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Looking for some fun holiday or other things to do around the Coachella Valley in December? Our December 2018 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events, courtesy of our colleagues Peggy Sue, Catherine and Kathleen at First American Title, might give you some ideas:
WildLights at The Living Desert | Nov. 23-Dec. 24 from 6-9pm | The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Desert
Marvel at the more than a million colorful, sparkling holiday lights. Animal encounters and keeper chats, camel and carousel rides, and entertainment are offered nightly. For more information: 760-346-5694 | www.livingdesert.org/events/wildlights/
Hairspray | Nov. 30-Dec. 16 | Palm Canyon Theatre, Palm Springs
It’s 1962 and teenagers Tracy Turnblad and her friend Penny Pingleton are avid Corny Collins fans. A chance to dance on the show is publicized, Tracy jumps on the opportunity. Not only does her dancing skills attract Corny Collins, but also the attention of teen heartthrob Link Larkin. For more information: www.palmcanyontheatre.org
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade | Dec. 1 at 5:45pm | Palm Canyon Drive
It is the parade’s signature floats adorned in thousands of colorful holiday lights and huge Macy’s-style balloons that keeps the crowds coming back for more. Join Celebrity Grand Marshal, Community sweetheart and the Community Grand Marshals. For more information: www.psfestivaloflights.com
Airstream Palooza | Dec. 1 from 3-9pm | Hotel Paseo, Palm Desert
A free music festival for the city of Palm Desert with all sponsorship proceeds benefiting the Family YMCA of the Desert. The fun-filled extravaganza features an Airstream show with classic restored travel trailers from various eras, as well as live performances. Culinary offerings include AC3—conveniently located adjacent to Hotel Paseo—Casuelas Café, and Luna Grill, among others in addition to beer, wine, and cocktails. For more information: www.airstreampalooza.com
Indio Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec. 1 from 4:30-7pm | Indio City Hall
This free event is open to the public and will include the tree lighting, music, and of course a visit from Santa Clause! For more information: www.indio.org
Indio International Tamale Festival | Dec. 1-2 - Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm | Between Hwy 111/Indio Blvd.
More than 300 vendors will be featured plus a tamale eating contest, five stages of live entertainment, wine and beer gardens. Sample a wide variety of tamales, from traditional recipes to vegan and vegetarian options. For more information: 760-262-4633 | www.tamalefestival.net
Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting | Dec. 2 at 5:30pm | Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
HGTV’s “Desert Flippers” hosts, Eric and Lindsey Bennett, serve as this year’s celebrity tree lighters. Festivities begin at at the Tram’s Mountain Station kicking off with a holiday performance by the Palm Springs High School Madrigals & String Quartet. Then the Bennetts light the Tram’s landmark 45-foot tree comprised of 4,000 LED lights. For more information: 760-325-1391 | www.pstramway.com
Skilled Hands Boutique and Fundraiser | Dec. 2 from 8:30am-2:30pm | Heritage Palms Golf Club, Indio
Artisans create one of a kind items for your Holiday Shopping. Raffle proceeds will be donated to the Indio K-9 Police Unit. For more information: http://happening.coachellavalley.com
Artist Studio Tour | Dec. 2 from 10am-5pm | La Quinta Museum
Artists in La Quinta will open their studios and homes to the public for one day. You will have the opportunity to talk with the artists and discuss with them their passion for their craft. It is a great way to spend the day. Tickets can only be purchased on the day of the tour at the La Quinta Museum. You will receive a bracelet and map for access to the event. For more information: 760-564-1283 | www.laquintahistoricalsociety.com
Wreath Auction at Eight4Nine Restaurant | Dec. 3| 849 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
The LGBT Community Center of the Desert presents the 2018 Holiday Wreath Auction. The Center creates a vibrant community by helping LGBTQ people along their way, in Coachella Valley and visitors of all ages, totaling nearly 68,000 client visits annually. For more information: 760-416-7790 | www.thecenterps.org
Historic Casita Lighting | Dec. 5 from 5pm | La Quinta Museum
Kick off the holidays with the lighting of our historic casita. We will celebrate with mariachi music and delicious refreshments. If you wish to donate to the children at Galilee Center, please bring an unwrapped toy or book. This is a free event. For more information: 760-777-7170 | www.laquintahistoricalsociety.com
Backstreet Art District Art Walk | Dec. 5 from 5-8pm | 2600 South Cherokee Way, Palm Springs
The first Wednesday of each month experience Art Walk where galleries are open for guests to meet the artists, visit working studios and enjoy original fine and decorative art all in one location. For more information: 760-328-4144 / www.backstreetartdistrict.com
Women Leaders Forum Jingle & Mingle Holiday Social | Dec. 5 from 5:30-7:30pm | La Fe Wine Bar, Palm Desert
Raise a glass with fellow leaders and philanthropists that support the youth of the Coachella Valley. Holiday cocktails, finger food and lively conversations will be enjoyed by all. For more information: 760-837-7222 | www.wlfdesert.org
La Quinta Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec. 7 from 6-8pm | Civic Center Park
For more information: 760-777-7000 | www.laquintaca.gov
Coachella Holiday Parade | Dec. 7 from 6-9pm | Vine Avenue & 6th Street
For more information: 760-395-3502 | www.coachella.org
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music | Dec. 7-23 | Indio Performing Arts Center
The classic holiday favorite comes to the DTW stage this Christmas! Featuring classic songs like “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Do-Re-mi.” For more information: 760-980-1455 | www.dtworks.org
Barnes & Noble Bookfair |Dec. 8 from 9am-8pm | Westfield Palm Desert
Stop by our table to receive Bookfair ID # to be used during checkout. A percentage of your purchases will benefit Friends of the Desert Mountains. For more information: 760-862-9984 | www.desertmountains.org
La Quinta Hotel Tour & Luncheon | Dec. 8 from 10:30am-1:30pm | La Quinta Resort & Club, 49499 Eisenhower Drive
Set against the backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the legendary La Quinta Resort & Club is the longest running resort in the Palm Springs desert area and one of the only two resorts in the country for which a city has been named. For more information: 760-564-1283 | www.laquintahistoricalsociety.com
Desert Mountains Art Faire | Dec. 8 from 9am-4pm | Santa Rosa-San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
Mediums include photography, paintings, ceramics, hand painted silks, and more. Support local artists and find beautiful and unique gifts and desert mementos, all while enjoying the natural beauty of our desert mountains! For more information: 760-862-9984 | www.desertmountains.org
North Pole Village at Snow Fest | Dec. 8 from 5-9pm | Civic Center Plaza, Cathedral City
An outdoor market featuring holiday arts & crafts, food, treats, and beverages including hot chocolate and cider. At 6pm, join the Mayor for the annual lighting of the Cathedral City Holiday Tree in front of City Hall. Santa Claus will arrive for photos. Listen to local choirs sing and the holiday DJ music, and wander through Town Square Park that will be transformed into a winter wonderland. At 8pm, have all the kids gather around Town Square Park for the 20,000 Candy Cane Giveaway. For more information: 760-770-0340 / www.snowfest.us
Christmas Walk at Shops on El Paseo | Dec. 8 from 11am-4pm | 73061 El Paseo, Palm Desert
Acapella Carollers, Saxophonist Aaron Mercado, Hip Hop Nutcrackers, Fashion Sketch Artist, Sweet & Savory Food trucks, Tastes & Treats in participating stores. Take your photo inside the Giant Snow Globe! For more information: 760-341-4058 | www.theshopsonelpaseo.com
Desert Hot Springs Holiday Lights Parade & Tree-Lighting Spectacular | Dec. 8 from 5:45-10pm | 11999 Palm Drive
Community Grand Marshal Shaniyah Carlson and Veteran Grand Marshal Edward Johnson lead the celebrations. Free cotton candy, face painting, coffee and hot chocolate. Ferris Wheel, Slide, Merry-Go-Round, Train, Swings. Free pictures with Santa and his reindeer. Live Music Performance by HindSite. More food than ever: fajitas, tacos, grilled corn, Greek food, Philly cheesesteaks, French Fries, Corn Dogs, Mozzarella Strips, Funnel Cakes, Ice Cream and MORE! For more information: www.cityofdhs.org
Santa Fly-In & Winter Fun Land | Dec. 8-9 from 11am | Palm Springs Air Museum
Santa Claus will arrive at the Air Museum in his airplane to greet all the good little girls and boys who come to see him. You can have your picture taken with Santa and he will have a special gift for each child. Also Santa will open his Winter Fun Land filled with snow directly from the North Pole. Free with your regular admission. For more information: www.palmspringsairmuseum.org
Holiday Harmony Concert | Dec. 9, 12 & 16 | Indian Wells Theater at The CSUSB Palm Desert Campus
California Desert Chorale is composed of both professional and amateur singers who bring a wide variety of choral and solo experience to the ensemble. California Desert Chorale is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization. For more information: 760-346-4933 | www.californiadesertchorale.org
Clubs Fore Kids Golf Tournament | Dec. 12 from 8:30am | Escena Golf Club, Palm Springs
Benefiting Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, PSHA and PSRA. Come for Golf or Lunch: Come out for a beautiful day of golf and support our youth! Even if you are not a golfer, come for lunch. Lots of great raffle and silent auction prizes! For more information: www.bgcps.org
Star Party at the Monument | Dec. 15 from 5-8pm | Santa Rosa-San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
The Astronomical Society of the Desert will conduct “sky tours” and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and giant binoculars. For more information: 760-862-9984 | www.desertmountains.org
A Big Band Christmas |Dec. 15 from 6-8pm | Rancho Mirage Amphitheater
In partnership with LimonCarr Desert Theatricals, will present its second annual holiday show, A Big Band Christmas. This festive, free-to-the-public event is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! For more information: 760-324-4511 x273 | www.RanchoMirageCA.gov
Palm Springs Pancakes & Pajamas with Santa | Dec. 15 from 8-11am | Sunrise Park- Pavilion Building
Join the Palm Springs Recreation Department and the Palm Springs Rotary Club in your favorite pajamas as we have pancakes with Santa Claus. Create a gingerbread house, decorate holiday cookies, enjoy the holiday reading corner and photos with Santa Claus (bring your own camera). For more information: 760-323-8272 | www.palmspringsca.gov
Santa Paws 5k | Dec. 22 at 9am | American Legion Parking Lot: 400 N. Belardo
#runpalmsprings along with 1,000 other runners and walkers all dressed in 5- piece Santa Suits. This popular holiday tradition follows a beautiful 3. 1 mile course through the Las Palmas Neighborhood of Palm Springs. All Santa’s receive mile and cookies at the finish line along with a beautiful finisher medal. Tech t-shirt included with registration ($35 pre-registered/ $40 race morning). Elf Dash for kids 10 & Under ($5). For more information: 760-413-6508 | www.palmspringsmarathonrunners.org
Mildly Wild New Year’s Eve Party | Dec. 31 from 6-10pm | The Living Desert, Palm Desert
Say goodbye to 2018 and ring in 2019 with a ‘50s themed party featuring dinner, dancing, animal encounters and more. $125 per person. For more information: 760-346-5694 | www.livingdesert.org
VillageFest | Every Thursday from 6-10pm | Palm Canyon Drive www.villagefest.org
Downtown Palm Springs transforms into a diverse array of artists, artisans, entertainers, and purveyors of fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, jewelry, snacks and sweets. For more information: www.villagefest.org
College of the Desert Street Fair | Every Sat. & Sun. from 7am-2pm | 43500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert
With merchandise and services for all ages and any budget, the Street Fair offers more than 300 merchants, artists, a farmer’s market, live entertainment, gourmet food and more. For more information: 760-636-7957 | http://codaastreetfair.com