18th Annual ‘Festival of Lights’
The 18th Annual Festival of Lights is set to begin Friday, Nov. 26 in downtown Riverside, with the official “switch-on” ceremony taking place just after 6:00 p.m. in front of the Mission Inn. This year’s Festival runs from November 26 through January 2, 2011 (excepting Christmas).
Each year, thousands of visitors crowd the areas in and around the Mission Inn and along the downtown pedestrian mall for the festivities, which includes over 3.5 million holiday lights and animated figures, an ice rink, live entertainment, shopping, dining and — of course — photos with Santa.
This year, the city is seeking photos for creating what it hopes will be the world’s largest holiday card for U.S. troops. The card will be a 20-by-30-foot collage of submitted photos and messages. You can submit your photo/message at the city’s ‘Festival of Lights’ Website. There will also be a both on the pedestrian mall on selected days. Photos must be submitted by December 5th.
As usual, free parking (street and garage) is available after 5 p.m. during the week and all day on the weekends and holidays. Your best bet for easy parking is within five parking garages — three on Orange Street: Ninth | University | Mission Inn; and two on Market Street: Ninth | University.
Related
- City of Riverside – Festival of Lights
- Riverside Press-Enterprise – Photos sought for giant holiday card for troops (Nov. 26, 2010)
