Ontario California Winter Bucket List: Best things to do before New Year’s
Winter in Ontario, California, brings a special kind of magic – cool, crisp air, festive lights, and plenty of ways to make the most of the season before the year ends. Whether you’re a local looking to savor the holiday spirit close to home or a visitor eager to explore the Inland Empire’s hidden gems, there’s no shortage of fun, cozy, and memorable experiences waiting for you. From ice skating and holiday markets to mountain getaways and twinkling light displays, here’s your ultimate Winter Bucket List: Best Things to Do in Ontario, California Before New Year’s.
Stay Conveniently at Best Western Ontario Mills Mall:
Prime Location: Just 0.5 miles from Ontario Mills Mall and close to major freeways (10 & 60), making it easy to reach all local attractions.
Comfort & Amenities:
- Guest Room Features
- Complimentary Full Breakfast
- Recreation & Fitness
- Outdoor Pool
- Hot Tub
- 24-Hours Front Desk
The Bucket List
1. Go Ice Skating at Ontario Center Ice Arena
- Location: 201 S Plum Ave, Ontario, CA 91761
- Distance from the Hotel is 5.7 miles.
- Overview: Center Ice Arena, established in 2001, has been proudly serving the local community for over two decades. Conveniently located off the 10 and 60 Freeways, the facility offers both figure and hockey rental skates for public use, along with a full-service pro shop and snack bar. With a wide range of programs designed for everyone from beginners to advanced figure skaters and hockey players, Center Ice Arena provides the perfect environment for athletes to develop their skills and take their game to the next level.
2. Shop and Stroll Through Ontario Mills Mall
- Location: 1 Mills Cir, Ontario, CA 91764
- Distance from the Hotel is 0.5 mile.
- Overview: With over 200 stores, Ontario Mills Mall is the ultimate destination for holiday shopping. From designer outlets to unique gifts, you’ll find everything on your list in one place. The indoor setup also makes it an ideal spot to escape the chill while checking off gift list.
3. Visit the Mission Inn Festival of Lights (Riverside)
- Location: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
- Distance from the Hotel is 16.7 miles.
- Overview: The 33rd Annual Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, running from November 22, 2025, to January 6, 2026, is a cherished Southern California tradition. It lights up the season with dazzling displays, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. Voted “Best Public Lights Display” by USA Today, the festival continues to enchant visitors with its holiday magic, community spirit, and timeless charm in the heart of the Inland Empire.
4. Walk Through Victoria Gardens in Nearby Rancho Cucamonga
- Location: 12505 N Mainstreet, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
- Distance from the Hotel is 4.6 miles.
- Overview: Just a few miles away, Victoria Gardens becomes a festive wonderland during winter. The open-air shopping center glows with holiday lights, live music, and Santa visits. It’s the perfect spot for an evening stroll, last-minute shopping, or a cozy dinner outdoors.
5. Catch a Holiday Performance at the Ontario Convention Center
- Location: 2000 E Convention Center Way, Ontario, CA 91764
- Distance from the Hotel is 4.2 miles.
- Overview: The Ontario Convention Center (OCC) continues to be the cornerstone of Greater Ontario’s thriving event scene, and its recent expansion marks just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Throughout the winter season, the Convention Center hosts a diverse lineup of events — from festive holiday concerts and cultural celebrations to community gatherings and craft fairs. It’s the perfect destination to experience the local arts scene and celebrate the spirit of the season.
- Upcoming Events Include:
- Stamp and Scrapbook Expo: October 31 to November 1
- Anime expo chibi: November 7 to November 9
6. Take a Day Trip to Mt. Baldy for Snow Fun
- Location: 8401 Mount Baldy Road, Mount Baldy, CA 91759
- Distance from the Hotel is 18.5 miles.
- Overview: Mt. Baldy (California) offers snow fun primarily through its resort’s Snow Play Park and tubing areas accessible by chairlift but also provides opportunities for unmonitored snow play on easier roads and beginner-friendly sledding slopes. The area is known for having unpredictable natural snowfall, so the Snow Play Park provides a reliable option for snowmaking for tubing and other activities.
7. Attend the Ontario Reign Hockey Game
- Location: 4000 Ontario Center, Ontario, CA 91764
- Distance from the Hotel is 1.1 mile.
- Overview: The Ontario Reign, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, deliver exciting professional hockey action to fans in Southern California. Based in Ontario, the team plays its home games at Toyota Arena, with a regular season running from October through April and featuring 36 home matchups. Ontario Reign games provide a thrilling and family-friendly experience, complete with special theme nights and the opportunity to watch future Los Angeles Kings players in action.
Winter in Ontario, California, offers something for everyone — from snowy mountain adventures and ice skating fun to dazzling holiday lights and festive shopping. With so many memorable experiences just a short drive away, staying at Best Western Ontario Mills Mall ensures that you can enjoy the season in comfort and style while being at the heart of all the action. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, this winter bucket list promises unforgettable moments before the year comes to a close.
Reserve your room now and make your holiday season truly special.
