The Inland Empire is transformed into a holiday wonderland during Christmas.
Starting with flair to fashion and festive moods, the restaurants have gone all out to present themselves. Be it the sparkling lights and extravagant decorations or unique and inviting menus for the holidays, these restaurants offer not just memorable meals but also unforgettable experiences that bring the spirit of Christmas alive.
Below is a listing of information about the top 10 restaurants decorated for Christmas 2024 in the Inland Empire, each putting a different twist into the holiday cheer. Whether one is in the mood for a family dinner, an intimate night out, or just an inspiring holiday excursion, these festive restaurants have something special for everyone.
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1. Mission Inn Restaurant, Riverside, Inland Empire
A local legend during the holiday season, Mission Inn Restaurant becomes one of the most famous spots in Riverside because of their “Festival of Lights.” Every year, Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is decorated with over 5 million lights, showing breathtaking decorations and displays.
This great sight brings in thousands of visitors every year, and the restaurant inside accompanies seasonal dishes to make the perfect touch for an evening out. Expect to indulge in it all-from the roast turkey and stuffing to specialty cocktails crafted specifically for the season.
Address: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Highlights: 5+ million lights, seasonal menu, outdoor dining with holiday light views.
More on Mission Inn Festival of Lights
2. The Salted Pig—Riverside, Inland Empire
For a little more contemporary, think The Salted Pig for a gastropub marrying rusticity and holiday cheer. The restaurant is credited with locally sourced ingredients in its seasonal dishes and decks out the festive decor for Christmas with subtle touches of class added to a cozy ambiance.
Their special holiday menu includes items such as herb-roasted meats and warm spiced drinks. It is the perfect spot for those who prefer an intimate, low-key holiday setting with no compromise on festive charm.
Address: 3700 12th St, Riverside, CA 92501
Highlights: Craft cocktails, farm-to-table holiday specials, warm and rustic decor.
3. The Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, Corona del Mar, Inland Empire
If you’re willing to take a short drive to nearby Corona del Mar, The Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens is worth the trip.
With magical gardens and farm-to-table cuisine, this enchanting location is transformed every December into a holiday wonderland. The decorations focus on natural beauty: fresh wreaths, garlands, and twinkling lights.
Its seasonal flavors shine in a holiday menu filled with items like pumpkin soup and truffle risotto. The atmosphere melds foodie sophistication with holiday charm, perfect for a sophisticated Christmas night out.
Address: 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Highlights: Nature-inspired holiday decor, organic farm-to-table dishes, romantic ambiance.
Discover The Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens
4. Cafe Sevilla-Riverside, Inland Empire
Cafe Sevilla brings jolly Spanish holidays to Riverside by offering a twist for a unique Christmas celebration.
The restaurant will be decorated bright and colorful, reflecting the traditional Spanish Christmas markets, complete with twinkling lights, poinsettias, and Spanish-style ornaments.
Known for tapas and authentic Spanish cuisine, Cafe Sevilla offers a festive menu filled with holiday twists on the Spanish favorites: paella with seasonal seafood, rich churros with chocolate, and mulled Spanish wine.
All this in a festive atmosphere, completed by live flamenco performances, constitutes a holiday experience that one will never forget.
Address: 3252 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92507
Must-see attractions: Spanish-themed decor; Holiday tapas menu; Live flamenco shows.
Learn more about Cafe Sevilla
5. Sycamore Inn Prime Steakhouse, Rancho Cucamonga, Inland Empire
Historic landmark in Rancho Cucamonga, Sycamore Inn celebrates Christmas in a timeless manor.
Located within an exquisitely restored inn from the 1800s, the restaurant has classic holiday decorations, evergreen wreaths, soft candlelight adorns the restaurant, and vintage ornaments.
Specializing in prime steaks and seafood, the Sycamore Inn will be offering a seasonal menu for the holidays featuring holiday roasts, spiced sides, and desserts.
Warm, nostalgic settings make Sycamore Inn the perfect venue for family gatherings or romantic Christmas feasts.
Address: 8318 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Highlights: Traditional holiday decor, prime cuts of steak and seafood, historic ambiance
More about Sycamore Inn Prime Steakhouse
6. Riverside Food Lab, Riverside, Inland Empire
For a more contemporary, spirited holiday experience, one has to go to Riverside Food Lab.
This busy food hall pulls the most diverse range of purveyors under the same roof, and this holiday season, it has been remade into a wonderland.
Each retailer has decorated their stall with unique holiday touches, and it could feel like Christmas inside Riverside Food Lab. From holiday-themed tacos to artisanal desserts and festive cocktails, everything can be found here.
It’s the perfect place to make dining out in groups a fun, casual experience this holiday season.
Address: 3605 Market St, Riverside, CA 92501
Highlights: Holiday-themed food, diverse, in a market-style atmosphere inside; the vibe is generally lively.
Check Out Riverside Food Lab
7. Thompson Brewing Co., Riverside, Island Empire
If you are looking for a warm and cozy brewery that gets into the holiday season, look no further than Thompson Brewing Co. in Riverside.
Every year they deck out their brewery in an interesting mix of rustic and Christmas décor, where a holiday meeting with friends would be quite welcomed.
The seasonal menu includes winter brews and hearty holiday foods like smoked meats, festive sandwiches, and rich desserts. Thompson Brewing Co. would be ideal for anyone looking for a casual, inside spot with food and beer in a warm holiday setting.
Location: 9900 Indiana Ave., Riverside, CA 92503
Highlights: Holiday-themed craft beers, cozy decor, festive and casual atmosphere.
Visit Thompson Brewing Co.
8. Mario’s Place, Riverside, Inland Empire
Mario’s Place is a favorite Italian restaurant in Riverside. It absolutely captures the spirit of holidays with its stylish, classic decorations and festive atmosphere inside.
Mario’s Place specializes in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine; each December, they have a special holiday menu. Among the dishes to be highlighted will be their truffle pasta, roasted meats, and seasonal cocktails.
The restaurant has an intimate, upscale setting, absolutely enhanced with tasteful Christmas decor-the perfect place for a holiday date night or an elegant family celebration.
Address: 3646 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Highlights: Upscale festive decor, fine dining Italian cuisine, intimate ambiance.
See Mario’s Place
9. The State—Redlands, Inland Empire
Downtown Redlands, The State is a gastropub that gets gussied up for the holidays with modern, eclectic Christmas decorations. This allows them to get into the holiday spirit while remaining extremely casual.
Offering craft cocktails and farm-to-table cuisine, The State brings in holiday specials at this time of year, including winter cocktails, seasonal entrees, and festive desserts.
Great for groups seeking a hip, holiday night out in town, it’s low-key inside but classed-up enough for holiday cheer.
Address: 22 E State St, Redlands, CA 92373
The Highlights: Seasonal cocktails, a farm-to-table holiday menu, and festive and trendy decor.
Discover More About The State
10. Tartan of Redlands—Redlands, Inland Empire
In tune with that, Tartan of Redlands remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and its contribution to vintage flair in Redlands infuses holiday cheer.
Laced with rustic decor, Tartan celebrates Christmas throughout its venue with traditional garlands, twinkling lights, and an impressive-sized living Christmas tree greeting all upon entry.
Their holiday menu includes classic American comfort foods, seasonal cocktails, and rich desserts. Just the place for that casual, comforting Christmas meal with family or friends in a home away from home setting.
Address: 24 E Redlands Blvd, Redlands, CA 92373
Highlights: Classic Christmas decor, comfort food, family-friendly ambiance.
Learn more about Tartan of Redlands
11. Pomona Valley Mining Co.—Pomona, Inland Empire
The Pomona Valley Mining Co. is a must if you like your meals with a view. Situated on a hill, it offers an excellent view of the Inland Empire. During the holiday seasons, Pomona Valley Mining Co. decorates this place with mining-style Christmas decorations.
Indeed, Pomona Valley Mining Co. has its own special atmosphere: wood-paneled walls, antique mining equipment, and sparkling holiday lights. Their holiday menu generally features items like prime rib, roast turkey, and winter-themed desserts, making this a great place to have for any holiday meal with a great view.
Address: 1777 Gillette Road., Pomona, CA 91768
Highlights: Scenic views, mining-themed holiday decor, classic holiday dishes.
Learn more about Pomona Valley Mining Co.
Special Holiday Menus & Festive Dishes
Common Christmas Menu Themes in Inland Empire Restaurants
Traditional Holiday Fare:
- Many restaurants serve classics like roasted turkey, prime rib, glazed ham, mashed potatoes, and holiday vegetables.
- Desserts often include staples like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and chocolate yule logs.
Holiday-Inspired Cocktails:
- Seasonal cocktails, such as mulled wine, eggnog martinis, peppermint margaritas, and spiced hot toddies, add a festive twist.
- Some places even offer hot cocoa bars for families, complete with toppings like marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and whipped cream.
Modern Twists on Classics:
- Many chefs take classic Christmas ingredients and give them a contemporary spin, like cranberry-glazed short ribs, maple-roasted brussels sprouts, or pumpkin ravioli with brown butter sauce.
Must-Try Holiday Dishes
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Prime Rib Roast | A holiday staple at upscale restaurants, often served with horseradish and au jus. |
| Chestnut Stuffing | Adds a seasonal flavor to traditional stuffing, popular in both American and Italian restaurants. |
| Peppermint Bark Cheesecake | A festive dessert that combines classic cheesecake with the flavors of peppermint and chocolate. |
| Spiced Apple Cider | Warm and comforting, often spiked with rum or bourbon at adult-friendly venues. |
FAQs about Restaurants Decorated for Christmas 2024 in the Inland Empire
1. Which restaurants decorated for Christmas in the Inland Empire are great for a family to dine in?
Family-friendly places would be Castaway San Bernardino because of the nice view and laid-back atmosphere, or Old Spaghetti Factory in Riverside because it sells traditional Italian dishes in a festive atmosphere. Both of these places are pretty accommodating to children and create quite a friendly atmosphere during the holiday season.
2. Do any restaurants in the Inland Empire offer vegetarian or vegan holiday menus?
Yes, several restaurants in the Inland Empire have vegetarian and vegan options for the holidays. The Farmhouse at The Mission Inn has a seasonal vegetarian menu. Keep in mind that holiday menus may be subject to change, so always call ahead to confirm.
3. Am I able to book reservations for a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner?
Most restaurants encourage reservations well in advance for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day due to higher demand. It is encouraged to call at least a few weeks in advance.
4. Are there restaurants with live music or entertainment included during the holidays?
Yes, some restaurants include live music, such as The Sycamore Inn, during the holiday season. One would need to contact the venue for dates and times of performances.
5. What’s the average cost of a holiday meal in the Inland Empire?
Prices can be all over the board. Family-style restaurants might have meals for $20 to $30 per person, while fine dining restaurants may have special prix fixe holiday menus that range from $50 to $100 per person.
6. Can I bring my own wine or dessert to a holiday dinner reservation?
BYO policies vary by restaurant. Some assess a corkage fee for wine, while others allow outside desserts on special occasions only. Call ahead to confirm the policy of the restaurant.
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