This Historic City Near L.A. Is Home To The Best Holiday Light Show In The U.S. For 2026 — Featuring Over 10 Million Lights

[Twinkling lights](https://secretlosangeles.com/worlds-largest-christmas-light-maze/) that glow as the sun goes down, reds, greens, golds, blues. Animals shining in the dark,sky-high trees decorated like true skyscrapers, and entire neighborhoods where trees, houses, and bushes burst into colorful sparkles. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the classic lights taking over every corner in December. Luckily, in SoCal, one of the most standout holiday light displays in the entire country is just a short drive from [DTLA.](https://secretlosangeles.com/things-to-do-downtown-la/) At least that’s what the latest report from *Newsweek* stated, placing this sunny city on its list. Where Spanish charm meets Christmas glow -------------------------------------------- The charming city of Riverside is home to one of the most special places in the region. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, gives locals and tourists a one of a kind holiday spectacle every year. The Festival of Lights, has been lighting up that city since 1992, when its founders, Duane and Kelly Roberts, started the tradition as a gift to the community. From late November through the end of [December](https://secretlosangeles.com/things-to-do-december-la-2025/) (with lights often staying up into the first week of January), over 10 million tiny bulbs drape the Mission Inn and surrounding downtown streets, accompanied by more than 400 animated festive figures like elves, toy soldiers and angels. Over the course of its six-week run, the Festival of Lights draws big crowds, typically over half a million visitors from SoCal and beyond each season. And the best part? It’s free to stroll the illuminated streets, which are lined with holiday food vendors, artisan booths, live entertainment stages, and opportunities for photos with Santa. But beyond the holiday glow, the Mission Inn carries deep historical significance. It was founded in 1876 and built in Spanish Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival style, and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. That historical relevance of Riverside can be seen across the city, as you can find two dozen nationally registered historic sites and more than 100 monuments, as *Visit California* explains. Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/best-holiday-light-show-in-the-u-s/