Every December, as the sun sets and the sky turns deep blue, thousands of holiday lights flicker to life across Riverside, transforming neighborhoods into winter wonderlands. For Bob Sirotnik, The Raincross Gazette's volunteer community photographer, capturing these displays reveals the joy they bring to the community.
"It's never just about the quantity of lights; it's about variety and composition," Sirotnik said. "A homeowner can string a million bulbs, but it could be just a bright mess. I look for layers of light—background splashes mixed with sharp foreground details."
This year, Sirotnik has captured some of the city's most spectacular displays, from the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn to hidden residential gems. His advice for families planning their own tours? Start early and consider walking rather than driving to catch all the details.
Blue Hour: The Best Time to Visit
For optimal viewing, Sirotnik recommends "blue hour"—the 20-minute window after sunset before the sky goes completely dark. "That's when the ambient light in the sky balances with the Christmas lights, so you get that rich, deep blue background instead of a dark void," he said.
One prime spot is Glenhaven Avenue in Victoria Woods, near the intersection with Fairview Avenue. The street, lined with mature palm trees, catches the last dusk light while house displays fire up, creating beautiful silhouettes. With sunset before 5 p.m., a three-hour evening tour can capture multiple neighborhoods at their best.
A Kolde Christmas: Technology Meets Tradition
For 17 years, the Kolde family at 2993 Gertrude St. has transformed their home with more than 60,000 lights synchronized to music. Homeowner Jeff Kolde often greets visitors in elf attire with candy canes. (Bob Sirotnik)
At 2993 Gertrude St., off Central Avenue near Magnolia Center, the Kolde family has been perfecting their holiday light show for 17 years. What started as a simple switch between white and multicolored lights has evolved into a synchronized spectacle featuring more than 60,000 lights and two miles of extension cords.
"Technologically, the shift to LEDs and computerized displays have changed everything," Sirotnik said. "We used to see warm, tungsten glows, but now we're seeing sharp, high-intensity RGB displays synchronized to FM radio transmitters."
The Kolde family's display is a perfect example. Signs at their home direct visitors to tune car radios to hear music synchronized with the light show, which the family customizes each year. But the real magic happens when Jeff Kolde, dressed in full elf attire, emerges to greet visitors with a "Merry Christmas" and candy cane.
"Putting up our lights takes a village!" the Kolde family shared. "We are lucky to have the support of family and friends with this task. As part of the magic of this experience, we also try to get out to every car to greet those who come by and provide candy canes as a special treat."
The Kolde Christmas display runs from the day after Thanksgiving until New Year's Day, with the family greeting visitors until 9 p.m. "We truly appreciate everyone who has made us a part of their Christmas traditions and those who are new to seeing our home too," they said.
Community Connection Beyond the Lights
While photographing displays, Sirotnik has observed something that transcends the lights themselves. "When I'm set up on a tripod and there are others around, I see families putting their phones down for just a few seconds and actually look," he said.
One homeowner told him the display isn't about collecting "thank yous." "He does it because for maybe one month a year, the traffic on his street slows down, and neighbors actually walk out to the curb to talk to each other," Sirotnik said.
Mission Grove's Growing Tradition
At 134 Gracefield Way in Mission Grove, Alan and Susan Kopatz created a display that earned them a spot on ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight" on Dec. 4. Their elaborate light show is on display nightly. (Bob Sirotnik)
In neighborhoods like Mission Grove, between Cannon and Canyon Crest Drive, the holiday spirit has taken on a competitive edge. "You truly see it in places like Mission Grove, where one house ups the ante with a projection map, and suddenly the neighbor is installing a pixel matrix," Sirotnik said.
At 134 Gracefield Way in Mission Grove, Alan and Susan Kopatz have created a display so spectacular it earned them a spot on ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight" on Dec. 4. While a Phoenix family took home the prize, locals can experience the Kopatz family's elaborate light show in person nightly.
The Classics
The Riverside Plaza Christmas tree offers families a traditional holiday gathering spot in the center of the plaza outside Regal Cinema. (Bob Sirotnik)
The Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn continues to dazzle with its massive scale. "Despite seeing it for years, the way they light the architectural details of the mission-revival style creates a perceptible depth," Sirotnik said.
For a more intimate experience, the Wood Street area, including Chapman Avenue's "Storybook Lane" on Chapman Place, offers displays where "the lighting is balanced enough that you can actually see the character cutouts without needing supplemental flash," Sirotnik said.
The Riverside Plaza Christmas tree also remains a staple, offering families a traditional holiday gathering spot.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Sirotnik's recommendation is straightforward: "Find a nice area, like the Mission Grove area between Cannon and Canyon Crest Drive, park the car where you may see something you like, and walk. You miss so much of the detail through a windshield."
He suggests considering lesser-crowded residential areas over downtown on busy nights. "They're smaller and quieter, but the attention to detail is superb," he said.
As neighborhoods across Riverside continue to evolve their holiday traditions, one thing remains constant: the sense of wonder they create and the community connections they foster.
Holiday Light Display Guide
The Kolde Christmas
Location: 2993 Gertrude St. (off Central Avenue near Magnolia Center)
Features: 60,000-plus lights synchronized to FM radio music
Special: Jeff Kolde greets visitors in elf costume with candy canes
Hours: Through New Year's Day, until 9 p.m.
Festival of Lights
Location: The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Ave.
Features: Architectural illumination of mission-revival details
Chapman Place "Storybook Lane"
Location: Wood Street area
Features: Balanced lighting with visible character cutouts
Mission Grove Displays
Area: Between Cannon and Canyon Crest Drive, including 134 Gracefield Way (the Kopatz family's nationally featured display)
Features: High-tech displays including projection mapping and pixel matrices
Glenhaven Avenue
Location: Victoria Woods, near intersection with Fairview Avenue (just up the hill from Poly High School)
Best for: Blue hour photography with palm tree silhouettes
