There’s plenty of things to do in the Inland Empire — events, family activities and fun weekend happenings! Here are some great options for the month of December — with things to do in Redlands, Yucaipa and throughout the Inland Empire!
Nov. 29 – Dec. 31 | Festival of Lights
Southern California’s signature event The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa Riverside Festival of Lights welcomes guests to experience holiday lights and decorations, live entertainment and lots of goodies in Downtown Riverside. The Riverside Festival of Lights is a time-honored tradition for generations of Southern California residents.
When: Nov. 29 – Dec. 31 | after dark
Where: Mission Inn | 3700-3662 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside
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Nov. 30 | Yucaipa Winterfest
The City of Yucaipa hosts the Annual Winterfest and Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Historic Uptown District. Thousands gather to enjoy yuletide carolers, holiday music, food & craft vendors and snow sled runs. This event celebrates the traditional lighting of the holiday tree and features performances.
When: Saturday, Nov. 30
Where: Historic Uptown District, Yucaipa
Cost: Free entry
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Dec. 7 | Redlands Conservancy project: Let’s Get the Forest Growing
Restoring the Live Oak Forest! Spend time in the Herngt “Aki” Preserve collecting acorns from under standing mature Live Oaks. Learn the technique used to discover how viable the acorns are for germination. Return to the Ranch to place acorns in larges flats of specially blended soil or set acorns to soak for a week. Come prepared to get dirty, even muddy.
When: Dec. 7 at 10am – 12pm; Dec. 14
Where: Gateway Ranch | 31313 Live Oak Cyn Rd, Redlands
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Dec. 6 – 8 | 72nd Feast of Lights
The University of Redlands annual Feast of Lights is an inspired service of worship that has served as an introduction to the Christmas season to students, faculty, friends, residents and visitors for more than 65 years. This exquisite tapestry of scripture, poetry, music and drama was first presented in 1948 and continues to be an annual community tradition.
When: Dec. 6 at 8pm, Dec. 7 at 8pm, Dec. 8 at 4pm — and the Children’s Feast Dec. 7 at 10am
Where: University of Redlands, Redlands
Cost: $5 – $25
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Dec. 7 | Downtown Redlands Christmas Parade
The annual Downtown Redlands Christmas Parade is a magical evening event in Historic Downtown Redlands, with floats, musical performances and a visit from Santa Claus.
When: Saturday, Dec. 7 | 6 – 9pm
Where: Downtown Redlands
Cost: Free
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Dec. 8 | Pictures with Santa
It’s my favorite time of the year and my very FAVORITE private event. Free pictures with Santa! 🎅 + 👨👩👧👦 + 📷 = ❤️
Are you planning on taking pics of the kids with Santa this year? Come join the Redlands Real Estate Guy Thomas Jackson on Sunday, December 8th, from 5pm – 7pm and get your free family professional photos with Santa!
When: Sunday, Dec. 8 | 5 – 7pm
Where: Keller Williams Realty | 1473 Ford St, Ste 200, Redlands
Cost: Free
More information: email Thomas
Dec. 8| Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
This annual Christmas Tree Lighting event takes place in early December at the beautiful Kimberly Crest House and Gardens. Local choirs perform Christmas carols, cider and ginger cookies are served and there are photo opportunities with Santa. The interior of the home is decorated for the holidays, and immediately following the Tree Lighting ceremony visitors can take tours of the first floor of the home.
When: Sunday, Dec. 8 | 6pm
Where: Kimberly Crest House and Gardens |
Cost: Free; tours of the home $5
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Nov. 30 – Dec. 22 | Christmas at 123 Farm
Join us on a whimsical ride to Santa’s wonderland at 123 Farm featuring festive food and drinks, a tractor adventure aboard the Stagecoach Express, photos with Santa, workshops on handmade gifts and more!
When: Nov. 30 – Dec. 22 (Friday to Sunday) | 10am – 4pm
Where: 123 Farm | 10600 Highland Springs Ave, Cherry Valley
Cost: Free admission; parking $10; varied costs for workshops
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Dec. 14 | 22nd Children’s Annual Christmas Block Party
Santa will be arriving at 10:00 a.m. and will stay for pictures until noon. Toys will be available for Redlands’ children. Live entertainment including a opportunity to win a free bike.
When: Saturday, Dec. 14 | 10am – 12pm
Where: Redlands Community Center | 111 W Lugonia Ave, Redlands
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Dec. 14 | A Classical Christmas
Be entranced by favorite carols, appearing in both traditional and surprising ways.
When: Saturday, Dec. 14 | 8pm
Where: Memorial Chapel | 1200 E Colton Ave, Redlands
Cost: $18+
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Dec. 15 | Redlands Conservancy: Christmas at the Asistencia
Luminaria line the walkways, sweet sounds of a capella choristers waft through the air, and the delicious scent of holiday hors d’oeuvres and wassail entice you to step inside the Fireside Salon and warm yourself in front of the fire. It’s Christmas at the Asistencia, Redlands Conservancy’s own historic site, and you’re invited. Tour the grounds and the historic adobe buildings, then settle down in the chapel for a holiday concert by Clarion Kids.
When: Dec. 15 | 5 – 8pm
Where: Asistencia | 26930 Barton Rd, Redlands
Cost: $25
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Dec. 18 | Rhymes with Orange Holiday Concert
What rhymes with orange? Singing without instruments! The a cappella group Rhymes With Orange are six friends from Redlands who love making music together. They sing styles from jazz to pop to classical, from serious to silly. Registration opens one week prior to the event.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 18 | 5:30 – 6:30pm
Where: ESRI | 380 New York St, Redlands
Cost: Free
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Dec. 7 – 29 | Gift of the Magi – Lifehouse Theater
It’s the season of giving, but Jim and Della lack the resources needed to give each other that one perfect gift. Love, sacrifice and seasonal joy are celebrated as the classic story by O. Henry comes to LifeHouse Theater for this world-premiere presentation.
When: Dec. 7 – 29
Where: Lifehouse Theater | 1135 Church St, Redlands
Cost: $26 – $22 for adults; $13 – $11 for Children ages 3-11
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Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve Orange Drop Downtown Redlands
This year the Redlands Chamber of Commerce and the City of Redlands will be hosting the 3rd annual New Year’s Eve Orange Drop, celebrating the incoming year by dropping a spectacularly lit orange.
When: Dec. 31
Where: State Street, Downtown Redlands
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Every Thursday | Redlands Market Night
Established in 1988, Redlands Market Night has established itself as one of the most successful certified farmers markets in Southern California! Vendors vie to participate in the event that has attracted thousands of weekly visitors since its inception. Visitors are welcomed into an inviting atmosphere complete with lighted trees, brick sidewalks, historic buildings, and great musical entertainment. Crowds are pleasantly surrounded by over 150 food and merchandise booths, not to mention the downtown shopkeepers, every Thursday night.
When: Ongoing Thursday nights, 6 – 9pm
Where: 1 East State Street, Redlands, CA 92373
Cost: Free entrance
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