Top 5 Go-To Places During This Holiday Season

Top 5 Go-To Places During This Holiday Season

Kayla Nicassio, Staff Writer
December 2, 2016

Looking for places to go with your family, friends, and/or loved ones this holiday season?  These local favorites will definitely be great options for you!

1. Mission Inn
Located in Riverside, CA, the Mission Inn is definitely a classic favorite. Every year, the historic inn holds the Festival of Lights, where there are many activities along with the four and a half million lights that light up the inn from top to bottom. The trackless train ride, century wheel, colorful vintage carousel, horse carriages, firework display, and the meeting of Santa Claus are just a few of the plentiful activities. For the older guests, there are plenty of vendors to fill your cravings along with live seasonal music entertainment. Whether you are going on a date, enjoying time with your friends, or spending time with family, this event is a must see and won’t disappoint.

2. Candy Cane Lane
If you would desire to stay local this upcoming holiday season, Candy Cane Lane in Corona, CA would be a great choice for you! Walk the streets and admire the rows upon rows of houses that are displayed with Christmas lights and decorations. Help our community by donating to Corona Children’s Center by buying baked goods and donate toys for the “Spark of Love” foundation and buy hot chocolate from the community members. Believe it or not, people from all over the world come to this event to see the astronomical amount of lights presented. Candy Cane Lane ultimately allows us to see the creativity of our community along with helping others in our community as well. This event is great for all ages and is definitely something that should be experienced during this season.

3. Downtown Disney
For those who don’t have the time or money to go to Disneyland itself, Downtown Disney in Anaheim, CA is a great alternative! You will be dazzled by the toy soldier stilt walkers and dancing snowflakes that parade through the streets. The wonderful Christmas decor will be displayed to prepare for Santa Clause meet and greet. Downtown Disney makes sure to include a Kwanza celebration along with Hanukkah music and other assorted Christmas tunes. Skate with your family or friends at the Tinkerbell Ice Rink and enjoy tasty treats and snacks. Although Southern California may not be the typical Winter Wonderland, Downtown Disney assures that every guest will feel as if they stepped into their own world.

4. Old Town Temecula

Vintage shops and antiques is not all what Old Town Temecula is known for. The Santa Electric Parade allows the community to get creative for the event. Anyone can enter the parade as long as the theme of the year is matched- this year: family first for the holidays. Bring a big mug of hot cocoa or coffee, snuggle up, and be amazed as the floats roam down the street, Christmas music is played live by local bands, and Santa as he makes his appearance. Afterwards you can cruise the shops, intricately decorated with garland, lights, and ornaments, which you can also purchase from the stores as well. Old Town Temecula gives you an old Town feel while incorporating the holiday season into your visit.

5. Knott’s Merry Farm

Buena Park, CA offers an admirable attraction this holiday season. Knott’s Berry Farm turns into Knott’s Merry Farm where Peanuts parade through the park on floats and dance around while interacting with the audience in the “A Peanut’s Parade”. Join Snoopy in the Charles M. Schulz theater and be amazed as Snoopy and his other furry friends skate with joy in the show entitled “It’s Christmas Snoopy”. Come at dusk and experience Camp Snoopy’s light display and be sure to head over to the stage to watch the beautiful 45 foot Christmas tree light up with color. Knott’s Merry Farm, combined with live entertainment and millions of lights, will be worth the stop during the winter season.