The Mission Inn Festival of Lights Holiday Display in Riverside
Discover the Spanish-style Riverside Mission Inn and thrill at its annual Festival of Lights, a colorful display of over 2 million lights in all shapes and sizes, along with an assortment of animated characters and sculptures which decorate the entire façade. On Wednesday, join us for a guided tour of the historic Mission Inn ($20/person), where presidents and celebrities have flocked since 1876. After the tour, enjoy the annual display of lights on Main Street filled with musicians, strolling carolers, and vendors. You will have ample time to grab a bite at one of the local venders downtown or enjoy dinner at an eatery of your choice.
Camping
Rancho Jurupa Park (click here) is situated along the Santa Ana River and located behind Mt. Rubidoux just west of charming historic downtown Riverside.
There will be 10 paved sites with grassy areas for RV and tent campers. As tents are NOT permitted on the grass, tent campers will share the paved portion of a site with 2 tents on each site. Two sites have been allocated to accommodate tent campers. Depending on the number and type of registrants, we may be able to accommodate additional tent campers on a shared RV site. Must be a Great Outdoor member to attend.
Mission Inn Tour
The Mission Inn began as a quaint adobe boarding house in 1876, becoming a full-service hotel in the early 1900's. Opened by Frank Miller, it expanded in 1903 with over 200 guestrooms and the addition of the Mission Wing, built in Mission-Revival style while incorporating architectural features from more than 20 different California missions. Three more wings were added as demand grew, including the Cloister, Spanish Wing and the Rotunda Wing, completed in 1931. Miller filled the hotel with valuable items from across the globe, including artwork, furniture and religious relics. The Mission Inn still houses the oldest bell in Christendom, dating back to 1247. https://www.missioninn.com/about
Come take a tour of the Mission Inn lead by a trained docent of the Mission Inn Foundation and explore its art, artifacts, architecture, and history. There will be 2 tours on Wednesday, each is a walking tour that will be approximately 75 minutes exploring the interior of this National Historic Landmark. Come see parts of the hotel which are normally inaccessible to the general public. Experience over 120 years of history within the grand rooms of the Inn. The tour is on Wednesday, December 6, at 2:45 pm to 4 pm and the second tour from 3:45 to 5 pm. Ticket are $20/person. If registering to camp, please pay as a separate option while registering. https://missioninnmuseum.org/visit/take-tour/. If registering for the tour only, please register as a "Day tripper."
Schedule Of Events
Tue, Dec 5
- 2:00 pm - Check-in
- 5:00 pm - Tea Time meet and greet BYOB. Bring an appetizer to share. Dinner on your own
- 7:00 pm - Group campfire activities
Wed, Dec 6
- 9:00 am - Hike Mt. Rubidoux (apx 3 miles) * click here
- 11:00 am - Lunch at Tios Tacos * Click Here
- 2:00 pm - First tour gathers to go to Riverside for tour and dinner
- 2:45 pm - Group tour of the Mission Inn
- 3:00 pm - Second tour gathers to go to Riverside for tour and dinner *
- 3:45-5 pm - Group tour of the Mission Inn (photos click here)
- 7:00 pm - Group Campfire
Thurs, Dec 7
- Noon - Check Out. Safe travels home.
*Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
GOING GREEN! Please bring your own plates, cups, mugs, eating utensils, napkins, paper towels, camp soap, etc. There are water spigots located in the camp or in the nearby restroom for washing dishes.
Amenities: Full hookup sites with water and electric. Restrooms have electricity, flush toilets, running water and coin operated showers, picnic tables, fire rings, water and paved parking stalls. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am.
Kiosk: There is a small store located near the front gate. Kiosk hours are from 7 am to sunset.
Directions: 4600 Crestmore Road, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509 Map Click HereCA
Climate: Average temperature in December is: 67 / 42 degrees with an average of 3 rain days. Sunrise: 6:39 am / Sunset: 4:40 pm.
Refunds: Cancellation for a full refund minus service fee of $10 must be received by Nov. 17. No refund on tour unless waitlist. Contact trip leader to cancel.
Payments: You may now use any of these credit cards: MC, VISA, Discover or Amex.
Contact: Beth Schneider Click here
Pets: Maximum 3 at $2 each per day. Pay at the gate when you come in.
Park Rules: click here
What to Bring:
- Ten Essentials, camping/cooking gear, food, name tag.
- Camp chair, cool weather clothing.
- Appetizer to share for meet & greet ‘tea’ along with your favorite beverage.
- A bundle or two of firewood.
Health Problems/allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with the outing leader if you wish.
