Holiday Events
By Mia Rotell
It’s time to throw away pumpkins and string up the lights because in a few short weeks Santa is coming to town! Have a house decorated that an elf would be proud of, ride a train into the North Pole, and take a few laps around the ice skating rink. Tis the season to gather with loved ones in yule tide cheer and show those around you just how much you appreciate them — all through the spirit of the Holidays.
CORONA
Dec. 19, 9 a.m.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Where: TIGAR Corona Office, 321 E. Sixth Street, Corona, CA
Prices: Children’s tickets are $31.02 and adult tickets are $36.81
Contact: Visit https://members.tigar.org/ap/Events/Register/9eFzA7ASWC9Cx to register or call (951) 735-5121 for more information
6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS
Bring the whole family to a Christmas movie showing about a toymaker getting his creativity and confidence back through the spirit of Christmas. Don’t forget the hot cocoa — and maybe a blanket!
Where: Historic Civic Center Theatre, 815 W. 6th St. Corona, CA, 92882
Prices: Free to watch (and free popcorn)
Contact: Call (951)736-2400 or visit https://www.coronaca.gov/events/friday-night-flicks
NORCO
Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Eat yummy food, enjoy live entertainment, and shop around at local craft vendors to get wrapped up in the Christmas spirit.
Where: 3737 Crestview Dr.
Prices: Admission is free (but activity bands are $10)
Contact: Call (951) 735-3900 or visit
https://www.norco.ca.us/events-attractions/community-events/christmas-festival-parade-of-lights
5 p.m.
PARADE OF LIGHTS
Christmas floats filled with elves and sugarplum fairies, musical performances, and see the magic of Christmas come to life before your very eyes.
Where: Sixth St., the parade goes from Corona Ave. to Ingalls Event Center
Prices: Admission is free
Contact: Call (951) 735-3900 or visit https://www.norco.ca.us/events-attractions/community-events/christmas-festival-parade-of-lights
EASTVALE
Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, 4-9 p.m.
MIRACLE ON CITRUS STREET
Ride the North Pole Express, make snow angles on snowy fields, and look at arts and crafts before and after your train ride.
Where: 13200 Citrus Street, Eastvale, CA
Prices: Free
Contact: (951) 955-1020 or visit https://rivcodistrict2.org/events/city-eastvales-miracle-citrus-street-event
RIVERSIDE
MISSION INN LIGHT FESTIVAL
Now- Jan. 6
Every year the historic Mission Inn becomes a Christmas staple in the Inland Empire. It glows with thousands of lights, has giant nutcrackers guarding its gates, and a giant Christmas tree in the middle of it all.
Mission Inn, 3649 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside CA, 92501
Prices: Free
Contact: Call (951) 784-0300 or visit https://www.missioninn.com/about-us/festival-of-lights
Dec. 16, 8 a.m.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Where: Orange Terrace Community Center, 20010 Orange Terrace Parkway, Riverside, CA<, 92508
Prices: $10 per person, though ticket prices vary per party amount (can buy tickets at event)
Contact: Email parks@riversideca.gov for more information, or visit https://www.riversideca.gov/calendar/event/breakfast-santa-3
LAKE ELSINORE
Now- Jan. 1 from 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
ELECTRIC LIGHT FESTIVAL
Take the train, or drive your own car, through an electrically stunning Christmas light show — turn the Christmas carols up!
Where: Moreno Valley Mall, 17600 Collier Ave; Outlets at Lake Elsinore, Lake Elsinore CA, 92530
Prices: $30 per car and $15 per person to ride the train
Contact: email movalelf@gmail.com or visit https://www.electriclightfestival.com/
Dec. 13, 7:30 a.m.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
9:30 a.m.
Donuts with Santa
Where: Diamond Stadium, 500 Diamond Dr, Lake Elsinore
Prices: Donuts with Santa is $5 and Breakfast with Santa is $9
Contact: Visit https://secure.rec1.com/CA/lake-elsinore/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM5Njg3MzE= to register
PERRIS
Now until Dec. 31st! It’s closed on Dec. 1, 8, and 15.
THE POLAR EXPRESS
Aboard the Polar Express for a magical hour-long venture into the North Pole. Drink warm hot cocoa, enjoy performances straight from the movie, and say hi to Santa. Don’t forget your pajamas!
Where: Southern California Railway Museum, 2201 South A St, Perris, CA, 92570
Prices: $81-$88
Contact: Call (702) 357-3526 or visit https://socalthepolarexpressride.com/
Dec. 13th at 10 a.m.
CHRISTMAS PARADE
Watch Christmas magic come to life at the 35th annual Christmas Parade!
Where: Downtown Perris, D Street Route
Prices: Free
Contact: Call (951) 943-6603 for more information or visit https://www.cityofperris.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/1767/16?toggle=all#:~:text=Yahoo%20Calendar-,35th%20Annual%20Christmas%20Parade,Friday%2C%20December%2012%2C%202025.
MENIFEE
Dec. 6, 4-8 p.m.
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Witness Mt. San Jacinto College transform itself into a winter wonderland with snow covering the ground, Christmas lights lighting up the sky, and vendors galore. Have a snowball fight and don’t forget to stop by Santa’s workshop to see St. Nick himself!
Where: Mt. San Jacinto College, 28237 La Piedra Rd.
Prices: Free
Contact: (951) 723- 3880 or visit
https://hellomenifee.com/event/menifees-annual-christmas-tree-lighting-community-parade
Dec. 13 at 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and 10:30 a.m.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Where: Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 29995 Evans Road, Menifee, CA
Prices: $15 for residents and $18 for nonresidents
Contact: Visit https://apps.daysmartrecreation.com/dash/x/#/online/menifee/programs/level/1798?facility_ids=1& to learn more or call (951) 672-6777
EXTREME LIGHT FIGHT HOLIDAY DECORATING COMPETITION
Deck your halls and aim for first place in the house Christmas light fight off! Claim a spot in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in “Best Theme,” “North Pole Neighbor,” “Clark Griswold,” “Inflatable Fun,” and “Community Favorite!”
Applications are open Nov. 28, Dec. 7!
When: Voting opens Dec. 10-14 and winners are announced Dec. 19
All around Menifee
Prices: Free
Contact: Call (951)375-3880 or visit https://www.cityofmenifee.us/DocumentCenter/View/24716/Xtream-Light-Fight-2025-approved-103125
TEMECULA
Dec. 12- Jan. 5, operating hours vary per day
TEMECULA ON ICE
Lace up your skates and hit the ice down in Old Town Temecula — and maybe have some hot cocoa while you’re at it. Skates and helmets are available to rent!
Where: 41902 Main Street Temecula, CA 92590
Prices: Vary per person and per need
Contact: Email info@visittemeculavalley.com or visit
https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/event/temecula-ice-rinks/5380
For More Visit www.zapinin.com