Your Guide to Holiday Gifts and Activities in Riverside
After another year filled with challenges, it’s so nice to have the holidays to look forward to, and in Riverside, there’s a lot to see and experience.
Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, get ready for Christmas in Riverside by reading our guide: We’ve got holiday activities, exciting shows, and unique shopping experiences to make for a memorable time.
Activities
Looking for holiday activities in Riverside? You’re in luck! There’s a ton to do here, from picking out your own Christmas tree and munching on holiday desserts to making a gift for someone on your list. As it gets darker earlier and all you want to do is get comfy and watch movies on the couch, consider planning one of these activities to add some excitement to your day:
Finding the Perfect Tree
Starting November 18, head over to Sand Haven Pines in Perris to look for your own real Christmas tree. On top of cutting down your chosen tree (unless you’d like to cut it down yourself, which you are welcome to do!), they also offer services to shake your tree clean, net it, drill a hole for a tree stand, install a tree stand, add flocking, and even bring it to your car and tie it down. Plus, they have free treats and coffee, a free bouncy house for kids, and vendors to check out. Picking out your own tree is something you have to do at least once. Give it a try!
Baking Cookies
Visiting the Cookie Plug is one of our favorite holiday activities in Riverside. Their thick, decadent cookies are unforgettable! Some of their regular flavors include classic chocolate chip, fruity cereal, strawberry cheesecake, s’mores, and a couple of keto-friendly options, too. But around the holidays, they offer holiday flavors in festive colors as well as a take-home kit to make and decorate your own holiday cookies. They also deliver nationwide—a great gift idea for faraway friends!
Crafting
If you love some DIY fun, check out Ceramic and Art Studio in Norco! You could make a personalized hot cocoa mug, a plate for Santa’s cookies, or even a Christmas tree to decorate your house with. Call ahead and make an appointment to be sure there is a spot for you.
Shows and Performances
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
On December 13 and 14, 2023, the Fox Performing Arts Center will host a musical performance of The Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. The program celebrates the most lovely time of the year with a reunion of great musicians: Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. The sounds of the season and the hits that made these four superstars will fill the Sun Records studio, which is now decked out with a Christmas tree, garland, and mistletoe. As the group takes everyone on a voyage through a story of Christmas past, present, and future, the audience will join in on their typical shenanigans. You won’t want to miss this action-packed evening filled with beloved characters and Christmas songs! Buy your tickets right away.
Disney On Ice
If you’re considering surprising your family with a huge pre-Christmas activity, Disney On Ice could be the ideal occasion. This three-day (December 21–23) ice-skating sensation offers five presentations, so there’s plenty of schedule flexibility. Disney characters from Frozen and Encanto will be the focus throughout this year’s show.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Ghosts of Christmas Eve”
Trans-Siberian Orchestra is bringing its holiday feast of the senses to the Toyota Arena in Ontario. Expect full-scale auditory and visual overload, along with a few heartfelt moments. Aside from the customary fireworks, smoke, lasers, and amazing lighting, fans can anticipate heartfelt narrative, rocking classical music, and family-friendly entertainment. You really should try one of the band’s lavish holiday tours if you haven’t already attended one. On December 2, there will be two performances: an afternoon show at 3:00 p.m. and an evening show at 7:30 p.m.
Opportunities to Share
When you are able to reach outside of your regular circle and give to those less fortunate, it really makes the holidays special. Giving any time or money you can warms your heart and truly makes a difference for those you are helping.
Holiday of Hope
The D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation is organizing its fifth annual Holiday of Hope event on December 15 and 16. The event aims to spread cheer to families in need by donating new, unwrapped gifts or volunteering to receive donations or sort toys. There are several opportunities available for volunteers:
- Sorting or distributing toys: Small groups of three to five people can volunteer to help sort or distribute toys.
- Receiving toy drop-offs: Organizations can volunteer to receive toy drop-offs.
Volunteering is encouraged, and every day, Lampkin Foundation volunteers are finding ways to support grassroots community improvement projects, encourage young leaders, and respond to emergencies across the nation. If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit the Lampkin Foundation’s website for more information.
Volunteer with The Salvation Army
There are plenty of ways to volunteer with The Salvation Army this holiday season. The Salvation Army needs volunteers for Christmas registration, where volunteers will help families register for Christmas assistance by welcoming them, getting the required information, and entering the data. You can also volunteer as a bell ringer at a Salvation Army Red Kettle stationed outside of grocery stores and businesses valley-wide. Volunteering is a great way to make a difference in your community and help those in need experience the joy of the season.
Shopping
One of our favorite holiday activities in Riverside is gift shopping! Gift shopping can be stressful, but it’s a lot easier when you go to stores that have tons of fun, high-quality items. Head over to one of these local shops to find unique gifts for everyone on your list:
Toys
Jacks Toy Shop in Redlands is “a shop for kids and kids at heart!” They have a huge selection of toys at a wide variety of price points. So even if your kids are spending their pocket money to get their friend a gift, they’ll be able to get something awesome. There are cute hand and finger puppets, building toys, puzzles, bath and baby toys, and more. The shop has a curated, handmade feel to it, so whatever you get, you know you’re getting something unique.
Outdoors
Turner’s Outdoorsman is the perfect store for the outdoor sports enthusiast in your life. They sell supplies for hunting and shooting, archery, and fishing, and there’s clothing to go along with all of those activities. If you don’t know what to get, you can grab a gift card and let your giftee pick something out themselves.
Safe Celebration
Everyone loves a nice scented candle around the holidays, and candles are an essential part of commemorating Hanukkah. Sadly, up to 7,400 fires are started each year because of household candles, so it’s important to be aware of the best practices for using candles in your apartment. Be careful not to light candles too close to flammable items, and consider using battery-powered candles where you can. Whatever you do, never leave your holiday candles unattended!
Be aware of the fire hazard posed by Christmas trees, too. Real Christmas trees can dry out and become highly flammable, so be sure to keep yours watered. Keep candles away from the branches, and turn off all lights when you’re not at home. Stay safe and enjoy the holidays!
We hope you enjoy some fun holiday activities in Riverside with your friends and family this year. From all of us at Corona Pointe Resort Apartments in Riverside, Happy Holidays!
