Every December, as the sun sets and the sky turns deep blue, thousands of holiday lights flicker to life across Riverside, transforming neighborhoods into winter wonderlands. For Bob Sirotnik, The Raincross Gazette’s volunteer community photographer, capturing these displays reveals the joy they bring to the community.
“It’s never just about the quantity of lights; it’s about variety and composition,” Sirotnik said. “A homeowner can string a million bulbs, but it could be just a bright mess. I look for layers of light—background splashes mixed with sharp foreground details.”
This year, Sirotnik has captured some of the city’s most spectacular displays, from the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn to hidden residential gems. His advice for families planning their own tours? Start early and consider walking rather than driving to catch all the details.
Blue Hour: The Best Time to Visit
For optimal viewing, Sirotnik recommends “blue hour”—the 20-minute window after sunset before the sky goes completely dark. “That’s when the ambient light in the sky balances with the Christmas lights, so you get that rich, deep blue background instead of a dark void,” he said…