Riverside's Holiday Traditions

As we look at how Riverside comes alive during the holidays today, it is also worth remembering the traditions that shaped earlier seasons in our city. Our Archivist recently unearthed photos that highlight some of these memories.

The City of Riverside has a long tradition of decorating for the holidays. 

Main Street, 1949

While the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn attracts visitors from across Southern California every year, many people today are not aware that for decades the City strung holiday decorations across Main Street and other locations downtown from at least the 1930s through the 1950s.

Main Street, 1948

Longtime residents recall that one unfortunate aspect of the winter holidays falling so close to when the Santa Ana winds arrive is that these decorations were often blown down within a week or two of being strung up.

Downtown, 1947

Nevertheless, they are fondly remembered by those fortunate enough to have seen them on full display.

Downtown, ca. 1935

For a more modern take on the Victorian traditions that came long before the 1930s, join us for our Christmas Open House.

Celebrate the holidays in true Victorian style!

Join us at the Museum of Riverside's Heritage House on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from noon-4 p.m. Enjoy how we've decked the halls with traditional decorations, festive music, treats, and a special visit from Father Christmas. We can't wait to see you there!

Christmas Open House is supported by the City of Riverside, Altura Credit Union, and the Riverside Museum Associates.

Mission: As a center for learning, the Museum of Riverside interacts with the community to collect, preserve, explore, and interpret the cultural and natural history of Riverside and its region.

The Museum of Riverside is grateful to stand on the traditional and ancestral lands of the Cahuilla, Gabrielino-Tongva, Luiseño, and Serrano peoples. The Cahuilla, Gabrielino-Tongva, Luiseño, and Serrano continue to live and thrive in Southern California.