Mission Inn Flips the Magic Switch

Dancing ladies in white performed a production number to honor the "Switch-On" Festival of Lights at Mission Inn, Riverside, Calif. (Dennisa Villa / The Corsair)

Mission Inn, the castle-like hotel, illuminated with millions of lights and fireworks display as Christmas songs play and serenade the crowd. (Dennisa Villa / The Corsair)

Cultural-diverse women wear their Christmasy dress costume while giving a dance performance at the stage. (Dennisa Villa / The Corsair)

Duane and Kelly Roberts, Owner of the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, gave speech to the crowd before switching a million lights and fireworks show to the people at the Festival of Lights. (Dennisa Villa / The Corsair)

Mayor Rusty Bailer, Riverside Mayor, thanked the Roberts family, the people of Riverside, and out-of-towners for coming together to celebrate the Festival of Lights in Mission Inn. (Dennisa Villa / The Corsair)

Dance Performers look illuminated with their white costume as they dance off the limelight at the Festival of Lights. (Dennisa Villa / The Corsair)

The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, a historic landmark hotel in Riverside, Calif., celebrates its 27th Annual Festival of Lights from November 29 until December 31.

If you missed the commencement of Switch On celebration last Friday, you still have a chance to experience it. It's a free, five-week-long carnival that welcomes you with a Disneyland-like spirit in the core of Riverside. It's an annual gift to the community from Mission Inn owners Duane and Kelly Roberts, who restored the Mission Inn from destruction in 1992.

Cindy Roth, the President of the Greater Chamber of Commerce in Riverside, emceed the program. "I will be your host during this exciting, magical evening tonight," she said. "In a few moments, the holidays will officially come to life right before your eyes as five million lights, 400 animatronic figures, and fireworks kick off the holiday season."

The Festival of Lights won the award as the "Best Public Holiday Lights Display," according to USA Today 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards 2014 & 2018.

"We were nominated again for USA Today 2019 10 Best Readers Choice Travel Awards. Voting ends on Monday, December 2, so please vote and share your pride," added Roth.

Riverside's Mayor Rusty Bailey also gave a speech and greeted the out-of-towners that visited the town to see the show.

"Raise your hand if you're from out of town. Riverside, give them a high five, shake their hands, pat them on the back. Welcome them to our city. We are hospitable here. We love you visiting here. We hope you come back," Bailey said. 

More than a hundred visitors gathered on Friday at the Mission Inn to witness the Festival of Lights with five million holiday lights and full firework show.

Some people arrived earlier so they could grab the best spot to view the switch-on ceremony. The early birds wrapped themselves in blankets, sat in portable chairs, and sipped their hot drinks while waiting for the extravaganza.

"We got here at 3 o'clock. I've been coming here for more than 25 years, 30 years, pretty much all my life," said Stephanie, a Riverside resident.

The Festival of Lights features a galore of Christmas tree and light decorations, several figurines of angels, elves, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday sweets, and holiday music.

Santa Claus will have scheduled appearances from November 30 until Christmas Eve.

Kelly & Duane Roberts showed up to present the "Flip the Magic Switch" ceremony, which featured fireworks performance and Christmas tunes. The fireworks show and lighting ceremony followed a tribute to the Rockettes.

While most residents await this time of year to recognize this event, one resident was standing in the cold to hand pamphlets, serving the town as a volunteer.

"I'm just giving out pamphlets today about what's going on today at Mission Inn as volunteers. It's my very first time coming down here, and I've lived here for ten years," said Annette, a festival volunteer.