Signature Event
Festival of Lights
A community holiday celebration in Downtown Riverside where lights, art, food, music, family activities, and local creativity come together around one of Riverside’s most beloved seasonal traditions.
The Mission Inn lights up Downtown Riverside during the annual Switch-On celebration.
Enjoy arts, vendors, performances, and Candy Land experiences through December 27.
Stroll Main Street for artisan vendors, holiday treats, restaurants, and performances.
Open Thursday-Sunday until December 17, then daily through December 27.
About the Event
Downtown Riverside lit up through art, community, and creativity
Festival of Lights brings residents and visitors to Downtown Riverside’s Arts & Culture District for holiday lights, photo opportunities, food, entertainment, attractions, family-friendly activities, and festive downtown experiences. Riverside Arts Council is partnering with the City of Riverside to lead arts and community programming that highlights local artists, performers, artisans, vendors, and community participation.
The Mission Inn remains a focal point and major destination for Festival of Lights, with the annual Switch-On celebration taking place on Saturday, November 21, 2026. The broader Festival of Lights season continues downtown through December 31, with RAC-curated programming beginning November 27 and continuing through December 27.
Main Street will come alive with the Artisans Collective, holiday food vendors, and community performances on the Benjamin Franklin Stage by City Hall. The vendor and performance area will be centered between University Avenue and 10th Street, creating a free downtown celebration for families, friends, and holiday visitors.
Main Street
Artisans, food vendors, and community performances
Main Street becomes a free holiday gathering place with handmade art, festive food, downtown restaurants, and live community performances throughout Festival of Lights.
Artist & artisan vendors
Shop handmade original artwork, artisan goods, and thoughtful, unique holiday gifts from local artists and makers.
Downtown food options
Alongside Downtown Riverside’s many restaurants, holiday food vendors will offer comforting seasonal treats and festive bites.
Benjamin Franklin Stage
Enjoy local performers each night and celebrate the music, dance, theatre, and creative talent our community has to offer.
Open downtown activation
Bring family and friends for a free night of celebration filled with art, food, lights, and downtown holiday energy.
White Park
Candy Land at White Park
Candy Land is a ticketed Festival of Lights experience at White Park featuring an immersive Holiday Light Maze, illuminated Holiday Photo Trail, local food and artisan vendors, wine, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and interactive holiday experiences for families and visitors of all ages.
Guests can explore the Holiday Games Village, enjoy snow-free winter fun in the Snowball Arena, relax in the Snowfall Lounge, and experience the Holiday Art Trail featuring original illuminated installations commissioned from local artists.
Candy Land will remain open during both Merry Artswalk events, giving visitors a connected downtown holiday experience with free and ticketed activities.
Candy Land Admission
Admission includes access to the Holiday Light Maze, illuminated photo trail, Holiday Games Village, Snowball Arena, Holiday Art Trail, and other included Candy Land activities. Food, beverages, and Artisan Marketplace purchases are available separately.
Mid-October
Online ticket sales will begin in mid-October. The purchase link will be posted on this page as soon as tickets become available.
General Admission
Individual admission to Candy Land and its included attractions and activities.
- Children ages 2 and under are admitted free
- Food, beverages, and marketplace purchases are additional
Family 4-Pack
Four admissions for any combination of adults and children.
- Valid for any combination of adults and children
- Additional guests may purchase regular admission
- Cannot be combined with other discounts
Riversider Admission
A special off-peak admission rate for residents of the City of Riverside.
- Proof of City of Riverside residency is required
- Available Thursday, Friday, and Sunday only
- Cannot be combined with the Family 4-Pack or other discounts
Admission prices and operating details are subject to change. Riverside residency verification requirements will be provided when online ticket sales open.
Merry Artswalk
Two special December Artswalk events
RAC will host two Merry Artswalk events in December on the first and third Thursdays, bringing a festive Artswalk experience to Downtown Riverside with artists, vendors, galleries, museums, and holiday energy.
Merry Artswalk vendor participation is $35 per event. Artists must provide their own white canopy. Candy Land at White Park will also be open while Merry Artswalk is taking place.
Opportunities
Calls, vendors, performers, volunteers, and event staff
Artists, artisans, vendors, performers, volunteers, and event staff will help bring Festival of Lights programming to life across Main Street and White Park.
Artisans Collective & Candy Land vendors
Apply to vend during the Artisans Collective and Candy Land artisan vendor opportunities. The vendor fee is $50 per day. Artists must provide their own white canopy for Artisans Collective.
Download Artisan Vendor ApplicationMerry Artswalk vendors
Merry Artswalk will take place on the first and third Thursdays of December. The vendor fee is $35 per event, and artists must provide their own white canopy.
Merry Artswalk Sign-Up Opens in NovemberHoliday Art Trail installation artists
Apply to create or present a holiday-themed art installation for the Candy Land experience at White Park.
Apply as an Installation ArtistFestival of Lights food vendors
Apply to provide food during Festival of Lights programming on Main Street and at Candy Land in White Park.
Food Vendor ApplicationCommunity performances
Community performers will help activate Main Street on the Benjamin Franklin Stage near City Hall during Festival of Lights programming.
Community Performance ApplicationVolunteers
Volunteers will support guest experience, wayfinding, activity areas, artist and vendor support, and community programming throughout the event.
Volunteer for Festival of LightsEvent staff
Event staff opportunities will support Festival of Lights operations, programming, vendor areas, Candy Land, and public-facing event needs.
Apply for FOL Event StaffSchedule
Plan your Festival of Lights experience
Community support brings the holiday experience to life
Festival of Lights programming is made possible through collaboration, public partnership, sponsor support, artists, vendors, volunteers, and community participation.
City of Riverside
Festival of Lights partner
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Festival of Lights partner
Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce
Community partner
Experience Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn
Explore the Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, including its holiday displays, dining, seasonal activities, and special experiences.
Explore The Mission Inn Festival of LightsInterested in sponsoring Festival of Lights?
Sponsor recognition will be added as Festival of Lights and Candy Land sponsorships are confirmed.
Return to RAC events, community calendar, and annual programming.
02 ArtswalkLearn about Riverside Artswalk and monthly artist vendor participation.
03 Artist OpportunitiesFind calls, vendor opportunities, workshops, exhibitions, and public art.
04 VolunteerSupport RAC events, programs, and community arts experiences.