One of America's Most Magical Holiday Festivals Is Held at This Fairytale-like Hotel With 10 Million Lights

"A fairytale-like, castle-inspired landmark, this historic hotel anchors Riverside’s nationally recognized Festival of Lights—now in its 33rd year—dazzling with over 10 million lights, enormous ornaments, enchanting animatronics, carnival rides, food vendors, and towering Christmas trees from a November switch-on through Jan. 6, drawing roughly 650,000 visitors annually; inside, Christmas trees and poinsettias are everywhere. Rooted in Mission Revival and layered with Spanish Colonial, Moorish, Gothic, Mediterranean, Japanese, and Chinese influences, its ornate labyrinth of maze-like halls, soaring towers, a grand rotunda, and catacombs houses rarities amassed by founder Frank Miller, including a collection of bells (with a 400-year-old Spanish treasure), medieval armor, religious artifacts, and stained glass designed by Louis C. Tiffany. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1978, it has hosted presidents (the Reagans honeymooned here) and celebrities, and underwent an extensive renovation under late owner Duane Roberts in 1992. Entry to the Festival of Lights is free, with on-site extras like ice skating, a Ferris wheel, and horse-drawn carriage rides available for purchase, plus a bustling holiday market offering artisan crafts, gifts, apparel, and seasonal treats such as gingerbread hot cocoa and funnel cake smothered in whipped cream; holiday packages add themed amenities and special access, from private caroling performances and in-room storytime with an elf to a spa credit to ring in the new year." - Lydia Price Lydia Price Lydia Price is a senior engagement editor at Travel + Leisure, where she hosts short-form videos and leads content engagement initiatives. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines