Christmas parades 2026Inland Empire · The IE

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Inland Empire, 2026.

We found six Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Inland Empire with 2026 dates: two parades and four tree lightings and lighting nights, four free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Redlands Christmas Parade: Dec 5 · 6pm. Plus 1 more.2 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting at Victoria Gardens: Nov 6 · 7pm. Plus 3 more.4 lightingsIs it free?4 of 6 are free to watch; the rest list a price.4 freeDaytime or after dark?2 daytime, 4 in the evening. Each card is marked.4 evening

Last checked · 6 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

6NovFriSanta's Arrival and Tree Lighting at Victoria GardensTree lighting · 7pm19NovThuRedlands Downtown Tree LightingTree lighting · 5–8pm21NovSatFestival of Lights Switch-On CeremonyTree lighting · 5pm, fireworks after3DecThuOntario Holiday Tree Lighting CeremonyTree lighting · Not listed5DecSatRedlands Christmas ParadeParade · 6pm5DecSatOntario Holiday Light ParadeParade · Not listed

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Inland Empire

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Inland Empire

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

Nov19Thu

Redlands Downtown Tree Lighting

Ed Hales Park, 5th and East State streets · Downtown Redlands

Tree lightingFreeEvening
Time
5–8pm; lights switch on at 6pm
Price
Free

Good to know: Free hot cocoa, a bounce house, crafts and painting from 5pm. At 6 the City Council flips the switch on the tree and East State Street.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov21Sat

Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony

Orange St. and Mission Inn Ave. · Downtown Riverside

Tree lightingFreeEvening
Time
5pm, fireworks after; arrive by 4:30pm
Price
Free

Good to know: The 34th year of lighting up the Mission Inn and downtown Riverside, with fireworks to finish. It's the most crowded night of the season, so the city's parking map is worth a look.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Keep planning

More for little kids in Inland Empire

November: things to do in Inland EmpireEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in Inland EmpireEvery dated listing for the month, by weekFree things to do in Inland EmpireFree days, free events and places that never chargeIndoor play in Inland EmpireIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with pricesLibrary storytimes in Inland EmpireBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branchThanksgiving weekend in Inland EmpireParades, turkey trots and what’s open on ThursdayThe Nutcracker in Inland EmpireBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flaggedChristmas markets in Inland EmpireChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursChristmas break in Inland EmpireWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1This week in Inland EmpireDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday

Good questions

Christmas parades in Inland Empire: the FAQ

Redlands Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 6pm (Downtown Redlands). Ontario Holiday Light Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, Not listed (Ontario).

Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting at Victoria Gardens at Chaffey Town Square, Victoria Gardens: Fri, Nov 6, 2026, 7pm. Redlands Downtown Tree Lighting at Ed Hales Park, 5th and East State streets: Thu, Nov 19, 2026, 5–8pm; lights switch on at 6pm. Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony at Orange St. and Mission Inn Ave.: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 5pm, fireworks after; arrive by 4:30pm. Ontario Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at City of Ontario (location to be posted): Thu, Dec 3, 2026, Not listed.

Four of the six we list are free to watch: Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting at Victoria Gardens, Redlands Downtown Tree Lighting, Festival of Lights Switch-On Ceremony and Redlands Christmas Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Ontario Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Ontario Holiday Light Parade. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 29, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Inland Empire that weekend, parades included.

Inland Empire skyline