It’s that time of year again! Christmas songs are playing on the radio, houses are adorned with strings of lights, and everyone is excited to participate in their favorite holiday activities. If you find yourself in Riverside, CA, this holiday season, you’re in luck. There are tons of great holiday events, performances, and shopping destinations that will make your holidays merry and bright. Here are some of our favorites.
Breakfast with Santa: Start the day in a merry way by joining Riverside Police Officer's Association and Santa for a hot breakfast of pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, juice, and coffee. After your hearty meal, take a photo with Santa, enjoy some holiday arts and crafts, and music.
Reservations required, register online or in-person. Family of four is $35 or $10 each (ages 5 and under are free).
Riverside SantaCon 2023: This event is a holiday extravaganza that is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 9 from 1 to 8 p.m. in Riverside. The event is expected to attract thousands of cheerful Santas, elves, and holiday enthusiasts from all corners of the city. The event is designed to be a celebration that brings together people to spread merriment and goodwill throughout the community. Participants are encouraged to dress up in their best Santa outfits, ugly sweaters, or reindeer costumes.
The event will feature various bars, venues, and other locations in the heart of the city, where participants can enjoy holiday-themed drinks, lively music, and the company of fellow Santas. The event is not just about bar crawling; it’s also an opportunity to give back to the community. Throughout the day, various charitable initiatives will be in place to support those in need during the holiday season. Safety is a top priority at SantaCon 2023, and participants are encouraged to drink responsibly, stay hydrated, and be respectful to fellow Santas and the surrounding community.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Ghosts of Christmas Eve”: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is bringing its holiday extravaganza to the Toyota Arena in Ontario. The show promises to be a full-scale sensory experience, complete with heartfelt moments, fireworks, smoke, lasers, and amazing lighting. Fans can expect to be treated to a heartfelt narrative, rocking classical music, and family-friendly entertainment. If you haven’t attended one of the band’s lavish holiday tours yet, this is your chance! The band will be performing two shows on December 2: one at 3 and another at 7:30 p.m.
Disney On Ice: If you’re considering surprising your family with a huge pre-Christmas activity, Disney On Ice could be the ideal occasion. This three-day (December 21–23) ice-skating sensation offers five presentations, so there’s plenty of schedule flexibility. Disney characters from Frozen and Encanto will be the focus throughout this year’s show.
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas: On December 13 and 14, 2023, the Fox Performing Arts Center will host a musical performance of The Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. The program celebrates the most lovely time of the year with a reunion of great musicians: Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. The sounds of the season and the hits that made these four superstars will fill the Sun Records studio, which is now decked out with a Christmas tree, garland, and mistletoe. As the group takes everyone on a voyage through a story of Christmas past, present, and future, the audience will join in on their typical shenanigans. You won’t want to miss this action-packed evening filled with beloved characters and Christmas songs! Buy your tickets right away.
When you are able to reach outside of your regular circle and give to those less fortunate, it really makes the holidays special. Giving any time or money you can warms your heart and truly makes a difference for those you are helping.
Holiday of Hope: The D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation is organizing its fifth annual Holiday of Hope event on December 15 and 16. The event’s goal is to spread holiday hope and cheer to families in need by donating new gifts or volunteering to receive donations or sort toys. There are several opportunities available for volunteers.
Volunteering is encouraged, and every day Lampkin Foundation volunteers are finding ways to support community improvement projects, encourage young leaders, and offer aid to those affected by emergencies across the nation. If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit the Lampkin Foundation’s website for more information.
Volunteer with The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army has several volunteer opportunities available this holiday season. One of them is Christmas registration, where volunteers will assist families in registering for Christmas assistance by welcoming them, collecting the required information, and entering the data. Another opportunity is to volunteer as a Santa bell ringer for the Salvation Army stationed outside of grocery stores and businesses across the nation. Volunteering is the perfect way to make a difference in your community and help those in need experience the joy of the season. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit The Salvation Army’s website to learn more about the opportunities available and how to register.
Riverside Plaza: Riverside Plaza is a great place for Christmas shopping. The mall offers a unique blend of specialty retailers and restaurants. You can find a variety of stores that cater to different interests and budgets. The mall is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week. On December 16, you can pair your holiday shopping with a holiday celebration.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Regal Riverside Plaza Courtyard there will be a fun-filled family event with photo opportunities with Santa, games and crafts, face painters, balloon twisters, and more!
Galleria at Tyler: Galleria at Tyler in Riverside, CA, is a great place for Christmas shopping. It offers a wide range of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. During the holiday season, the mall is decorated with festive lights and ornaments, creating a cheerful atmosphere for shoppers. The mall also hosts a variety of events, including pictures with Santa, pet pictures with Santa, and sensory-friendly visits with Santa. The mall has a diverse collection of department stores and specialty brands, including H&M, Macy’s, and Pandora.
Everyone loves a nice scented candle around the holidays, and candles are an essential part of commemorating Hanukkah. Sadly, up to 7,400 fires are started each year because of household candles, so it’s important to be aware of the best practices for using candles in your apartment. Be careful not to light candles too close to flammable items, and consider using battery-powered candles when you can. Whatever you do, never leave your holiday candles unattended! An unexpected fire can quickly turn the happiest time of the year into the saddest.
Be aware of the fire hazard posed by Christmas trees, too. Real Christmas trees can dry out and become highly flammable, so be sure to keep yours watered. Keep candles away from the branches, and turn off all lights when you’re not at home. Stay safe and enjoy the holidays!
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