July 3, 2025

Celebrate the Holidays in Riverside, CA, This Year!

If you find yourself in Riverside, CA, this holiday season, you’re in luck. You probably won’t have a white Christmas, but you’ll enjoy comfortable weather and plenty of holiday activities that don’t require you to dress from head to toe in winter clothes. Here are a few of the best activities, performances, shopping destinations, and volunteering opportunities in Riverside, CA, this 2023 holiday season.



Holiday Activities in Riverside, CA


Breakfast with Santa: Join the Riverside Police Officers Association and Santa for a hot meal this holiday season. This is a great activity for those with young children. In addition to photos with Santa, there will also be arts, crafts, and music. The event takes place on December 16, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost is $10 per ticket or $35 for a family of four. Kids under five are free. Please RSVP to reserve your spot.


SantaCon 2023: This holiday drinking extravaganza brings together thousands of cheerful Santas, elves, and holiday enthusiasts from all corners of the city. The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their best Santa outfits, ugly sweaters, reindeer costumes, or even Christmas trees. 

The festivities kick off as the Santa army gathers to rage Santa-style. Throughout the day, various charitable initiatives will be in place to support those in need during the holiday season. From toy drives to fundraising efforts, SantaCon participants are encouraged to spread goodwill and make a positive impact on the lives of others. 


The Festival of Trees Holiday Fair: The Festival of Trees Holiday Fair is a free, family-friendly event that will be held at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside, CA, on November 24 and 25, 2023. The event is organized by the Riverside University Health System Foundation and is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. The fair features a stunning display of beautifully decorated trees, each one more enchanting than the last. You can immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as you stroll through the fair, taking in the delightful sights and sounds. Admire the creativity and craftsmanship of the tree designers, who have transformed ordinary evergreens into works of art. 


There will be plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy, including live entertainment, holiday performances by local dance teams, and a visit to Santa’s Workshop, where kids can make holiday cards and take photos with Santa and his elves! You can also indulge in some holiday shopping at the holiday marketplace, where you’ll find a wide variety of unique gifts and crafts. Treat yourself to delicious seasonal treats and warm beverages at the food stalls, and don’t forget to capture the memories with family and friends.


SHOWS AND PERFORMANCES

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a progressive rock band that has been entertaining audiences with its unique blend of rock, classical, and symphonic music since 1996. The band is known for its elaborate live shows that feature a combination of music, lights, and pyrotechnics. 


The band is set to perform its latest show, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More, at the Toyota Arena on December 2, 2023. The show will feature a mix of classic TSO songs as well as new material from the band’s latest album. The story of this show focuses on a runaway who finds her way into a mysterious abandoned theater. The show is set to begin at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on December 2, 2023.


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 loveliest time of the year with a reunion of four great musicians: Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. The sounds of the season and the hits that made these 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 thinking of surprising your family with a grand pre-Christmas event, Disney On Ice might be the perfect choice. This three-day ice-skating extravaganza from December 21 to 23 offers five performances, providing ample schedule flexibility. The show will feature beloved Disney characters from Frozen and Encanto, making it a must-see for fans of both movies.


shopping


Jacks Toy Shop: This Redlands toy store is “a shop for kids and kids at heart!” The store has a huge selection of toys at a wide variety of price points, so even if your kids are spending their pocket money to buy gifts for their friends, 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. 


Holiday Marketplace at The Grove Community Church: You’re invited to the Holiday Marketplace! Over 50 vendors will be present, offering a diverse range of items to shop for, including local honey, Christmas decorations, clothing, and more. This event also serves as a fundraising opportunity for our outreach partners worldwide and the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) ministry. Admission is free, so mark your calendar for Friday, November 4, 3:30 p.m.–9 p.m., and Saturday, November 5, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.


Galleria at Tyler: If you have a lot of family and friends to shop for this holiday season, visit Galleria at Tyler, a large shopping mall in Riverside. You’ll find all the stores you know and love, such as Bath & Body Works, American Eagle, Barnes & Noble, H&M, Forever 21, and more. If all that holiday shopping has you working up an appetite, stop by any one of the dozens of great restaurants at the Galleria. You can even finish off the night with a movie at the AMC theater.


Opportunities to Share


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.


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 when you can. Whatever you do, never leave your holiday candles unattended! An unexpected fire can quickly turn the happiest time of the year into the saddest.


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 Mission Lofts Apartments in Riverside, happy holidays!

Improve Your VIP Experience: Flexible Ways to Pay Rent and Build Credit at Mission Lofts

April 15, 2026
At  Mission Lofts  , we are committed to providing our VIPs with the best tools to manage their apartment homes effortlessly. We want to highlight the various ways you can handle your monthly rent, including some exciting benefits that help you build your financial future just by living with us. 1. The AppFolio Resident Portal App The easiest way to manage your living experience is through the AppFolio app. It is a one-stop shop for your most frequent needs: Convenient Payments: Set up one-time or automatic payments using a bank account (e-check), credit card, or debit card. Split Payments with Flex: We have integrated Flex directly into your AppFolio app. This service allows you to split your rent into two payments throughout the month. Flex pays your rent to us in full and on time, while you pay them back on a schedule that fits your cash flow. Full Transparency: View your current balance, previous statements, and full payment history anytime. 2. Build Your Credit for Free with Pinata Your consistent rent payments should work for you. We are proud to offer Free Positive Rent Payment Reporting to major credit bureaus through our partner, Pinata. How it works: You will receive an email invitation from Pinata to sign up for this service. Once you are enrolled, your on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus. The Benefit: This helps you build your credit score over time without any extra cost. It is our way of rewarding your reliability and helping you reach your long-term financial goals. (Please note: we do not utilize any resident reward or marketplace features through Pinata; this service is strictly for your credit reporting benefit.) 3. More Ways the App Helps You Beyond payments, the AppFolio app remains your primary tool for staying connected with our Downtown Riverside community. You can: Submit Maintenance Requests: Easily upload photos and descriptions of any needed repairs. Manage Renter's Insurance: Access your policy or update your provider details. Stay Informed: Contact the office via text or phone, update your contact preferences, and access your lease documents. At  Mission Lofts  , we treat every resident like a VIP. Whether you are looking for more flexibility with Flex or looking to boost your credit score through Pinata, we are here to support your lifestyle.

The Surprisingly Wonderful Benefits of Rental Living

July 3, 2025
If you’ve recently moved, chances are you looked at apartments, especially if your new area was especially expensive. With over 43 million renter-occupied units in the country, renting is clearly a popular choice. Home ownership is often seen as the gold standard, but there are plenty of reasons why home ownership might not be your best bet. Here are four reasons why renting might win over buying. Location Because there are so many rental units spread throughout the country, renters can live almost anywhere. But according to Investopedia , “homeowners are restricted to areas where they can afford to buy. Living in an expensive city such as New York may be out of reach for most home buyers, but it is entirely possible for renters.” When you value location over ownership, renting is perfect. There are rarely homes in large cities; most are located in suburbs, which means long commutes into the city. If you value your time, living in an apartment a few blocks from your workplace could save you hundreds of hours a year. And time is money! Even if rent is the same as or even slightly higher than a comparable mortgage, most people never factor in time costs, or even fuel and transportation costs from living farther away from where they work. Before you make a final decision, consider all these variables. Amenities Have you ever bought something you thought you’d use more than you do? Imagine doing that with something as large and involved as a swimming pool. Renting an apartment often comes with access to great amenities that you can use for free! There’s no need to pay for installation, upkeep, or maintenance, and you can use the amenity as often or as little as you’d like! This is often what draws most people to renting. Renting also comes with access to amenities many consider essential, such as a washer and dryer. These large appliances make daily life so much easier, but can be a source of headaches if they stop working or malfunction. If you own your home, you’re on the hook for all maintenance and repair costs, and any damage caused by the appliances. As a renter, you simply contact your landlord or property manager to take care of any issues you have. Benefits without responsibilities is a major draw for many renters, and apartment managers know it! Newer apartments often offer outrageous amenities to attract potential renters. You’ll likely be able to find the exact amenities you’re looking for in an apartment. Flexibility Buying a home is one of the largest commitments of time, energy, and money that we make. Not everyone is ready for such a serious commitment. Renting can help you avoid taking on unwelcome responsibilities. Unlike a temporary contract, buying a home is final. Sure, you can always sell, but selling too early can cost you. You have to live in your home for a minimum of two years to avoid capital gains tax upon selling, and selling any sooner than two years after purchase will usually mean you love money on the sale due to closing costs, and that’s assuming the house has appreciated in those two years. There’s a ton of things you have to consider when buying a home. If you don’t like where you live, you’re stuck until you can sell your home. If you’re renting an apartment, just don’t renew your lease and you’re free to go wherever you want. This is especially nice with the increase of remote work opportunities. If you value flexibility, renting is most likely the best situation for you. A sense of community  Just about everything in life can be done remotely. From paying bills to ordering groceries, there’s no need to go anywhere in person anymore. This can be extremely lonely. If you’re someone who struggles with getting out and meeting people, being a part of an apartment community can help. Apartment complexes often host parties and activities where you can meet your neighbors and others who live nearby. Even if you’re not interested in any social activities, you’ll still rub shoulders with your neighbors now and again as you go about your day. Renting can be better than buying because renting allows you to choose the location where you want to live, offers great amenities, gives you flexibility, and helps you be part of a community. If you’re looking for apartments in Riverside, California, consider Mission Lofts Apartments!

Our Goal Is to Make Coming Home the Best Part of Your Day

July 3, 2025
Our Goal Is to Make Coming Home the Best Part of Your Day We’re pleased to announce that Mission Lofts is now under new ownership and new management: Advanced Management Company! This exciting change should have little effect on you as a resident, and we are here to communicate with you about the process should you have any questions. First, here’s a little bit about us. Advanced Management Company proudly serves over 10,000 apartment homes in Southern California. We set out on a mission in 1982 to raise the bar for apartment life. We believe in a Live Happy®, Live Healthy, Live Green philosophy. We invest in our communities and are committed for the long term. At AMC, our passion is providing first-class service and a high-quality, convenient apartment lifestyle where you, our VIPs, can create lifelong memories with your family. One of our core values is to treat others the way we want to be treated. We value the importance of family and warmly welcome you to ours! We truly appreciate your residency and patience during this transitional time. We are confident you will love calling Mission Lofts your home under our management. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact our resident services team. It is our pleasure to serve you. Create a Personalized Portal and Pay Rent Online In our communities, we strive to provide quality services to help make your life as a resident a little easier. Our residents can visit our Resident Portal to pay rent online, enter a maintenance service request, browse our calendar for upcoming activities, and much more! To get started, here’s how to set up a personalized portal: Call or email our leasing office to confirm that the following details match our records: first name, last name, email address, date of birth. Visit www.missionlofts.com and click Resident Login in the upper right corner of the homepage. Click Create An Account and enter your email address, first name, last name, and date of birth (must match the info you supplied to us exactly). Enjoy the convenience of paying rent online, submitting maintenance requests, and more! We’re excited to be the new management team at Mission Lofts! Be sure to reach out and ask us any questions you may have about setting up a personalized portal or any concerns about the transition as it would be our pleasure to assist you. We know you’ll love it here!