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Inland wonderland The halls are decked at the Mission Inn in Riverside. By Susan BelknappPublished: December, 2008

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In 2007, “Good Morning America” scoured the U.S. in search of the best holiday light displays in the country. Five were featured in one week, with Friday’s unveiling being the grand finale. What location did they deem the best in the U.S.? The Festival of Lights at the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in downtown Riverside.     This National Historic Landmark hotel is a must-do field trip for any Southern California family, and there is no better time to experience its breathtaking architecture and historic splendor than during the holidays, when it is adorned with more than 3.5 million lights, whimsical decorations and animatronic characters. The month-long festival attracts more than 125,000 visitors.     Whether you stay for an evening or a weekend, or opt for entertainment that ranges from complimentary to luxury, this is a holiday tradition the whole family is sure to continue year after year. missioninn.com Spend the evening The hotel is alive with entertainment throughout the holiday season, but there is plenty of fun nearby. The outdoor ice-skating rink at the center of downtown is a popular spot for families. The city’s street fair has numerous vendors selling sweet seasonal treats and festive holiday souvenirs. Santa Claus will be on hand to hear any holiday wishes and pose for a photo with the kids or the entire family. And there’s the holiday home tour, which showcases homes from Victorian to modern, all decked out with holiday decor. And, the Riverside Ballet Theatre Company performs the classic ballet "The Nutcracker.”  Take a horse-drawn carriage ride to heighten the magic when you see the inn and the lights from every angle. There is something for everyone in downtown Riverside this holiday season.     When it comes to dining, do it in style at any one of the Mission Inn’s four award-winning restaurants. Indulge in an appetizer, a full-course dinner or dessert at Duane’s Prime Steaks, The Mission Inn Restaurant, Bella Trattoria Italian Bistro or Las Campanas Mexican Cuisine & Cantina.     Dine beneath the lights and the stars, as three of the four dining spots offer outdoor seating. The Presidential Lounge, named in honor of Theodore Roosevelt, is the perfect place for a hot toddy (they serve a kid’s version, too) to take off the evening chill.     The Festival of Lights is sure to spark your holiday spirit and hopefully begin a family tradition that will last for years to come. Susan Belknapp is associate editor of OC Family magazine. Travel tip: “Mission Inn Kids” makes things easier with kid-sized bathrobes, bottle warmers and even “little swimmer” diapers.

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