Mission Inn Festival of Lights - Canyon Lake California

Mission Inn Festival of Lights

By Elle | Featured

courtyard lightsTis’ the season for Christmas cheer, when we play and listen to Christmas music, start to see Christmas lights strung up on buildings brightly lit up and colorful, and people are wrapped up and bundled just like the Christmas presents under the tree…  There are Christmas events that have become tradition such as watching Christmas Parades and watching Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies.  One of the area’s most popular places to visit during this Holiday Season is the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside which is about a forty minute drive from Canyon Lake.

What happens at The Festival of Lights?  Once the sun goes down, the historic Mission Inn is transformed into a beautiful holiday vision ~ the entire property is decorated in splendorous Christmas decor, lit with over 4 million lights plus a spectacular fireworks display.  The Mission Inn’s 21st Annual Festival of Lights is running through January 4th, 2014.

The extravaganza also includes appearances by Santa Claus, the world’s largest mistletoe measured at 12 feet by 8 feet, more than 400 animated figures, snow, horse-drawn carriage rides and of course, the beautifully lit and decorated Christmas Tree located in the lush and elegant hotel lobby.

mission inn festival of lights on canyon lake socalIf you’re thinking of dining at the Mission Inn while you’re there to view this Holiday spectacle, being a 4 diamond hotel; you’ve definitely got fantastic dining choices to boot!  There’s Duane’s Prime Steaks & Seafood where you can indulge in top notch meals, there’s delicious signature comfort food at the Mission Inn Restaurant ~ where you can dine indoors or outdoors situated in the Spanish-inspired courtyard garden area of the inn, or you can get that Italian cafe feel at Bella Trattoria Italian Bistro.  Additionally, there’s the eclectic lounge type of aura at 54 at Duane’s where you can taste great wines paired with sushi and tapas and to close up the night, have a signature cocktail at the Presidential Lounge ~ appropriately named since it formerly served as a guest room for President Roosevelt and was the venue for Richard and Pat Nixon’s wedding.  Let’s not forget dessert at Casey’s Cupcakes!  Now….  If you’re thinking of staying the night (or two), there’s the Inn’s superior in-room dining via room service which is served from 6am-11pm and 6am-1am (Fri & Sat).

During the Festival of Lights timeframe, the Mission Inn is featuring eleven various all-inclusive room packages from their Holiday Lights and Delights room package to one called Santa’s Suite.  The others are appropriately named as well and details can be found on the Inn’s Festival of Lights webpage.  We can’t forget to mention that the Mission Inn has special Christmas and New Years Dining, too!

So, make sure to check out the Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights this holiday season and give you and your family a treat!  Happy Holidays!