Overview
From tree lightings to holiday markets and parades of all kinds, there's plenty of holiday cheer to go around in Riverside County.
Beaumont
Holiday Market: Local vendors will be selling everything from jewelry and candles to yard art and handmade crafts. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance from 1-4 p.m.
When: Dec. 10 from 1-5 p.m.
Where: Beaumont Civic Center
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://beaumontca.gov/1021/Holiday-Light-Parade
Holiday Light Parade: This evening parade will feature dozens of themed floats and local groups showing off their holiday spirit.
When: Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at 10th Street and Beaumont Avenue and ends at the Beaumont Civic Center
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://beaumontca.gov/1021/Holiday-Light-Parade
Blythe
Annual Christmas Parade: The theme for this year’s parade is “A Superhero Christmas.” The parade will travel west on W. Hobsonway and then north on N. Carlton Avenue.
When: Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at N. Fifth Street and W. Hobsonway
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.cityofblythe.ca.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=701
Calimesa
Hometown Holiday: This event features a craft station for kids, a holiday photo station, a special performance from the Mesa View Middle School Choir and more. Santa will also make a special appearance. The evening will conclude with the mayor’s tree lighting.
When: Nov. 28 from 5-8 p.m.
Where: Calimesa City Hall
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=443124008002881&set=a.173030951678856
Canyon Lake
Annual Winter Wonderland and Tree Lighting: This annual event features live entertainment, food vendors, photo opportunities with Santa, a petting zoo, carnival games, a craft table, a tree lighting and much more.
When: Dec. 3 from 3-7 p.m.
Where: Canyon Lake Towne Center
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=508322534673519&set=a.230111365827972
Cathedral City
North Pole Village and Mayor’s Tree Lighting: This annual event features a visit from Santa, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, bike giveaways for kids, a free movie at the Mary Pickford Theatre and a performance by the Cathedral City High School choir.
When: Dec. 7 from 5-7 p.m.
Where: Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.discovercathedralcity.com/event/mayors-tree-lighting-ceremony-north-pole-village-2022-2/
Coachella
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: Santa and Mrs. Claus make a special appearance at this annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
When: Dec. 7 from 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: City Hall
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.coachella.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/2925/20?curm=12&cury=2022
Anime-Ated Holiday Parade: Enjoy a festive anime-themed parade followed by a celebration that includes an ice slide, carnival rides, a live DJ and food vendors.
When: Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at Cesar Chavez Street and Westerfield Way and ends at Veterans’ Memorial Park
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.coachella.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/2927/20?curm=12&cury=2022
Corona
Holiday Lighting Celebration: This family-friendly experience features live stage entertainment from local community groups, gourmet food vendors, an artisan market for unique and handmade holiday gifts, a snow play area, a train ride through the festival area activities and crafts for the little ones, and a visit from Santa himself.
When: Dec. 4 from 4-7 p.m.
Where: Historic Civic Center – Front Lawn
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.coronaca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/34839/19?curm=12&cury=2022
Desert Hot Springs
Parade of Lights and Holiday Festival: This year’s parade theme is “Musical Madness.”
When: Dec. 10 from 5:45-10 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at Palm Drive and Mission Lakes Boulevard and ends at Palm Drive and 2nd Street
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.cityofdhs.org/event/holiday/
Eastvale
Miracle on Citrus Street: This family-friendly event features holiday performances, festive arts and crafts and an opportunity to meet Santa.
When: Dec. 17-18 from 3-9 p.m.
Where: Across the street from Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=526670732837822&set=pb.100064846983918.-2207520000.&type=3
Hemet
Candyland Christmas Parade: This annual parade will be followed by fun holiday activities at Weston Park.
When: Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at Gilbert Street and Florida Avenue and ends on Santa Fe Street and Florida Avenue
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.hemetca.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=1144&month=12&year=2022&day=21&calType=0
Jurupa Valley
Tree Lighting Ceremony: This event will feature pictures with Santa, performances, free refreshments, and a toy, food and pet drive.
When: Dec. 2 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Jurupa Valley City Hall
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.jurupavalley.org/480/Tree-Lighting-Ceremony
Lake Elsinore
Winterfest: A nighttime light parade will kick off the festivities at the corner of Langstaff Street and Graham Avenue headed toward Heald Avenue and Main Street where city officials will be joined by Santa for the tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.
When: Dec. 3 from 5-9 p.m.
Where: Heald Avenue and Main Street
Cost: Free to attend
Info: http://www.lake-elsinore.org/city-hall/community-services/special-events/winterfest
La Quinta
Tree Lighting Ceremony: This annual event will feature a number of holiday festivities as well as a visit from Santa.
When: Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Park
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.laquintaca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/15220/287
Menifee
Tree Lighting and Holiday Bazaar: Take photos with Santa, help countdown the lighting of the tree, play in the snow and shop locally from a variety of vendors.
When: Dec. 3 from 4-8 p.m.
Where: Mt. San Jacinto College
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.cityofmenifee.us/Calendar.aspx?EID=2205&month=12&year=2022&day=21&calType=0
Moreno Valley
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: This annual event features entertainment, photos with Santa and light refreshments.
When: Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Moreno Valley City Hall
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://moval.gov/parks-comm-svc/event-treelighting.html
Murrieta
Tree Lighting Ceremony and Concert: This event will feature performances by a brass quartet and a jazz trio, photos with Santa, food vendors and a tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
When: Dec. 3 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Town Square Park & Amphitheater
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.murrietaca.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=3221
Santa In The City: This series of Polar Express themed-community gatherings will take place throughout Murrieta the week of Dec. 5-9.
When: Dec. 5-9 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.murrietaca.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=3222&month=12&year=2022&day=21&calType=0
Norco
Christmas Festival and Parade of Lights: This annual event kicks off bright and early at the Christmas Festival with live entertainment and food and craft vendors. The parade will start at 5 p.m.
When: Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: The parade route starts at Sixth Street and Corona Avenue and ends at the George Ingalls Event Center; the Christmas Festival takes place at Nellie Weaver Hall.
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.norco.ca.us/events-attractions/community-events/christmas-festival-parade-of-lights
Palm Desert
Frosty Fest: A winter festival featuring games, food, vendors, a visit from Santa, crafting stations, prizes, live entertainment and more.
When: Dec. 3 from 2-8 p.m.
Where: Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://discoverpalmdesert.com/event/frosty-fest/
Palm Springs
Christmas Tree Lighting: Ring in the holiday season with the help of community tree lighters, the Palm Springs City Council and Santa Claus. The tree lighting ceremony is set for 5:15 p.m.
When: Dec. 2 from 4:30-6:15 p.m.
Where: Frances Stevens Park
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.palmspringsca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/24666/15?curm=12&cury=2022
Festival of Lights Parade: The 30th annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade features floats, marchers and “huge Macy’s-style balloons.”
When: Dec. 3 from 5:45-7:30 p.m.
Where: The parade starts at Ramon Road and Palm Canyon Drive and heads north on Palm Canyon Drive to Tachevah Road.
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://psfestivaloflights.com/
Perris
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: The city’s Christmas tree will be lit promptly at 6 p.m. and will be followed by performances from local community groups and complimentary refreshments.
When: Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Perris City Hall
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.cityofperris.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/940/120?curm=12&cury=2022
Annual Christmas Parade: This holiday-themed parade will take place rain or shine. A trophy ceremony will be held immediately following the parade at the Bob Glass Gymnasium.
When: Dec. 10 from 10-11 a.m.
Where: Downtown D Street
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://www.cityofperris.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/942/120?curm=12&cury=2022
Riverside
Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony: The 30th annual Mission Inn Festival of Lights will return this year with all new lighting displays, decor, activities and attractions along Main Street. The switch-on ceremony will make a comeback after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
When: Nov. 25 at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://riversideca.gov/press/popular-switch-ceremony-returning-festival-lights-riverside
Las Posadas de Riverside: This event will feature various fun children’s activities, warm holiday drinks, sweet bread, children’s piñata area, resource booths and traditional singing/procession.
When: Dec. 3 from 4-6 p.m.
Where: Arlanza Community Center
Cost: Free to attend
Chanukah Festival: Celebrate the start of Hanukkah with a Menorah lighting, traditional food, live music and activities for the whole family.
When: Dec. 19 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Riverside Historic Courthouse
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://riversideca.gov/calendar/event/chanukah-festival-1?date=Monday%2C%20December%2019%2C%202022
Temecula
Christmas Tree Lighting at the Duck Pond: Enjoy holiday treats, festive music and a visit from Santa Claus while waiting for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
When: Nov. 28 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Temecula Duck Pond and Veterans Memorial
Cost: Free to attend
Info: https://temeculaca.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=5448&month=11&year=2022&day=28&calType=0
Santa’s Electric Light Parade: Bring your blankets and chairs to watch the floats, vehicles and marchers travel south along the parade route into Old Town Temecula. This year’s theme is “Temecula Safe for the Holidays.”
When: Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Del Rio Road.
Info: https://temeculaca.gov/SantaParade
If we missed any other free holiday events happening in the county, please email them to Alicia.Ramirez@RiversideRecord.org so they can be added to this list.
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