The historic Mission Inn located in downtown Riverside, CA is such a spectacular place any time of the year, yet at 
Christmas it's absolutely magical. I've experience it several times, including last week with fellow Rainers Marlene Bridges and Gregg and Heidi Franklin.
The Mission Inn holiday decorations are beyond imagination, it's just difficult to explain. Known as the "Festival of Lights" it's something you need to see for yourself if you're in So-Cal. The decorating begins in Oct. and the official lighting of three-million lights takes place before waiting crowds the Friday after Thanksgiving each year.
About two weeks ago, while watching GMA ~ Good Morning America I was excited to see the beautiful Inn was featured live on the show that morning. Complete with the local Riverside High School Band the site was spectacular. The dark backdrop of the early morning skies in So-Cal beautifully showcased the "Festival of Lights" for others to see.
The displays are featured inside and out of the Inn. Each and every side of the Mission Inn is decorated with mechanical themed displays including an international celebration of the holidays. The palm trees wrapped in lights are just amazing to see. Carriage rides are also available nearby.
I've been to the Mission Inn many times, it's always a treat. The architecture is amazing, a feast for the eyes. A few years ago I stayed at the Inn with my two sisters, in anticipation of our scheduled 10K the next morning. Our room had a fireplace which was probably used for heat in the early years. It was a wonderful time for us all.
When it comes to dining, it's the best. I was fortunate to host our Preferred Home Brokers Christmas Party at the Inn two years ago, it was one of our best yet. We had a private dining room beautifully decorated with our own private servers. 
The photo is some of our crew that evening. We've also had a few of our CRS functions at the historic Inn.
And the Sunday brunch, is one of the best ever, only second (for me personally) to that of the Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado across the bridge from San Diego.
The Inn has also played host to many of the famous over the years, including President Ronald Regan and Nancy who were married at the Inn. You can see photos in the downstairs museum and see much more of the history of this special place.
The Mission's Chapel is a truly picturesque place for a special wedding. One of my favorite photographers, Grant Younglove of Younglove Photography (originally a Riverside resident) photographs the place in most spectacular way. To see more on special events check out the event calendar.
Can you tell I just love the ambiance, the history and the beauty of the Mission Inn? If you have the opportunity, you won't want to miss this amazing place.
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Lynda, Broker-Owner, serves So-Cal in real estate. Her focus is about serving her clients, vs. doing deals. Lynda's built a strong following of personal referrals, the foundation of her entire company
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Lynda--That's a lot of lights! Wow! Very beautiful photos...Thanks for sharing1
Lynda - it's looking a lot like Christmas in California - the lights are amazing!
Hi Teri ~ This is sucha special place.
Cyndee ~ You're right, the lights are amazing.
Oh Wow! Lynda that is gorgeous! I bet that Riverside is a magical place for the kids this time of year.
Hi Stephanie ~ Thanks so much, nice to hear from you!
Lynda - Wow...that is one gorgeous place! It looks like you all had a lot of fun with your get together. I love your little reindeer nose!
Hi Linda ~ Thanks for the nice visit.
Lynda , The Mission Inn looks and sounds like my kind of place....absolutely lovely. You're such an amazing writer.....your localism posts are tops on Active Rain.
Jo
Jo-Anne ~ Wow, you've made my day, thank you so much for the lovely comment. The Mission Inn is truly a special place, we have so few places in CA with such history.
Lynda, That is just gorgeous. I am surprised that I haven't seen the Inn on KTLA.
Mana ~ Thanks, nice to hear from you and you're right about KTLA.
Wow, Lynda. What a beautiful place to visit. Guess I will have to make a trek out there some time. THanks for sharing your wonderful photos.
Jeff
Lynda, thanks for sharing this. I find it so amazing the difference that lights make. Lights that outline the shape of a house, or make trees into magic wonderlands. I love going through small towns in Germany prior to Christmas and seeing the white lights making a truly enchanting village.
Jeff ~ Thank you, it's such a special place. There is also a nice pedestrian area nearby filled with unique shops and little eateries.
Sharon ~ Seeing that in Germany sounds like a unique experience.
Beautiful lights! And three million lights sounds like a huge thing! Thanks for sharing Lynda!
Lynda - That looks like an awesome place. You photos are just stunning!
Lynda - I would not want to be responsible for the electric bill for all those lights. But it is very beautiful and I appreciate you for sharing it with us. Hey! Wanta have some fun????
There is a party going on over at my blog. Its a party for all my associates (present and future). You are invited. see How do you show Appreciation to your Associates? .... with wine and cheese and ..... ! See you there! Happy and Safe holiday season for you and your family. Come on now, join us!
Lynda Great photos...you just reminded me to grab my camera and get some great light scenes here too.
Merry Christmas and have a huge year in 2008!
Sally ~ Thanks for the visit.
Bill ~ Thank you. Unlike your area most of our places are far newer than this. Guess this is one of the things I like so much about the Misson Inn, it has so much history.
Rosemary ~ Yep, I bet those meters are spinning lke crazy.
Hi Fred ~ Thanks for the nice comment.
You look like you had a blast.. I've always wanted to go there over Christmas.. guess it'll have to wait for next year..
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Hey Kaye ~ It's such a great place to visit. Plan on it next year. BTW, love the tree, t.y.