Riverside Festival of Lights Plans November 21 Switch-On, With Displays Through January 3

RIVERSIDE — November 7, 2026. Downtown Riverside is preparing for its 34th annual Festival of Lights, with a switch-on celebration planned for Saturday, November 21, from 4:30 to 10 p.m..

When lights will be on

The Riverside Downtown Partnership calendar lists the Festival of Lights from November 21 through January 3, 2027, with displays generally scheduled from 5 to 10 p.m. nightly. Visitors should verify the most current schedule with the city and organizers before making plans, particularly around holidays or weather events.

White Park adds another attraction

A separate Candyland at White Park program is advertised for Thursday through Sunday evenings, November 27–December 27, also generally from 5 to 10 p.m. The White Park display is related to the larger seasonal festival but has its own date range and location.

Planning for downtown crowds

The event is expected to bring pedestrians, families and visitors to the city center. Parking and road access may differ during the opening ceremony. The calendar does not guarantee that every private vendor or activity is free. The displays and switch-on event are still upcoming as of November 7, not a completed festival.

Source: Riverside Downtown Partnership 2026 event calendar.

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