Raincross Rundown: The Best of Riverside in December 2025

December transforms Riverside into something magical. It's not just the millions of lights draped across our historic Downtown or the rare sight of 70 tons of snow at Farmhouse Collective – it's the way our community comes together, creating traditions both new and cherished. From punk rock historians bringing toys for kids to neighbors gathering for Las Posadas, from jazz on winter patios to menorah lightings at the courthouse, this month reminds us why we choose to celebrate here, together. Every event on this list offers more than entertainment; it's an invitation to be part of Riverside's story.

Arts & Culture

Dec. 4 - Downtown's Decline: The Golden Age of Punk Rock + Toy Drive

• 6-9 p.m., Riverside Art Museum
• Plumber John Dixon explores Riverside's punk scene history
• Bring a toy valued at $10+ for Casa Blanca toy drive
• Raffle for autographed Voodoo Glow Skulls merchandise

Dec. 4 & 18 - Merry ArtsWalk 2025

• 5-10 p.m., Main Street between 9th and 10th streets
• Holiday marketplace with local artists and live demonstrations
• Additional artists along downtown streets closed for Festival of Lights
• Stage performances on 5th Street
• Presented by Riverside Arts Council and Division 9 Gallery
• More info: riversideartscouncil.com

Dec. 5-14 - A Christmas Carol

• Riverside Community Players, 4026 14th St.
• Charles Dickens' classic tale of transformation
• Check website for showtimes and ticket prices

Dec. 6 & 7 - A CBU Christmas

• 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. both days
• Over 500 students and faculty perform
• One of the largest musical productions on the west coast
• Collinsworth School of Performing Arts

Dec. 6-8 - Brava Presents David Allan's Nutcracker

• Fox Performing Arts Center
• Guest artists Melody Mennite and Skylar Campbell
• Cast of over 110 dancers
• Tickets starting at $32

Dec. 7 - Las Posadas

• Noon procession from The Cheech to Riverside Art Museum
• Led by Musica Axolotl
• Activities continue 1-4 p.m. at RAM

Dec. 14 - Adult-Ish Book Fair

• 1-5 p.m., Pain Sugar Gallery
• Hosted by Pen and Honey Bookstore
• Author signings, books, stationery, wine and coffee
• Fundraiser for Inlandia Institute PURA MADRE workshops

Holiday Events

Dec. 4 - La Sierra University Holiday Celebrations

• Christmas Tree Lighting: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Glory of God's Grace sculpture plaza
• Pierce Street Jazz: 7 p.m., Troesh Conference Center (free admission)
• Featuring Ron Stout on trumpet

Dec. 5 - 78th Annual Candlelight Concert

• 7 p.m., La Sierra University Church, 4937 Sierra Vista Ave.
• Choirs, orchestra, brass ensembles
• Featuring Jonathan Mamora, concert pianist
• Free admission with limited paid reserved seating

Dec. 6 - Goeske Holiday Festival

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Janet Goeske Center, 5257 Sierra St.
• Free admission
• Food, handmade crafts, family activities

Dec. 7 - Santa Run at Farmhouse Collective

• Full day of Christmas activities
• 70 tons of real snow
• Tickets on sale now

Dec. 7 - Holidays at the Weber House

• 1510 University Ave. (behind Courtyard Marriott)
• Free holiday open house
• Informal tours, mulled wine, cookies
• Weber biography available for purchase

Dec. 13 - Wreaths Across America

• 9-10 a.m., Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery, 4414 14th St.
• Annual ceremony honoring fallen veterans
• Remember, honor, teach

Dec. 15 - 21st Annual Chanukah Festival

• 6-8 p.m., Historic Riverside Courthouse
• Grand menorah lighting, traditional food, live music
• Free admission, all welcome

Food & Entertainment

December Weekends - Christmas Jazz at Devereaux House

• 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
• 3739 Nelson St.
• Free patio performances

December Ongoing - Farmhouse Collective Events

• Holiday Market: Friday-Sunday, 2 p.m.
• Family Movie Nights: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. (free)
• New Year's Eve: Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. (tickets coming soon)

Community Events

Through Jan. 6 - Mission Inn Festival of Lights

• 10 million lights illuminate Downtown
• Free to view
• Special ArtsWalk editions replace regular monthly event

December in Riverside offers something precious: the chance to slow down and connect. Whether you're bringing a toy to the punk rock history talk, singing carols at La Sierra, or simply meeting neighbors over mulled wine at the Weber House, each gathering strengthens the threads that weave our community together. In a month that can feel rushed and commercial, these local events remind us what truly matters – being present with one another in the place we call home.