Murrieta serves up unforgettable experiences all the time, but it particularly excels at bringing the holiday spirit to locals and visitors alike during the winter season. With gorgeous weather year-round and no shortage of things to see and do, Murrieta is the perfect holiday destination for you and your family to check out this year. Whether you’re stopping by to see the city’s magnificent tree lighting ceremony or ice skating under twinkling lights, you’re guaranteed to delight in the joys of Merry-eta.
The Holiday Home Decorating Contest is underway in Murrieta! With registration now closed as of December 4th, judging is set to continue through December 18th. By December 22nd, you will be able to download a map of the participating homes to guide your tour of the beautifully decorated homes, and on December 23rd, signs with the results will be delivered. While you’re out exploring you can also stop by Murrieta City Hall, where they will have their own festive Christmas decorations up, adding to the holiday cheer in the community.
Nothing says winter like ice skating! Take a short trip over to Temecula for Temecula On Ice, to take part in a beloved holiday tradition. Stop by the Old Town seasonal state-of-the-art ice rink, rent your skates, and spend your time listening to the best ice skating music. Open December 12th, 2024 to January 5th, 2025 from Sunday to Thursday 10 AM to 9:30 PM and Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 11 PM, with special hours on Christmas and New Years! Skating under the lights is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.
Round out your year on a high note by attending the New Year’s Eve Grape Drop in Temecula. On December 31st from 6 PM to 10:00 PM you can join in on the 2025 celebration at the Civic Center with a festive East Coast countdown that culminates in the first-ever Temecula-themed drone show at 8:50 PM and the iconic Grape Drop at 9:00 PM. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family friendly fun such as face painting, carnival games, and a giant slide. After the Grape Drop, don’t miss out on the chance to lace up your skates and glide into 2025 with a special late-night twirl around the ice rink at Temecula On Ice–open from 10:30 PM-12:30 AM on New Years Eve. It’s the perfect way to make meaningful memories and enter the new year on a joyful note, surrounded by the people you care for the most!
