Inland Empire Christmas lights 2026

Downtown Riverside (Mission Inn Ave and Main St), Riverside · Walk-through · ~50 mi from downtown LA

switch-on Sat Nov 21, 2026 at 5pm (Orange St and Mission Inn Ave), runs through Jan 3, 2027

The 34th year, and the Mission Inn's 150th anniversary: more than 10 million lights and over 400 animated figures on the historic hotel and downtown, with nightly snowfall, Santa visits, a holiday market and food vendors. Switch-on night adds fireworks and live performances.

Tip: Switch-on night is the most crowded night of the season, so arrive early or skip it for a weeknight. A free shuttle and special train service run during the festival, which beats hunting for downtown parking.

Mission Grove (134 Gracefield Way), Riverside · Neighborhood · ~53 mi from downtown LA

Typically nightly through the holidays, about 5–9:30pm

A single-home display of 20,000+ lights, characters and a nativity scene that competed on ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight in December 2025. The family publicly invites visitors to come see it.

Tip: This is a residential cul-de-sac area, so park on surrounding streets, keep voices down and stay on the sidewalk.

Alta Loma (Thoroughbred St, Jennet St and Turquoise Ave, enter from 19th St), Rancho Cucamonga · Drive-through · ~36 mi from downtown LA

Typically Dec 5–24, drive-through only 5–11pm (2025 pattern; 2026 dates not yet posted)

A resident-run tradition where nearly every home on Thoroughbred and Jennet Streets goes all out with themed displays and inflatables. It is not a city event, but the city manages traffic and makes the core streets drive-through only.

Tip: Enter from 19th Street. During drive-through hours no walking is allowed, cars must keep moving and everyone stays seated and belted, so kids should view from the windows; expect long lines on weekends closer to Christmas.

Civic Center lawn (13220 Central Ave) and Central Ave tree lights, Chino · Tree lighting · ~32 mi from downtown LA

Typically lit from the late-November tree lighting through the holidays

A 48-foot Christmas tree with a 5-foot star, plus a 17-foot walk-through ornament, giant snowflake, lighted reindeer and photo frames on the City Hall lawn. Trees along Central Avenue between Chino Ave and C St are lit too.

Tip: An easy, free photo stop for little kids; the walk-through ornament is the main photo spot.

Gertrude St, off Central Ave near Magnolia Center, Riverside · Neighborhood · ~50 mi from downtown LA

Typically Thanksgiving week through New Year's Day, evenings until about 9pm

A single-home show with more than 60,000 lights synchronized to music on an FM station, much of it Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The owner has greeted visitors dressed as an elf and handed out candy canes.

Tip: Tune your car radio to the posted station or watch from the sidewalk. It is a residential street, so park legally and keep voices down.

Chapman Pl, Wood Streets, Riverside · Neighborhood · ~49 mi from downtown LA

Typically early Dec to New Year's, after dusk

A short Wood Streets block decorated with storybook character cutouts under soft lighting. It is a gentler, walkable alternative to the downtown Festival of Lights crowds.

Tip: Go just after sunset (blue hour) for the best look and photos. Best walked with a stroller since the block is short.

Victoria Woods, Glenhaven Ave near Fairview Ave, Riverside · Neighborhood · ~51 mi from downtown LA

Typically early Dec to New Year's, after dusk

Decorated homes along Glenhaven Ave in the Victoria Woods area, framed by tall palms. Local photographers single it out for the lights against the evening sky.

Tip: Arrive right after sunset for the best view. Residential street, so a slow drive or short walk works best.

Riverside Plaza shopping center, Magnolia Center, Riverside · Tree lighting · ~49 mi from downtown LA

Typically late Nov through Dec

A large holiday tree at the Riverside Plaza outdoor mall that is a common spot for family photos. Easy to pair with dinner and the nearby Gertrude St display.

Tip: Free mall parking and flat walkways, so it is stroller friendly.

Live Oak Canyon Rd (Redlands/Yucaipa line), Redlands · Ticketed event · ~65 mi from downtown LA

Typically late Nov through late Dec, select days and evenings

The pumpkin patch farm turns into a holiday festival with more than 50,000 lights, a night train ride through the lights, Santa, an ice skating rink, a petting zoo and s'mores. It also sells Christmas trees.

Tip: Check the farm's calendar for which nights include the lights and night train before you go. Dress warm; it is in a canyon and gets cold after dark.

Ed Hales Park, 5th St and E State St, Redlands · Tree lighting · ~61 mi from downtown LA

Typically the Friday before Thanksgiving, 5–8pm (2025 was Nov 21)

The City Council flips the switch at 6pm, lighting the tree and all of East State Street from Orange St to Redlands Blvd. Before that there is music, free hot cocoa, a bounce house and crafts.

Tip: Arrive by 5pm for the activities. Afterward, walk State Street to see the newly lit downtown.

Ontario Town Square, 224 N Euclid Ave, Ontario · Tree lighting · ~34 mi from downtown LA

2026: Thursday, Dec 3 (city announced)

Ontario's annual tree lighting at Town Square. In 2025 a holiday drone show counted down to the lighting, along with cookie decorating, letters to Santa and free Santa photos.

Tip: The city lists the tree lighting (Dec 3) and the Holiday Light Parade (Dec 5) as separate nights for 2026. Expect big crowds.

Euclid Ave, Fourth St to B St, Ontario · Event · ~34 mi from downtown LA

2026: Saturday, Dec 5 (city announced); 2025 parade started at 6:30pm

An evening parade of lit-up floats down Euclid Avenue's wide, tree-lined median through downtown Ontario. The city expects thousands of spectators.

Tip: Stake out a curb spot on Euclid early. Check the city page for street closures and parking.

Miller Park Amphitheater, Downtown Fontana, Fontana · Tree lighting · ~46 mi from downtown LA

2026: Thursday, Dec 3 at 6pm (city announced)

Live entertainment, light refreshments, a visit from Santa and a station for writing letters to Santa. Fontana's Festival of Winter, with over 40 tons of snow, and the Christmas Parade follow on Dec 12, 2026.

Historic Civic Center, W 6th St, Corona · Tree lighting · ~40 mi from downtown LA

Typically the first Sunday in Dec from 4pm (2025 was Dec 7)

Corona's lighting event has festive lights, real-snow sledding, a Holiday Express train, a crafters village and Santa. The fire department collects toys for the Spark of Love drive.

Tip: W 6th St closes between Vicentia and Buena Vista; main parking is at 400 S Vicentia Ave. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate.

The Crossings at Corona shopping center, Corona · Tree lighting · ~45 mi from downtown LA

Typically the Saturday after Thanksgiving, early evening (2025 was Nov 29, 5–7:30pm)

A shopping-center tree lighting in south Corona, an easy early-evening outing for families with young kids.

Historic Uptown Yucaipa, Yucaipa Performing Arts Center, Yucaipa · Tree lighting · ~69 mi from downtown LA

2026: Saturday, Nov 28, noon–8pm (city announced)

An all-day festival that ends with a tree lighting ceremony. It also has live entertainment, Santa's Workshop, a kids' zone and food vendors.

Tip: Free, no tickets, rain or shine. Plan to stay into the evening for the lighting.

City Hall, Frederick St, Moreno Valley · Tree lighting · ~57 mi from downtown LA

2026: Saturday, Dec 5, about 5–8pm, lighting at 5:45pm (city announced)

The city lights its 30-foot tree at City Hall. The evening includes entertainment, photos with Santa, and hot cocoa and cookies.

City Hall, Limonite Ave (Pedley), Jurupa Valley · Tree lighting · ~44 mi from downtown LA

2026: Friday, Dec 4 (city homepage); 2025 was Dec 9 at City Hall

A community tree lighting with performances by local choirs and school groups, holiday treats and Santa.

Tip: The 2026 venue is not yet posted; past years were at City Hall, 8930 Limonite Ave. Check the city site before you go.

Old Town Temecula (from Jefferson Ave and Del Rio Rd south into Old Town), Temecula · Event · ~74 mi from downtown LA

Typically the first Friday in December, 7pm (2025: Fri Dec 5)

Temecula's city-run nighttime parade of lit floats ending with Santa, in Old Town, which is decorated with holiday lights all season as part of the month-long Temecula Chilled celebration.

Tip: Bring chairs and claim curb space along Old Town Front Street early; pair it with a stroll through Old Town's lit storefronts.

Temecula Duck Pond (28250 Ynez Rd), Temecula · Tree lighting · ~74 mi from downtown LA

Typically the first Monday in December, 7–8:30pm (2025: Mon Dec 1)

The city's tree lighting with live entertainment, holiday treats and a Santa visit at the Duck Pond park.

Tip: Free and stroller-friendly; the park is flat with paved paths.

Citywide (homes on the city's official map), Temecula · Neighborhood · ~74 mi from downtown LA

Typically published in late November and updated through December

Each year residents sign up their decorated homes and the city publishes a map at TemeculaCA.gov/HolidayHomes, so families can plan their own lights drive.

Tip: Check the map before you go and group homes by neighborhood to cut down on driving.

Town Square Park and Amphitheater, Murrieta · Tree lighting · ~68 mi from downtown LA

Typically the first Saturday in Dec, 5–8pm (2025 was Dec 6)

Local businesses and groups decorate a forest of trees, and the evening ends with the official city tree lighting. It also has live entertainment, photos with Santa and dessert vendors.

Palm Canyon Dr, from Ramon Rd north to Tachevah Rd, Palm Springs · Event · ~99 mi from downtown LA

2026 date announced: Sat Dec 5, 2026, steps off 5:45pm, about 2 hours

The desert's biggest holiday night: a 1.5-mile parade of lit floats, marching bands, giant Macy's-style balloons and Santa down Palm Canyon Drive. It runs rain or shine.

Tip: Bring chairs or blankets (none are provided) and warm layers, since desert nights get cold. Park in the Tahquitz Canyon underground lot or the Museum garage; the accessible viewing area is at Amado Rd and Palm Canyon on the east side.

Frances Stevens Park (538 N Palm Canyon Dr), Palm Springs · Tree lighting · ~98 mi from downtown LA

Typically the Friday before the parade, early evening (2025: Fri Dec 5, 5:15pm)

The city's tree lighting in a downtown park right on Palm Canyon Drive, the night before the Festival of Lights Parade.

Tip: Combine it with dinner downtown and the parade the next night for a holiday weekend trip.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (47900 Portola Ave), Palm Desert · Ticketed event · ~110 mi from downtown LA

select nights Nov 24–Dec 30, 2026 (Nov 24, 25, 27, 28; Dec 4–5, 10–12, 17–24, 26–30), 6–9pm, last entry 8:30pm

Millions of lights across the zoo with a 30-foot tree, a Tunnel of Lights, a G-scale model train, s'mores and free photos with Santa through Dec 24. Some animals can be seen along the African safari paths.

Tip: Open select nights only, so check the calendar before driving out; buy timed tickets ahead for the week of Christmas.

Empire Polo Club (81800 Avenue 51), Indio · Drive-through · ~118 mi from downtown LA

Listed for Nov–Dec 2026; exact dates not yet posted (2025 ran Nov 18–Dec 31)

A drive-through LED show on the polo grounds with animated tunnels, giant characters and holiday scenes you see from your car.

Tip: A good choice for babies, toddlers or cold nights, since everyone stays in the car. Buying tickets online is usually cheaper than paying at the gate.

Minerva Rd between Tachevah Dr and Avenida La Vista, Cathedral City · Neighborhood · ~103 mi from downtown LA

Typically early Dec–Jan 1, about 4–9:30pm Sun–Thu and until 10:30pm Fri–Sat

A 30-plus-year tradition where nearly every house on the block decorates, with lights, big inflatables and holiday scenes paid for by the residents.

Tip: Many people drive it, but walking the street is the better way to see the details; park on nearby streets and walk in.

Old Town La Quinta (Old Town Artisan Studios, Main St), La Quinta · Event · ~114 mi from downtown LA

Typically select Saturdays in December (2025: Dec 6, 13 and 20)

A free family evening with bright decorations, art-making activities, music, a huge Christmas tree and Santa appearances in Old Town La Quinta.

Tip: Good for younger kids who like a craft table more than a long walk.

Downtown Indio (Civic Center area), Indio · Tree lighting · ~118 mi from downtown LA

Typically the first Friday in December from 5pm (2025: Fri Dec 5)

Downtown Indio's tree lighting with food trucks, a toy giveaway, a free kids zone and Santa.

Talavera community (Talavera Blvd), Indio · Neighborhood · ~115 mi from downtown LA

Typically December evenings after dark (resident-run; no official schedule)

NBC Palm Springs featured this Indio community in its 2025 Holiday Lights series: a whole block of homes covered in lights and decorations, including one house with 11 model train villages.

Tip: This is a residential neighborhood, so drive slowly or park legally and walk, and keep noise down.

Coachella City Hall, 6th Street (downtown), Coachella · Tree lighting · ~121 mi from downtown LA

Typically early December evening (2025: Wed Dec 3, 5:30pm)

Free annual tree lighting in front of City Hall in downtown Coachella, with photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and holiday treats.

Palm Drive, from Mission Lakes Blvd to 2nd St; festival at Palm Dr and Pierson Blvd, Desert Hot Springs · Event · ~100 mi from downtown LA

Typically a Saturday in mid-December, evening (2025: Sat Dec 13, 5:45pm to 10pm)

Lighted parade down Palm Drive followed by a downtown festival with the city tree lighting, free photos with Santa, free carnival rides, face painting and cotton candy.

Tip: Find a curb spot along Palm Drive early, then walk to the festival at Palm and Pierson after the parade.

Freedom Plaza and Adobe Rd, downtown, Twentynine Palms · Event · ~125 mi from downtown LA

Typically an early-December weeknight, about 5 to 8pm (2024: Tue Dec 3)

Small-town holiday night with a lighted parade through downtown, the city tree lighting at Freedom Plaza, Santa, face painting and food vendors. A holiday market follows the next day at the Community Center.

Library Plaza, Yucca Valley Branch Library (Hwy 62), Yucca Valley · Tree lighting · ~105 mi from downtown LA

Typically an early-December weeknight, 5 to 7pm (2024: Wed Dec 4)

Town tree lighting with a free bookmark craft for kids, free coffee and cocoa, caroling, and Santa arriving on a San Bernardino County Fire truck.

Victorville City Hall, Civic Drive, Victorville · Tree lighting · ~61 mi from downtown LA

Typically the first Saturday of December, daytime into evening (2025: Sat Dec 6, 10am to 8pm)

Formerly the Festival of Lights. An all-day city festival with snow play, sledding, ice gliding, carriage rides, vendors and music, ending with the tree lighting.

Hesperia Civic Plaza Park, 15833 Smoke Tree St, Hesperia · Tree lighting · ~59 mi from downtown LA

Typically an early-December Thursday, from 5pm, tree lit about 6:25pm

Free civic tree lighting with some of Santa's reindeer, a letters-to-Santa mailbox, choirs and dance teams, a petting zoo, food trucks and photos with Santa and the Grinch.

Barstow City Hall, Mountain View St, Barstow · Tree lighting · ~90 mi from downtown LA

Typically an early-December evening, 5 to 8pm

Chamber of Commerce tree lighting at City Hall with vendors, entertainment, food trucks and photos with Santa and his elves.

Phelan Community Park, 4176 Warbler Rd, Phelan · Tree lighting · ~46 mi from downtown LA

Typically the first Friday of December, 5:30pm (2025: Fri Dec 5)

Small community tree lighting with hot chocolate, candy canes, the Serrano High choir and Santa's arrival. Families can bring a toy for the Spark of Love drive.

Village Trail, from the Wrightwood Fire Station lot, Wrightwood · Walk-through · ~41 mi from downtown LA

Typically the first weekend of December, 6 to 8:30pm (2025: Dec 6-7)

More than 1,100 luminarias line the mountain village's Village Trail, with decorated trees and holiday music. It can snow here, so it feels very different from the desert floor.

Tip: Dress for mountain cold and check Highway 2 and 138 road conditions before driving up.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo (42801 Moonridge Rd), Big Bear Lake · Ticketed event · ~80 mi from downtown LA

Typically early Nov–early Jan, Wed–Sun 5–9pm with extra nights Thanksgiving week and Dec 22–Jan 4 (2025–26 pattern); closed Christmas Day

More than 1.8 million LED and solar lights in four themed zones, including a 100-foot lit pine, a two-story golden bear and an 11-foot sleigh. Ticket money funds the zoo's wildlife rehabilitation program.

Tip: Mountain nights are near freezing, so dress kids in snow layers, and check Caltrans chain controls before driving up.

The Village, Christmas Tree Corner (Pine Knot Ave and Village Dr), Big Bear Lake · Tree lighting · ~77 mi from downtown LA

Typically the day after Thanksgiving, 4:30–7pm (2025: Fri Nov 28); Village decorations go up Thanksgiving Day

The city drapes The Village in garlands, bows and lights starting Thanksgiving Day, and the tree lighting brings music, games and Santa arriving by fire truck. Santa's house in The Village is open weekends through the Sunday before Christmas.

Tip: Parking fills quickly on tree lighting night, so arrive early or use the lots off Village Drive; Big Bear also runs a residential Festival of Lights contest each December.

SkyPark at Santa's Village (28950 State Route 18), Skyforest (near Lake Arrowhead) · Ticketed event · ~63 mi from downtown LA

Typically late Nov–early Jan (2025–26 season: Nov 20, 2025–Jan 4, 2026)

The decades-old Santa's Village theme park turns fully Christmas, with a Village of Lights, a lit forest walk, tree lightings, the Northwoods Express train, outdoor ice skating and Santa's workshop and post office.

Tip: Arriving in late afternoon lets kids see the park by day and the lights after dark; dress for snow and check road conditions on Highway 18.

Fire Station No. 3, 1910 S Waterman Ave, El Centro · Tree lighting · ~177 mi from downtown LA

Typically the first Friday of December, 5 to 9pm (2025: Fri Dec 5)

City street fair with live music, food vendors, cookie decorating, free photos with Santa (he arrives around 7pm) and gifts for kids while supplies last.

Naval Air Facility El Centro (west of El Centro), Seeley · Event · ~171 mi from downtown LA

Typically the first Friday of December; gates 6pm, parade 7pm (2024: Fri Dec 6)

Lighted float parade on the Naval Air Facility, open to the public, with floats from local businesses and community groups. It has drawn about 2,000 people.

Tip: This is a military base, so expect a gate check and bring photo ID for adults.