It's that time of year when Riverside's Mission Inn becomes more magical. For 15 years, former Texas schoolteacher Kayla Morris put every dollar she could save into a home for her growing family. "I thought I was so mature."

For the second year in a row, the event kicks off before Thanksgiving with lights, fireworks and performances.

Joy Benedict reports from the Mission Inn, where thousands of people flocked on Saturday for the much anticipated return of the annual Festival of Lights, which features more than 10 million Christmas lights at the famous Inland Empire landmark.

After a sold-out Halloween season, the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa has decided to make tours of its catacombs a permanent feature. The catacombs will be included in the year-round historical tour of the hotel beginning Dec. 9, 2024.

The festival’s switch-on ceremony — followed by a fireworks show and concert — is set for Saturday, Nov. 23, at 5 p.m. Once the lever is pulled, the historic Mission Inn will be illuminated by more than10 million lights. Those attending the ceremony are advised to arrive no later than 4:30 p.m.