The Riverside area has 14 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony in Riverside on November 21 to Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon in Riverside, on December 23. 9 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in California, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 14 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Riverside for 2026, in Riverside and Moreno Valley
- First: 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony, Riverside, November 21. Runs latest: Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon, Riverside, through December 23
- Free: 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony, Letters to Santa, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Breakfast with Santa, Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace, Sensory with Santa at BFYIC, Christmas Open House, Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread Man and Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our California Christmas train rides page.
Riverside Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 14 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Riverside and Moreno Valley
- Season
- November 21 to December 23, 2026
- Free events
- 9
- Kinds of events
- breakfast with Santa, Santa visit, tree lighting and holiday crafts
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Riverside Christmas event for kids happens
The first is 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony in Riverside on November 21; the last runs to December 23. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On CeremonyRiverside · Nov 21
- Breakfast with SantaRiverside · Nov 22 to Dec 20
- Letters to SantaRiverside · Nov 23 to Dec 11
- Holiday Tree Lighting CeremonyMoreno Valley · Dec 5
- Snow DayRiverside · Dec 5
- Breakfast with SantaRiverside · Dec 12
- Breakfast with Santa, Orange TerraceRiverside · Dec 12
- Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook ClubhouseRiverside · Dec 12
- Breakfast with Santa, Villegas ParkRiverside · Dec 12
- Sensory with Santa at BFYICRiverside · Dec 12
- Christmas Open HouseRiverside · Dec 13
- Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread ManRiverside · Dec 17
- T'was the Night Before... Cookies & CocoaRiverside · Dec 18
- Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie MarathonRiverside · Dec 23
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Riverside? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Riverside
13 confirmed events for kids in Riverside, soonest first.
Riverside: 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony
Tree lightingFreeCity of Riverside Arts & Cultural Affairs · Riverside
- Host
- City of Riverside Arts & Cultural Affairs (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Riverside, Mission Inn Ave. and Orange St., Mission Inn Ave. and Orange St., Riverside, CA 92501
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026, 4:30 to 10 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Festival of Lights returns to Downtown Riverside for its 34th year, and the season opens on Saturday, November 21, with the free Switch-On Ceremony. The ceremony begins at 5 pm at the corner of Orange Street and Mission Inn Avenue and is followed right away by a fireworks display, with food vendors, live entertainment and family friendly activities through the evening.
The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa says the opening night includes a visit from Santa, and the lights stay up from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, so families who skip the crowds can come back another night to see the display. The lights cover the area around the historic Mission Inn in downtown Riverside, and the festival is one of the city's best known holiday traditions. Opening night tends to draw large crowds, so families with small children may want a plan for parking and a meeting spot.
Parent tip: The city asks guests to arrive no later than 4:30 pm for the 5 pm switch-on.
See dates and details from City of Riverside Arts & Cultural Affairs (opens in a new tab)Riverside: Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with SantaThe Mission Inn Hotel & Spa · Riverside
- Host
- The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
- When
- Sunday, November 22, 2026 to Sunday, December 20, 2026 (Saturdays and Sundays), 8 to 11 am
- Cost
- Adults $45, children 3 to 11 $20, under 3 free (plus gratuity and tax)
- Ages
- Children ages 3 to 11 priced; under 3 complimentary
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
During the Festival of Lights season, The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa hosts Breakfast with Santa on Saturdays and Sundays from November 22 through December 20, 2026, from 8 to 11 am. Santa acts as the honorary maître d', greeting guests and stopping by each table to visit with the children.
The breakfast is served in a warm, festive setting inside the historic hotel. Prices are $45 for adults and $20 for children ages 3 to 11, plus gratuity and tax, and children under 3 eat free. Reservations are taken online through the hotel's table booking link. The Mission Inn is in the heart of downtown Riverside, where the Festival of Lights display surrounds the hotel all season. Families can combine breakfast with a daytime walk around the decorated property, or return after dark to see the lights switched on.
Parent tip: Reserve a table in advance; prices do not include gratuity and tax.
See dates and details from The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (opens in a new tab)Riverside: Letters to Santa
Santa visitFreeRiverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services · Riverside
- Host
- Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Riverside community centers (Orange Terrace, Bordwell Park/Stratton, Hunt Park/Renck, Nichols Park/Joyce Jackson, La Sierra), Riverside, CA
- When
- Monday, November 23, 2026 to Friday, December 11, 2026 (drop off letters at participating community centers), 8 am to 6 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services is setting up Santa's magical mailboxes at local community centers this season. Children can write their letters to Santa Claus and drop them off between Monday, November 23, and Friday, December 11, from 8 am to 6 pm.
Participating locations are Orange Terrace Community Center, Bordwell Park and Stratton Community Center, Hunt Park and Renck Community Center, Nichols Park and Joyce Jackson Community Center, and La Sierra Community Center. Some sites provide a stationery area, so kids can write their letter right there. The activity is free. This is a flexible, free activity that families can fit into a regular trip to their neighborhood community center. Having letters in by December 11 gives Santa plenty of time to read them before Christmas.
Parent tip: Stationery is provided at some sites only, so bringing a letter written at home is a safe bet.
See dates and details from Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)Riverside: Snow Day
Holiday craftsRiverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services · Riverside
- Host
- Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bordwell Park, 2008 MLK Blvd., Riverside, CA 92507
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to noon
- Cost
- Cost varies; sledding sessions sold separately
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Riverside brings a winter wonderland to Bordwell Park on Saturday, December 5, from 9 am to noon. Snow Day features more than 100 tons of real snow, crafts, food vendors and plenty of snowy fun for all ages. It is organized by Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services with the Bordwell Advisory and the MLK Club.
Sledding sessions are sold separately and went on sale October 19, so families who want to sled should buy a session ahead of time. The calendar lists the cost as varying. Questions can go to Parks, Recreation and Community Services at 951-826-2000. Bordwell Park is on Martin Luther King Boulevard on Riverside's eastside. Real snow is a rare treat in Southern California, so expect a lively crowd, and plan for the morning time slot since the event wraps up at noon.
Parent tip: Buy a sledding session in advance and pack dry clothes and gloves for the kids.
See dates and details from Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)Riverside: Breakfast with Santa
Santa visitFreeRiverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services · Riverside
- Host
- Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hunt Park, 4015 Jackson St., Riverside, CA 92503
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services is hosting a free Breakfast with Santa at Hunt Park on Saturday, December 12. The morning is built around hands-on seasonal activities: kids can tinker a take-home gift at Santa's elf workstation, make their own edible craft and capture a photo in Santa's Cozy Corner.
The event runs in three activity sessions named Rudolph at 9 am, Frosty at 10 am and Santa at 11 am. For questions, contact the Renck Community Center at Hunt Park at 951-351-6132. Hunt Park is on Jackson Street in Riverside. The session format helps keep groups small, and the take-home gift and edible craft give kids something to enjoy after the visit. The listing does not mention a meal, so plan on activities rather than a full breakfast.
Parent tip: Call 951-351-6132 to ask which session suits your family.
See dates and details from Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)Riverside: Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace
Breakfast with SantaFreeRiverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services · Riverside
- Host
- Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Orange Terrace Community Center, 20010 Orange Terrace Pkwy., Riverside, CA 92508
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 8 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free, reservations required
- Ages
- Whole family
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Orange Terrace Community Center hosts Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 12, from 8 to 11 am, together with the Riverside Police Officers' Association. Families can sit down to a hot breakfast, take a photo with Santa, enjoy holiday arts and crafts and listen to music.
The menu includes pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, juice and coffee, though items may change. The event is free, but reservations are required, and families can register online or in person. Questions can go to the community center at 951-826-5858. The Orange Terrace Community Center is in the Orangecrest area of Riverside, near Interstate 215. The three hour window gives families some flexibility, but because seating is reserved, it is best to register early before spots fill up.
Parent tip: Reservations are required; register online or at the center.
See dates and details from Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)Riverside: Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook Clubhouse
Breakfast with SantaRiverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services · Riverside
- Host
- Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Springbrook Clubhouse, 1011 N Orange St., Riverside, CA 92501
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am
- Cost
- $10 per adult; free for ages 15 and under with a paid adult (up to 5 children)
- Ages
- Children 15 and under free with paid adult
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services and the Reid Park Advisory Team are hosting Breakfast with Santa at the Springbrook Clubhouse on Saturday, December 12, from 9 to 11 am. The morning includes breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs and beverages, a picture with Santa, arts and crafts and live performances.
Tickets are $10 per adult, and children 15 and under eat free with a paid adult, with a limit of five children per paying adult. For details, contact Reid Park at 951-826-5654. The Springbrook Clubhouse is on North Orange Street on the north side of Riverside. The mix of food, crafts and performances makes for a full morning, and the pricing makes it an affordable outing for larger families.
Parent tip: Each paid adult can bring up to five children free.
See dates and details from Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)Riverside: Breakfast with Santa, Villegas Park
Breakfast with SantaRiverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services · Riverside
- Host
- Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Villegas Park, 3091 Esperanza St., Riverside, CA 92504
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 am to noon
- Cost
- $5 per adult (18+); free for ages 17 and under
- Ages
- Free for ages 17 and under
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Villegas Park Advisory and Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services are hosting Breakfast with Santa at Villegas Park on Saturday, December 12. The event offers breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs and beverages, a picture with Santa, arts and crafts and performances.
There are two activity sessions, 9 to 10:30 am and 11 am to noon. Adults 18 and over pay $5, and anyone 17 and under is free. Registration is required, space is limited and the event runs while supplies last, on a first come, first served basis. Questions can go to Villegas Park at 951-351-6142. Villegas Park is on Esperanza Street in Riverside. With kids admitted free and a modest adult price, it is one of the more budget-friendly Santa breakfasts in the city.
Parent tip: Register early since space is limited and food runs while supplies last.
See dates and details from Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)Riverside: Sensory with Santa at BFYIC
Santa visitFreeRiverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services · Riverside
- Host
- Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center, 9595 Miller St., Riverside, CA 92503
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages and abilities
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Sensory with Santa at the Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center is a Santa experience planned with accessibility, inclusion and comfort in mind. On Saturday, December 12, from 9 to 11 am, children and families of all abilities can enjoy a visit with Santa, festive activities, hands-on holiday crafts and interactive exploration with a variety of textures, colors and scents.
Participants can engage at their own pace and celebrate in whatever way feels most comfortable. Sensory supports, comfort items, communication devices and caregiver participation are welcome. The event is free. Questions can go to the center at 951-826-8782. The Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center is on Miller Street in Riverside. This is a good fit for children who find crowded mall lines or loud events overwhelming, and siblings of all abilities are welcome.
Parent tip: Bring any comfort items or communication devices your child uses; caregivers are welcome to join in.
See dates and details from Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)Riverside: Christmas Open House
Santa visitFreeMuseum of Riverside · Riverside
- Host
- Museum of Riverside (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Heritage House, 8193 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504
- When
- Sunday, December 13, 2026, noon to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Museum of Riverside opens its Heritage House for a once-a-year Christmas Open House on Sunday, December 13, from noon to 4 pm. Docents welcome visitors inside to see how Victorians decorated their homes for the holidays.
Outside the house, families can enjoy live music, warm apple cider and cookies, and kids can make a period-inspired craft. There is also a special visit from Father Christmas, the Victorian take on Santa. Admission is free. The house is on Magnolia Avenue, and questions can go to the museum at 951-826-5131. Heritage House is a restored Victorian home operated by the Museum of Riverside, and the open house happens only once a year. The mix of indoor tours and outdoor activities makes it a gentle, unhurried outing for families with children of different ages.
Parent tip: Free admission; the craft and Father Christmas visit are outside the house.
See dates and details from Museum of Riverside (opens in a new tab)Riverside: Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread Man
Holiday craftsFreeRiverside Public Library · Riverside
- Host
- Riverside Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Arlanza Library, 8267 Philbin Ave., Riverside, CA 92503
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, noon to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Arlanza Library in Riverside is hosting a festive holiday craft on Thursday, December 17, from noon to 5 pm. Visitors will make a paper gingerbread man, which the library describes as a mess-free activity that blends literacy with hands-on crafting.
The library provides all the supplies, so families only need to bring their creativity. The long afternoon window makes it easy to stop by after school or between errands. The craft is free, and questions can go to the library at 951-826-2217. The Arlanza Library is on Philbin Avenue in the Arlanza neighborhood of Riverside. Because it is mess-free and drop-in, the craft works for younger children with a caregiver's help as well as older kids who can work on their own.
Parent tip: Drop in any time between noon and 5 pm; supplies are provided.
See dates and details from Riverside Public Library (opens in a new tab)Riverside: T'was the Night Before... Cookies & Cocoa
Holiday story timeRiverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services · Riverside
- Host
- Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- La Sierra Community Center, 5215 La Sierra Ave., Riverside, CA 92505
- When
- Friday, December 18, 2026, 6 to 8 pm
- Cost
- $5 per person
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
La Sierra Community Center invites families to a magical evening inspired by the classic holiday tale 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on Friday, December 18, from 6 to 8 pm. The night is filled with cookie decorating, toy making, crafts and warm cocoa.
The event is open to all ages and costs $5 per person. It falls one week before Christmas, so it makes a cozy way to wind down the school week and get into the holiday spirit together. Questions can go to La Sierra Community Center at 951-351-6131. La Sierra Community Center is on La Sierra Avenue in southwest Riverside. Because the evening is built around a classic Christmas poem, it pairs well with reading the story together at home before or after the event.
Parent tip: Admission is $5 per person, including adults; call 951-351-6131 with questions.
See dates and details from Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)Riverside: Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon
Holiday eventFreeRiverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services · Riverside
- Host
- Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Orange Terrace Community Center, 20010 Orange Terrace Pkwy., Riverside, CA 92508
- When
- Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 10 am to 6 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Orange Terrace Advisory Committee is sponsoring a Holiday Movie Marathon at Orange Terrace Community Center on Wednesday, December 23, from 10 am to 6 pm. Families can stop by for hot cocoa and cookies and settle in to watch classic holiday movies.
The event is free and all ages are welcome. With school out for winter break, it offers an easy way to fill part of a day before Christmas, and families can come and go as their schedule allows. Questions can go to the community center at 951-826-5858. The community center is in the Orangecrest area of Riverside. A long day of movies makes it easy to drop in for a single film or stay longer, and the cocoa and cookies add a cozy touch during the last busy days before the holiday.
Parent tip: Free and drop-in; call 951-826-5858 for the movie lineup.
See dates and details from Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Moreno Valley
1 confirmed event for kids in Moreno Valley, soonest first.
Moreno Valley: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree lightingFreeCity of Moreno Valley Parks and Community Services · Moreno Valley
- Host
- City of Moreno Valley Parks and Community Services (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Moreno Valley City Hall, Moreno Valley, CA (near Riverside)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Moreno Valley celebrates the season with a free Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall on Saturday, December 5. The city calendar lists the evening from 5 to 8 pm, and the tree lighting program is set for 5:45 pm. Families can enjoy entertainment, take photos with Santa, and warm up with hot cocoa and cookies before the city's 30-foot tree is lit.
The event is free, and the page does not mention registration. It is an easy evening outing for young children, especially if you arrive before the 5:45 pm lighting. The city's Holiday Snow Day runs earlier the same day, from 11 am to 3 pm, for families who want a longer day. The page does not give a street address or parking details, so call Parks and Community Services at 951-413-3280 with questions.
Parent tip: Arrive before the 5:45 pm lighting. The city's Holiday Snow Day runs the same day from 11 am to 3 pm.
See dates and details from City of Moreno Valley Parks and Community Services (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our California Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento and Fresno. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonRiverside Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Riverside in 2026?
We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Riverside for 2026 on each host’s own page: 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony in Riverside (November 21), Breakfast with Santa in Riverside (November 22), Letters to Santa in Riverside (November 23), Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Moreno Valley (December 5), Snow Day in Riverside (December 5), Breakfast with Santa in Riverside (December 12), Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace in Riverside (December 12), Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook Clubhouse in Riverside (December 12), Breakfast with Santa, Villegas Park in Riverside (December 12), Sensory with Santa at BFYIC in Riverside (December 12), Christmas Open House in Riverside (December 13), Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread Man in Riverside (December 17), T'was the Night Before... Cookies & Cocoa in Riverside (December 18) and Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon in Riverside (December 23). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Riverside, California?
For families in and around Riverside, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony (Sat, Nov 21, 4:30 to 10 pm (switch-on at 5 pm), free); Breakfast with Santa (Saturdays and Sundays, Nov 22 to Dec 20, 8 to 11 am, adults $45, children 3 to 11 $20, under 3 free (plus gratuity and tax)); Letters to Santa (Nov 23 to Dec 11, 8 am to 6 pm, free); Snow Day (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 12 pm, cost varies; sledding sessions sold separately); Breakfast with Santa (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 11 am, free); Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace (Sat, Dec 12, 8 to 11 am, free, reservations required); Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook Clubhouse (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 11 am, $10 per adult; free for ages 15 and under with a paid adult (up to 5 children)); Breakfast with Santa, Villegas Park (Sat, Dec 12, 9 am to 12 pm, $5 per adult (18+); free for ages 17 and under); Sensory with Santa at BFYIC (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 11 am, free); Christmas Open House (Sun, Dec 13, 12 to 4 pm, free); Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread Man (Thu, Dec 17, 12 to 5 pm, free); T'was the Night Before... Cookies & Cocoa (Fri, Dec 18, 6 to 8 pm, $5 per person); Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon (Wed, Dec 23, 10 am to 6 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Riverside section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Moreno Valley, California?
For families in and around Moreno Valley, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Sat, Dec 5, 5 to 8 pm, tree lighting at 5:45 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Moreno Valley section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Riverside?
Yes. 9 of the 14 events here are free: 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony in Riverside, Letters to Santa in Riverside, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Moreno Valley, Breakfast with Santa in Riverside, Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace in Riverside, Sensory with Santa at BFYIC in Riverside, Christmas Open House in Riverside, Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread Man in Riverside and Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon in Riverside. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Riverside this December?
Santa appears at 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony in Riverside (November 21), Breakfast with Santa in Riverside (November 22), Letters to Santa in Riverside (November 23), Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Moreno Valley (December 5), Breakfast with Santa in Riverside (December 12), Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace in Riverside (December 12), Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook Clubhouse in Riverside (December 12), Breakfast with Santa, Villegas Park in Riverside (December 12), Sensory with Santa at BFYIC in Riverside (December 12) and Christmas Open House in Riverside (December 13). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Riverside?
Holiday story times on this page: T'was the Night Before... Cookies & Cocoa in Riverside. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Riverside?
Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Breakfast with Santa in Riverside (Saturdays and Sundays, Nov 22 to Dec 20, 8 to 11 am), Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace in Riverside (Sat, Dec 12, 8 to 11 am), Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook Clubhouse in Riverside (Sat, Dec 12, 9 to 11 am) and Breakfast with Santa, Villegas Park in Riverside (Sat, Dec 12, 9 am to 12 pm). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.
How much is 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony in Riverside?
Free. 34th Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 4:30 to 10 pm at Downtown Riverside, Mission Inn Ave. and Orange St.. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Breakfast with Santa in Riverside?
Adults $45, children 3 to 11 $20, under 3 free (plus gratuity and tax). Breakfast with Santa is on Sunday, November 22, 2026 to Sunday, December 20, 2026 (Saturdays and Sundays), 8 to 11 am at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Letters to Santa in Riverside?
Free. Letters to Santa is on Monday, November 23, 2026 to Friday, December 11, 2026 (drop off letters at participating community centers), 8 am to 6 pm at Riverside community centers (Orange Terrace, Bordwell Park/Stratton, Hunt Park/Renck, Nichols Park/Joyce Jackson, La Sierra). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Moreno Valley?
Free. Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Moreno Valley City Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Snow Day in Riverside?
Cost varies; sledding sessions sold separately. Snow Day is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to noon at Bordwell Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Breakfast with Santa in Riverside?
Free. Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am at Hunt Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace in Riverside?
Free, reservations required. Breakfast with Santa, Orange Terrace is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 8 to 11 am at Orange Terrace Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook Clubhouse in Riverside?
$10 per adult; free for ages 15 and under with a paid adult (up to 5 children). Breakfast with Santa, Springbrook Clubhouse is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am at Springbrook Clubhouse. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Breakfast with Santa, Villegas Park in Riverside?
$5 per adult (18+); free for ages 17 and under. Breakfast with Santa, Villegas Park is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 am to noon at Villegas Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Sensory with Santa at BFYIC in Riverside?
Free. Sensory with Santa at BFYIC is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11 am at Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas Open House in Riverside?
Free. Christmas Open House is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, noon to 4 pm at Heritage House. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread Man in Riverside?
Free. Arlanza Library Holiday Craft: Paper Gingerbread Man is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, noon to 5 pm at Arlanza Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is T'was the Night Before... Cookies & Cocoa in Riverside?
$5 per person. T'was the Night Before... Cookies & Cocoa is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 6 to 8 pm at La Sierra Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon in Riverside?
Free. Hot Cocoa & A Christmas Movie Marathon is on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 10 am to 6 pm at Orange Terrace Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Riverside?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Riverside Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
