Crowds Expected At Lake Elsinore's Winterfest Celebration

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Residents and visitors are expected to turn out Saturday in historic downtown Lake Elsinore for the annual Winterfest that includes a bevy of holiday celebrations.

The free event will kick off at 3 p.m. with the 6th annual Hometown Christmas parade. The parade route will travel northeast through downtown on Main Street, starting from the corner of Main and Library streets and ending at the corner of Main and Franklin streets.

Local groups will be participating in the parade, and there will be plenty to see along the way as well as afterward. The Winterfest celebration will continue until 7 p.m. and features a Christmas tree lighting, free sleds runs on a snow hill, arts and crafts, food and merchandise vendors, low-cost amusements, photos with Santa, and Christmas classics with Kelsey Bridges.

Additionally, many downtown restaurants and shops will be open, offering a chance for visitors to help support the small businesses by stopping in for a bite or buying holiday gifts.

Part of Winterfest's charm is its backdrop. Historic downtown Lake Elsinore dates back to 1888, and the novelty stores, family eateries and vintage street lamps that exist today take visitors back in time. Main Street is always picturesque with its stunning old buildings and pedestrian-friendly walkways, but during the holidays the corridor is decked out for the season. Of all the festive celebrations across Southwest Riverside County cities, Lake Elsinore's is perhaps the most delightful.

For those who want to continue the holiday cheer through the weekend, the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station is hosting a stocking decorating event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Lakepoint Park, 420 Lakeshore Drive.

The event is free for everyone and stockings, crafts, and snacks will be provided.