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Hard to believe that 2019 is fast drawing to a close. Here is our last Calendar of Events for the year, courtesy of our colleagues Peggy Sue, Catherine and Kathleen at First American Title:
Gingerbread Lane | Nov. 24-Dec. 21 from 12-6pm | Old Town Artisan Studio, La Quinta
Every Saturday. A winter wonderland with multiple trees, trimmed garland, twinkling lights, a marquee 17-foot tree next to Santa’s workshop all wrapped in the music of the holidays! The organizers will be offering gingerbread cookies and hot cider in the culinary area, cookie decorating tables and clay ornament painting. And, Santa will be there in person each Saturday. For more information: 760-777-1444 | www.oldtownartisanstudios.org
WildLights | Nov. 27-Dec. 28 Select Nights from 6-9pm | The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Over a million twinkling lights dazzle as guests enjoy holiday festivities, food, drink, arts and crafts, animal encounters, live entertainment, Santa Claus and more. For more information: www.livingdesert.org
Cabazon Indio Powwow | Nov. 29-Dec. 1 | Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Included in the celebration are Native American dance competitions for contestants of all ages, bird singing, drum contests and peon games. For more information: 60-342-5000 | www.fantasyspringsresort.com
Palm Springs Open Tennis Tournament | Nov. 29-Dec. 1 | Mission Hills Country Club, Desert Princess, Monterey Country Club, and Sunrise Country Club
An international tennis tournament run by the Desert Tennis Association, attracting more than 300 LGBT players from around the world. DTA is a non-profit corporation that organizes tennis events for the LGBT community in the Coachella Valley and raises funds for local charities. A Player’s Banquet, benefitting AAP – Food Samaritans, takes place at Mission Hills CC Saturday at 7pm. For more information: www.deserttennis.us
Coachella Holiday Tree Lighting | Dec. 4 from 5-8pm | City Hall: 1515 Sixth Street
The holiday excitement begins with the holiday tree lighting outside the Coachella City Hall. Enjoy free food, holiday train rides and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, all with a Candy Land theme! For more information: www.coachella.org
HOle HOle HOle Holiday Golf Tournament | Dec. 5 from 12-4pm | Big Rock Golf Course, Indian Springs
Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to play in their HOle! HOle! HOle! Holiday Golf Tournament. For more information: www.pdacc.org
McCallum Theatre Annual Gala | Dec. 5 at 8pm | McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert
Enjoy fine dining at a local participating restaurant and then a performance by Grammy Award-winning artist, Seal, with a 29-piece orchestra performing standards by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Charlie Chaplin, and more! For more information: www.mccallumtheatre.com
Celebrate the Season | Dec. 6 from 5:30-7:30pm | The Gardens on El Paseo, Palm Desert
Features the music of Elvis Presley performed by Scot Bruce in his “Tribute to the King,” free pictures with Santa Claus, entertainment by strolling carolers, festive “snowfall,” and hot cider and cocoa. For more information: 760-862-1990 | www.thegardensonelpaseo.com
La Quinta Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec. 6 from 6-8pm | Civic Center Park: 78495 Calle Tampico
Live performances, crafts, cookies, hot cocoa, pictures with Santa, and complimentary rides around Civic Center Park on a holiday train! This event is free and all ages are welcome. For more information: www.laquintaca.gov
Coachella Holiday Parade | Dec. 6 from 6-8pm | Downtown Coachella
The parade will feature local marching bands, dances troupes, floats and dignitaries. Food vendors will be located along the route selling tamales, tacos, champurado and snacks. For more information: www.gcvcc.org
El Paseo Cruise Night | Dec. 6 from 3-6pm | El Paseo, Palm Desert
The cool, shiny, lovingly cared-for classic cars begin arriving around 3:15pm at the upper level of the parking structure behind The Gardens. Get a close-up look at these beauties and talk to the owners before they take over cruising El Paseo from 4-6pm. For more information: www.elpaseocruisenight.com
Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting | Dec. 6 at 5pm | Frances Stevens Park
Join the City Council and Celebrity Tree Lighter Mary Hart for caroling, holiday craft stations and storytime with Santa Claus. The lighting of the 22-foot Holiday Tree will take place at 5:15pm sharp. For more information: www.palmspringsca.gov
El Paseo Art Walk | Dec. 6 from 4-7pm | El Paseo, Palm Desert
There will be exhibit openings, artist receptions and more! Enjoy seeing everything there is to see, from the Palm Desert Art Museum in Palm Desert’s free First Friday event to each gallery and stops along the way. For more information: www.elpaseoartwalk.com
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade | Dec. 7 from 4:45-9pm | Palm Canyon Drive
Over the past 27 years, the parade has featured a host of marching bands, performing groups as well as the Budweiser Clydesdales, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Snoopy and the Gang — and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus! This year’s Celebrity Grand Marshal is Mary Hart! For more information: www.psfestivaloflights.com
Desert VegFest | Dec. 7 from 10am-4pm | University of California, Riverside - Palm Desert
An all-vegan festival, featuring delicious food pop-ups, food trucks, food vendors, informative speakers, music and more. For more information: https://www.desertvegfest.com
Welcome Winter Festival | Dec. 7 from 10am-3pm | Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Games, music, crafts, shopping, food, bounce house and auction/raffle. Take a picture with Santa! America’s Got Talent season 13 Golden Buzzer winner Makayla Phillips will be performing and our own local Bone Thumpers. All proceeds benefit Ronnie’s House For Hope. For more information: 760-485-9019 | www.ronnieshouseforhope.org
Playtime with Santa | Dec. 7 from 4-6pm | The Gardens on El Paseo, Palm Desert
Pose for photos with Santa, have your face painted, a balloon creation twisted or just lounge on the Center Lawn enjoying lawn games. A $15 donation to participate benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert. For more information: 760-862-1990 | www.thegardensonelpaseo.com
Desert Mountains Art Faire | Dec. 7 from 9am-4pm | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, Palm Desert
Mediums may 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 the desert mountains! For more information: www.desertmountains.org
Indio International Tamale Festival | Dec. 7-8 - Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 1-am-5pm | Oldtown Indio
Visitors delight in scrumptious tamales, endless alternative food options, shopping, and all-day entertainment with five stages (two of which are community stages showcasing local talent). For more information: 760-262-4633 | www.tamalefestival.net
Ironman 70.3 | Dec. 8 from 7am-4:30pm | Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Join the triathletes or cheer them on as they race through a course that includes a swim at Lake Cahuilla, a bike race through La Quinta and a half-marathon. For more information: www.ironman.com
Golden Grapes Wine Festival | Dec. 8 from 1-4pm | Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs
Join in for a wine-soaked bacchanalia with the Palm Springs Wine Festival as this festival celebrates the best winemakers, grapes and grape lovers in California with over 30 participating wineries lovingly pouring the sweet nectar all day. For more information: www.pswinefest.com
Police Blue Light Ceremony | Dec. 9 from 6-8pm | La Quinta City Hall
A Day in Honor of Fallen Officers who have provided the Ultimate Sacrifice in the Line of Duty. Ceremony held in Council Chambers; gathering overflow to the Lobby area afterwards. For more information: www.laquintaca.gov
The PSHA/PSRA 9th Annual Clubs Fore Kids Golf Tournament | Dec. 11 from 8:30am-3pm | Escena Golf Club, Palm Springs
Benefits Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, PSHA and PSRA. Great prizes for the winners & amazing Raffle Prizes for all your “Holiday Shopping”. For more information: 760-346-8738 | www.palmspringshospitality.org
Jarabe Mexicano Mexican Folk Rock | Dec. 12 from 7-9:30pm | Rancho Mirage Library
The Jarabe Mexicano quintet invites you on a rollicking joyride through Mexican folk, rock ‘n’ roll, Tex-Mex, Latin rock, and Reggae-Cumbia. For more information: www.ranchomiragelibrary.org
Athena Awards Luncheon | Dec. 13 from 11:30am-1pm | Renaissance Palm Springs
Receiving an Athena Award is a distinguished honor presented by Chambers of Commerce nationwide, paying tribute to women who demonstrate excellence in business and in the community. For more information: www.pschamber.org
Santa Visits the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway | Dec. 14 from 11am-3pm | One Tram Way, Palm Springs
Free candy canes and photo opportunities for the kids bring another dose of Yuletide merriment to all who visit the Tramway’s Mountain Station. For more information: www.pstramway.com
North Pole Village at Snow Fest | Dec. 14 | Downtown Cathedral City
Holiday music and carolers, Santa Claus, holiday tree lighting ceremony, a 10,000 Candy Cane Drop for Kids, Snow Bubble Play for Kids, free ice skating passes to Desert Ice Castle, and a silent auction featuring “Charlie Brown Christmas Trees” decorated by local celebrities. For more information: www.snowfest.us
Paws N’ Claus | Dec. 14 from 4-6pm | The Gardens on El Paseo, Palm Desert
Don’t miss the fun of Paws N’ Claus, where you can photograph your canine pal with Santa Claus, and enjoy fun pet activities and treats for you and your dog. A $15 donation to participate benefits the Bianca Rae Foundation. For more information: 760-862-1990 | www.thegardensonelpaseo.com
A Big Band Christmas | Dec. 14 from 6pm | Rancho Mirage Community Park
Step back in time to the 1940’s during WW II and experience the sound of a “live radio show” being broadcast to the boys overseas. Arrive early and enjoy food and beverages from local vendors. For more information: www.desert-theatricals.com
Walk of the Stars Honors Jon Schroeder | Dec. 20 from 2-3pm | Palm Canyon Drive
Join us as we honor local kid turned Hollywood writer and producer, Emmy-winner, Jon Schroeder, with the 435th star on Walk of the Stars Palm Springs. For more information: www.pschamber.org
Palm Springs Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 21 from 8am-12pm | Palm Springs Pavilion
Join us 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: www.palmspringsca.gov
Star Party at the Monument | Dec. 21 from 5-8pm | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, Palm Desert
Enjoy a “sky tour” conducted by The Astronomical Society of the Desert, observing celestial bodies and constellations in the night sky through telescopes and giant binoculars. For more information: www.desertmountains.org
Santa Paws 5k | Dec. 21 from 8-11am | Temple Isaiah, Palm Springs
Benefiting Guide Dogs of the Desert. Each participant receives a 5-piece Santa suit that can be worn during the event and is then yours for keeps! All participants run, walk or stroll the 5K (3.1mile) route. For more information: 760-413-6508 | www.palmspringsmarathonrunners.org