Don’t-Miss SoCal Holiday Traditions

Maybe this is the year to discover some new enchanted traditions—from feasting on thousands of twinkling lights and ocean-view ice skating to relishing the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread.

Winter Wonderland in Riverside

The Festival of Lights in downtown Riverside began in 1993 as a celebration of the Mission Inn’s grand $55-million restoration and soon became an annual “gift” to residents and visitors by Mission Inn Hotel & Spa owners Duane and Kelly Roberts. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, which takes up an entire block in downtown Riverside, magically combines the beauty of medieval castles and ornate cathedrals, as well as the romance of other countries from Europe to the Far East. Each year, more than 500,000 visitors from all over the world tour the holiday fairyland.

The fun begins the end of November commencing at sunset when the grand dame of historic California resorts is illuminated with millions of lights and hundreds of animated angels, elves and carolers that come alive throughout the property. Recently named the “Best Public Lights Display in the Nation” by USA TODAY, visitors to the extravaganza are invited to experience more than dazzling lights. The free holiday tradition also features an elaborately decorated Christmas tree, strolling Dickens carolers, falling snow, horses pulling carriages and refreshments, from eggnog to Casey’s Cupcakes treats. Santa Claus also makes special appearances and hosts special dinners throughout the five-week celebration, ending in early January.

Maybe this is the year to stay and savor the magic. The Inn offers several package stays just for the holidays, including the Kensington Kelly Suite, named after Mission Inn Owner, Vice Chairman and COO Kelly Roberts’ first born granddaughter, Kensington Kelly. The extravagant guest room is a mini-European castle unto itself and features indulgent extras, creating the ultimate fairytale getaway for children and adults alike. The suite is not only ideal for a magical Christmas, it is perfect for special birthday celebrations, bridal showers and guests looking to escape to a pink paradise hidden within The Mission Inn.

Find more information and overnight and dining reservations here.

A Christmas Legend in Coronado

Only in southern California can we find ice skaters and surfers sharing the same slice of sand, and all of it wrapped up in festive holiday décor. For many people, the 1888-built Hotel del Coronado and its petite island home, Coronado, has been a “must” part of their holiday traditions—for just the day or for a special holiday getaway. This year the hotel, famous for its elegant surroundings and history, will be adorned once again in thousands of glittering lights.  After all, it was here, in 1904, that America celebrated the first electrically lighted outdoor Christmas tree—setting the stage for more than a century of holiday delight.

This year’s holiday theme, Frosted by the Seas, transforms the historic hotel into a winter wonderland with Skating by the Sea, jingle s’mores under the stars, and holiday parties. Here, the magic and nostalgia of the iconic property’s storied past blend seamlessly with luxury accommodations and unique winter experiences. From soaring red turrets decked in thousands of white lights and a Victorian lobby turned whimsical with a bright, festive Christmas tree and playful decor, visitors of all ages will delight in the best West Coast winter.

The Del’s holiday oceanfront ice-skating, which is open to the public with various day and evening skating sessions is fun to do or watch as the oceanfront Windsor Lawn is transformed into a holiday rink November 17 through January 1.

Choose from several special overnight packages to make the magic last, such as the “Skating by the Sea,” offer that includes an overnight stay and passes to Skating by the Sea.

Boat Rides with Santa in the SoCal Desert

This Christmas, one of SoCal’s largest resorts, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, is offering a creative way to celebrate with their “Boat Rides with Santa Claus”, holiday cocktails and scrumptious dining choices to make the holidays glitter. The hotel will also offer a slew of holiday-themed activities and special programming for hotel guests within their Family Passport program, including s’mores kits to enjoy fireside, cookie Decorating, candy cane scavenger hunts, personalized letters to Santa and more.

Boat Rides with Santa

Give your kids a magical memory this holiday season with an exclusive “Boat Ride with Santa & Mrs. Claus”! Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and a story from Santa himself. Guests board boats in the hotel’s grand lobby and tour the sparkling lake and inlets spread across the resort. The 30-minute experience includes hot chocolate, cookies and a story by Santa himself. Voyagers return to the hotel with a book autographed by Santa, a keepsake photo and a goody bag.

The “Boat Ride with Santa” experience is offered December 21st – 23rd from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and December 24 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and reservations check here.

Holiday-Themed Deliciousness

The bar and restaurant offerings at the JW never disappoint. Be sure to sample a special Bourbon Apple Pie Cocktail for the season, as well as a Christmas Day buffet all day at Rockwood Grill. Curated by the hotel’s Executive Chef, Eric Theiss, the holiday buffet will take place at Rockwood Grill and will include a Chef Station, a wide variety of mains and sides, a carving station and a children’s menu as well as a grand dessert station, featuring over 50 holiday dessert options!