If you find yourself in Riverside, CA, this holiday season, you’re in luck. You probably won’t have a white Christmas, but you’ll enjoy comfortable weather and plenty of holiday activities that don’t require you to dress from head to toe in winter clothes. Here are a few of the best activities, performances, shopping destinations, and volunteering opportunities in Riverside, CA, this 2023 holiday season.
Breakfast with Santa: Join the Riverside Police Officers Association and Santa for a hot meal this holiday season. This is a great activity for those with young children. In addition to photos with Santa, there will also be arts, crafts, and music. The event takes place on December 16, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost is $10 per ticket or $35 for a family of four. Kids under five are free. Please RSVP to reserve your spot.
SantaCon 2023: This holiday drinking extravaganza brings together thousands of cheerful Santas, elves, and holiday enthusiasts from all corners of the city. The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their best Santa outfits, ugly sweaters, reindeer costumes, or even Christmas trees.
The festivities kick off as the Santa army gathers to rage Santa-style. Throughout the day, various charitable initiatives will be in place to support those in need during the holiday season. From toy drives to fundraising efforts, SantaCon participants are encouraged to spread goodwill and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
The Festival of Trees Holiday Fair: The Festival of Trees Holiday Fair is a free, family-friendly event that will be held at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside, CA, on November 24 and 25, 2023. The event is organized by the Riverside University Health System Foundation and is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. The fair features a stunning display of beautifully decorated trees, each one more enchanting than the last. You can immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as you stroll through the fair, taking in the delightful sights and sounds. Admire the creativity and craftsmanship of the tree designers, who have transformed ordinary evergreens into works of art.
There will be plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy, including live entertainment, holiday performances by local dance teams, and a visit to Santa’s Workshop, where kids can make holiday cards and take photos with Santa and his elves! You can also indulge in some holiday shopping at the holiday marketplace, where you’ll find a wide variety of unique gifts and crafts. Treat yourself to delicious seasonal treats and warm beverages at the food stalls, and don’t forget to capture the memories with family and friends.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a progressive rock band that has been entertaining audiences with its unique blend of rock, classical, and symphonic music since 1996. The band is known for its elaborate live shows that feature a combination of music, lights, and pyrotechnics.
The band is set to perform its latest show, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More, at the Toyota Arena on December 2, 2023. The show will feature a mix of classic TSO songs as well as new material from the band’s latest album. The story of this show focuses on a runaway who finds her way into a mysterious abandoned theater. The show is set to begin at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on December 2, 2023.
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 loveliest time of the year with a reunion of four great musicians: Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. The sounds of the season and the hits that made these 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.
Disney On Ice: If you’re thinking of surprising your family with a grand pre-Christmas event, Disney On Ice might be the perfect choice. This three-day ice-skating extravaganza from December 21 to 23 offers five performances, providing ample schedule flexibility. The show will feature beloved Disney characters from Frozen and Encanto, making it a must-see for fans of both movies.
Jacks Toy Shop: This Redlands toy store is “a shop for kids and kids at heart!” The store has a huge selection of toys at a wide variety of price points, so even if your kids are spending their pocket money to buy gifts for their friends, they’ll be able to get something awesome. There are cute hand and finger puppets, building toys, puzzles, bath and baby toys, and more. The shop has a curated, handmade feel to it, so whatever you get, you know you’re getting something unique.
Holiday Marketplace at The Grove Community Church: You’re invited to the Holiday Marketplace! Over 50 vendors will be present, offering a diverse range of items to shop for, including local honey, Christmas decorations, clothing, and more. This event also serves as a fundraising opportunity for our outreach partners worldwide and the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) ministry. Admission is free, so mark your calendar for Friday, November 4, 3:30 p.m.–9 p.m., and Saturday, November 5, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Galleria at Tyler: If you have a lot of family and friends to shop for this holiday season, visit Galleria at Tyler, a large shopping mall in Riverside. You’ll find all the stores you know and love, such as Bath & Body Works, American Eagle, Barnes & Noble, H&M, Forever 21, and more. If all that holiday shopping has you working up an appetite, stop by any one of the dozens of great restaurants at the Galleria. You can even finish off the night with a movie at the AMC theater.
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 aims to spread cheer to families in need by donating new, unwrapped 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 grassroots community improvement projects, encourage young leaders, and respond to 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: There are plenty of ways to volunteer with the Salvation Army this holiday season. The Salvation Army needs volunteers for Christmas registration, where volunteers will help families register for Christmas assistance by welcoming them, getting the required information, and entering the data. You can also volunteer as a bell ringer at a Salvation Army Red Kettle stationed outside of grocery stores and businesses valley-wide. Volunteering is a great way to make a difference in your community and help those in need experience the joy of the season.
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.
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