Riverside Festival of Lights: Creating Traditions and Building Community

With over 10 million lights, Riverside had its opening ceremony for the 33rd annual Festival of Lights on November 28th, and has seen tremendous growth in the community and culture. The Festival of Lights is considered a tourist attraction, and draws in many visitors from other cities, and even other states. Statistics from prior years show an average of 600,000-750,000 people in attendance the past 5 years, with 2022 being a standout year with over 750,000 visitors. With a multitude of lights and decorations, and its center focus being the historic Mission Inn, it creates a comfortable and cozy atmosphere for all ages to enjoy. Along with its beautiful decorations, the Festival of Lights also includes food vendors, a mini carnival, lots of photo opportunities, and ice skating. The famous “Gingerbread House” has taken residence at the Festival of Lights for over a decade, and continues to draw viewers in due to its distinguishable and iconic hot chocolate.  There is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Personal Experiences

My very first time going to the Festival of Lights was in 2023. It was so good, I continue to visit it multiple times each year. My personal favorite spot at the Festival of Lights is the antique store because it allows for the shoppers to see things they do not see in a typical store. Due to the Festival of Lights being located in the heart of Downtown Riverside, it makes the perfect place to go to with friends and family. For instance, I have gone to the Food Lab, which is right down the street, and walked to the Festival of Lights.

Recently, I had the opportunity to try a delicious restaurant across from the Mission Inn, which I most likely would not have tried had it not been for the iconic Festival of Lights. Every time I go, I am able to notice something new about the Festival of Lights, or take a new route around downtown, furthering my connection with the city. Many students at Patriot, in fact most students, have attended the Festival of Lights. I took the time to interview a few of these students about their own experiences at the Festival of Lights.

When asked, senior Levi Serrano has enjoyed the Festival of Lights by attending the festival every year with his church youth group and family, along with participating in a scavenger hunt put on by his youth group leader. The Festival of Lights provides a great opportunity and place for Levi, and others, to grow their connections and build community. Meanwhile, junior Sydney Stoddard takes her significant other on dates and they enjoy getting food, drinking hot chocolate, and going on the rides at the carnival. Lastly, senior Robert Sanchez goes and truly enjoys admiring the lights, embracing the festive spirit, and showing appreciation for the hard work it takes to put up the millions of lights. Along with looking at the lights, he also enjoys the sweet treats they offer from various food vendors, such as a hot chocolate, a funnel cake, or kettle corn. 

Instilling Culture and Tradition

Due to the variety of activities and entertainment at the festival of lights, it attracts all ages towards the center of our city. This brings light to the community and builds on our culture, by bringing everyone together. The few times I have already gone to the festival this year, I have seen several live performances such as bands, dancers, and shows. These performances help small groups gain recognition, while also bringing large groups of viewers together to enjoy the same thing. Lots of these performances get the crowd involved and create a sense of community and unity, which are always things we can all thrive on. 

Why You Should Go

The Festival of Lights is a great experience, whether you go to enjoy the stores, the food, or simply to enjoy the lights, everyone should go. It is a great way to celebrate not only the holidays, but also the history of Riverside and all that it provides us. It is a free event to attend and enjoy and is a great opportunity to get to know your city more.  Whether you go with a friend, family, or even your significant other, it is a great place to build connections and community in the heart of our city. 

"Festival of Lights" by Damien Lincoln