In the well-known Mission Inn, the 33rd annual Festival of Lights showcased 2 million lights that bring the holiday spirit to downtown Riverside.

The light-up ceremony took place on Nov. 22 however, the lights will be on display until Jan. 6, 2026 

The event attracted a large attendance of tourists and Riverside natives. During the festival of lights, there was an array of vendors selling various festive items ranging from holiday lights to handmade crochet items. 

Although the festival had its share of holiday festivities for the coming season, it took a more sentimental turn this year for the late Duane Roberts, the longtime owner and CEO of Mission Inn.

Duane and his wife, Kelly Roberts, began this lighting ceremony in 1993 to attract visitors from all around to the historic property. 

This year, at the annual light switch festival, her place was taken by Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson and three other Riverside natives for the switch-on portion of the event. 

Dawson acknowledged Duane for his generosity and for his generosity for the people of Riverside.

“This year, as we gather under these lights, we do so with heavy hearts with the recent passing of Duane Roberts,” said Dawson. “His legacy lives on in every sparkling light, every smiling face, every memory created here tonight and at this festival, and for that, Riverside is forever grateful.”

Residents showed respect and appreciation to Riverside by volunteering. Some of this volunteer work consisted of picking up litter left behind by guests of the event and answering questions by attendees. 

Sophia Vasquez, a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity felt that volunteer work was important for herself and others. 

“It’s a really good thing to take care of our community,” Vasquez said. “We’re all living here, so we need to all work together and be united to help make it clean.”

Katy Cayambe, a vendor for her family business, Native Hands, addressed what the festival of lights event meant to her and the community of Riverside.

“The Riverside Festival of Lights is a good place to share moments with your family and your friends, and I like this event a lot,” Cayambe said.

Although the city of Riverside lost such an influential figure to the region, the speakers expressed that Duane’s impact will never be forgotten. 

His vision and his joy for the Christmas season inspired the creation of the Festival of Lights that will live on in every person who gets to experience this magical event.