Bikes with training wheels and tricycles are not allowed.
Where: 45850 Wolf Creek Dr. N, Temecula CA 92592
When: December 16, 7 pm
Cost: Free! You just have to bring your bike
To find out more information visit: https://temeculaca.gov/1425/Holiday-Fun
Longshadow Christmas Gala
Watch Christmas performances, enjoy spiced cider, mulled wine, hot chocolate, a peppermint toss, and much more at this transformed Temecula winery.
Where: Longshadow Ranch Winery 39847, Calle Contento Temecula, CA 92591
When: December 2, 6-8 pm
Cost: Prices range from $15-$50
Find out more information about prices and others here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/longshadow-christmas-gala-tickets-150586
