RIVERSIDE – (INT) – The holiday season is officially underway in Riverside.

A switch-on ceremony Saturday at the Mission Inn launched the 32nd annual Festival of Lights in downtown Riverside.

The Switch-On Ceremony at Mission Inn Avenue and Orange Street was capped with a spectacular fireworks show.

“The Festival of Lights is a Riverside tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the holidays,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. “Every year, Riverside’s downtown is transformed into a magical place of beauty with activities for everyone.”

The festival usually opens following Thanksgiving. But, the calendar prompted a change this year to sustain its 6-week run that will attract 650-thousand visitors.

Story Date: November 25, 2024