Mission Inn Festival of Lights

A So Cal Tradition!

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and that really means the Christmas/Holiday season is upon us. We have now officially entered the holiday season! What a beautiful time of year! This is the time to make amazing memories with our families and I want to share with you a fun and free event that is an annual tradition for many families in Southern California.

The Mission Inn and Spa in Riverside is home to the Festival of Lights. More than 3.6 million (Yes Million!) lights transform this beautiful hotel into a holiday wonderland. The festival features nightly live entertainment, “fresh snow”, and even appearances by Santa and his reindeer. You can even ride around a horse drawn carriage.

The Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn Hotel starts November 29th and continues until January 4th, 2014.
The Festival of Lights begins every night at sunset. For additional information head here. Oops almost forgot, The Festival of Lights is free to the public!

Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train

A Holiday Tradition!

The Christmas season is here and we love it! I am all about making great memories with my kiddos. We have some pretty cool traditions and visiting Santa at the Irvine Park Railroad, is usually on the top of our list.

We make our way up to the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas train to visit Santa and participate in all of the fun activities. We bring our extended family, a thermos filled with hot chocolate, treats and take the train to meet Santa and take pictures.

We usually head to the park early to partake in the many fun activities including cookie decorating and Santa’s Bounce House. The kiddos love cheesing around the different photo stations and also love storytime with Mrs. Claus. There are quite a few fun activities that are free of charge for the family. If you get there early you can usually avoid waiting in line. This year like last year you can purchase your tickets in advance online for a specific time and avoid waiting in line. You can purchase your tickets by clicking here.

You can visit Santa starting November 29th to December 23rd. Tickets are $10 each and kiddos under two are free.

For additional info head here.

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Southern California

I think I’m daydreaming a tad bit much about Thanksgiving break. I have the entire week off from work and for the first time ever I get to have the holidays off with my kids! I am so giddy! I want to take them ice skating and decided to compile a small list of local outdoor ice skating rinks. They are the best!

Here is a list of some local rinks. Grab your mittens and go have fun!!!

Riverside Festival of Lights – open from Nov 29th to January 5, 2014
Chill at the Queen Mary – Nov 22nd until January 5, 2013
Downtown on Ice – Now until January 20, 2014
Temecula on Ice – December 12th to January 5, 2014
Skate Irvine Spectrum – Now through February 14th, 2014
Skating by the Sea at Hotel Del Coronado – November 27th to January 5, 2014
Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink Downtown Disney – Now through November 14, 2013 through January 11, 2014