10,000 People Expected At Lake Elsinore's Winterfest On Main Street

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Historic Main Street in downtown Lake Elsinore will again welcome thousands of holiday revelers during next month's Winterfest.

Scheduled from 3:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, the annual family-friendly event features a holiday light parade, tree lighting, craft vendors, food booths, activities, sled runs, pictures with Santa, shopping and dining at one-of-a-kind businesses.

The Winterfest setting is Southwest Riverside County's closest feel to an old timey holiday celebration. With buildings dating back more than a century, strolling down Main Street and its surrounding city blocks transports visitors to the early 1900s — vintage street lamps, novelty stores, a museum, eateries and antique shops are decked out with holiday lights and trimmings.

The quaint downtown gathering is different from celebratory December events found across the region. Winterfest's charm means a lot of people now know about it. According to the city, about 10,000 visitors are expected to turn out for this year's event.

"The Sherriff's Department, Fire Department, Public Works Department, and Community Services Department will coordinate resources to ensure the event is a safe and memorable experience," according to city documents.

Road closures for staging and festivities will be in effect. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 3, Main Street will be closed, as will several of the road's arteries.

Winterfest Activities:

The holiday parade will kick off at 5 p.m. at the corner of Langstaff Street and Graham Avenue, and will travel to the corner of Heald Avenue and Main Street. Parade registration is open. Click here to register.

A 7 p.m. tree lighting takes place at the corner of Heald Avenue and Main Street.

Free trips down the traditional sled run will be offered on the corner of Sulphur and Main streets.

Santa will be available for visits and photos inside of the city's historic Cultural Center at 183 North Main Street.

For more information on Winterfest vendor opportunities, contact mveliz@lake-elsinore.org or call 951-674-3124 ext. 292.

Get more Winterfest information here.