While 2024 may soon be drawing to a close, there are still lots of things to see and do in the Coachella Valley before the end of the year. Here are just a few suggestions, courtesy of our fun-loving colleagues, Catherine, Dawn and Valori, over at First American Title:
Magic of Lights Coachella | Nov. 19-Dec. 29 - Sun-Thurs from 5:30 – 9pm, Fri-Sat from 5:30-10pm | Empire Polo Club, Indio
Guests can experience Magic of Lights’ beloved holiday displays from the comfort of their own vehicle, including Prehistoric Christmas, Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, festive Elves, and Reindeer Road. Along with the 200-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, there will be new and captivating light tunnels to enhance the festive journey. For more information: 888-226-0076 | www.magicoflights.com
Wildlights | Nov. 26-Dec. 30 – Select Evenings | The Living Desert Zoo | Gardens, Palm Desert
Be dazzled by twinkling lights, like the 30-foot holiday tree and animal-themed displays, alongside returning favorites such as the Tunnel of Lights, s’mores station, holiday carousel, and photos with Santa. In true WildLights tradition, the G-scale model trains will be decked out for the holidays. Recognized as a Top 10 Best Zoo Lights by USA Today, the event offers a magical winter wonderland. For more information: 760-346-5694 | www.livingdesert.org
Cabazon Indio Powwow | Nov. 29- Dec. 1 | Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio
Native American dance competitions for contestants of all ages, bird singing, drum contests and peon games. There are also opportunities for visitors to join dancers in the arena during non-competitive, inter-tribal dancing. Taste Native American foods such as Indian fry bread and shop among vendors for jewelry, weaving’s, dream catchers and other types of Native arts and crafts. For more information: 760-342-5000 | www.fantasyspringsresort.com
Desert Arts Festival | Nov. 29- Dec. 1 from 10am-4pm | The River at Rancho Mirage
Enjoy a diverse desert art experience with artists who work across many mediums. Metal and ceramic sculptures, paintings, handmade jewelry, and other exciting art pieces await at this annual event. For more information: 818-813-4478 | www.westcoastartists.com
Holiday PJ Movie Nights | Dec. 2-23 from 6:30-8:30pm | Play Cafe & Lounge, Palm Springs
Come out for some of your favorite holiday movies on the big screen each Monday in December. The organizers will light the fires, cook up some popcorn and relax. Wear your PJs and get happy hour all night. Dogs are more than welcome. For more information: 760-808-8588 | https://www.playloungeps.com/events
Palm Springs Rock the Park Concert Series | Dec. 4 at 7pm | Downtown Park
Catch a concert the first Wednesday of each month December to May. December 4th features Hot August Night - A Tribute to Neil Diamond. For more information: 760-325-1577 | https://www.visitpalmsprings.com/events/rock-the-park-concert-series-l-a-vation/
Palm Springs Cookies with Mrs. Santa | Dec. 5 from 6-9pm | Villagefest - Downtown Palm Springs
Jumpstart your holiday shopping at VillageFest. Stroll down Palm Canyon, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, as you explore a diverse selection of unique and handcrafted gifts. From one-of-a-kind artworks to artisanal foods, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. With live music, delicious treats, and a joyful atmosphere, “Jingle All the Way” at VillageFest is the ultimate destination for spreading holiday cheer and finding that perfect present. Enjoy cookies with Mrs. Claus. Who knows…you might even see Santa! For more information: 760-323-8272 | https://visitpalmsprings.com/celebrating-the-holidays-in-palm-springs/
Palm Springs Holiday Banner Awards & Tree Lighting | Dec. 6 from 4-5:30pm | Frances Stevens Park
Palm Springs Holiday Banner Awards & Tree Lighting. For more information: 760-323-8272 | https://visitpalmsprings.com/events/holiday-tree-lighting/
El Paseo Cruise Night | Dec. 6 from 4-7pm | El Paseo, Palm Desert
You don't need to own a Classic Car to enjoy all the festivities of Cruise Night on El Paseo. Everyone is welcome from November to April from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Begin arriving with your car at the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce Parking Lot on El Paseo & Highway 111 at 2:00pm. If you don't own a car to Cruise with, come and view the cars and meet the owners. At 4:00pm, a few announcements and the introduction of the Guest MC for the evening and then at 4:15pm - time to Cruise! For more information: 760-346-8965 | www.elpaseocruisenight.com
La Quinta Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec. 6 from 6-8pm | Civic Center Park
Bring the whole family for a night of festive fun, snow play, and a special visit from Santa! Don’t forget your gloves and bundle up to stay cozy. This free event is open to all. For more information: 760-777-7000 | https://www.playinlaquinta.com/event/annual-tree-lighting-ceremony/
Indio Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec. 6 at 5pm | Downtown Indio
Enjoy delicious food trucks, live holiday entertainment, free activities like photo ops and a snow activation, local school performances and, of course, a visit from Santa. For more information: 760-391-4000 | https://www.indio.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/11966/
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade | Dec. 7 at 5:45pm | Palm Canyon Drive
The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is on Palm Canyon Drive between Ramon Road and Tachevah Road and features Macy’s-style balloons, marching bands, floats, and much more. For more information: For more information: 760-323-8272 | https://visitpalmsprings.com/celebrating-the-holidays-in-palm-springs/
Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament | Dec. 7 from 8am-5pm | Cimmaron Golf Resort, Cathedral City
Register by November 29. Full Golf Tournament, Lunch Included, Awards Ceremony, 50/50 Drawing, Complimentary Mulligan, 50-50 ticket, and Bloody Mary Drink for each player (Value $18), Hole-in-One Prize: Two-Year Lease from Palm Springs Nissan. For more information: 760-898-8604 | www.discovercathedralcity.com
Santa Paws 5K & Elf Dash | Dec. 7 from 8-11am | 332 W. Alejo Rd., Palm Springs
Get into the Christmas Spirit and help support Guide Dogs of the Desert, a 501c3 charity that provides trained guide dogs at no cost for the blind and sight impaired as well as assistance dogs for those with seizures, Autism or PTSD. Each participant receives a Santa suit that can be worn during the event and is then yours for keep! For more information: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/PalmSprings/PalmSpringsSantaPaws5K
Indio International Tamale Festival | Dec. 7-8 from 10am-7pm | Downtown Indio
With vendors showcasing a delicious variety of tamales, from traditional recipes to creative new sabores, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Live music, dancing, and family-friendly entertainment! Get ready for the ultimate showdown at the Luchador Throwdown! Free ice skating rink. Carnival rides and classic midway games. For more information: www.indiointernationaltamalefestival.com
Men of the Desert Fashion Show | Dec. 8 from 11am-2pm | Palm Springs Air Museum
Enjoy dudes, dogs and designer fashions at one of the Desert’s most popular charity events. All proceeds benefit Animal Samaritans Animal Rescue Program which has saved more than 15,000 adoptable, at risk dogs and cats. For more information: 760-332-5027 | www.animalsamaritans.org
Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells-La Quinta | Dec. 8 | Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
The course includes a swim through Lake Cahuilla, an exclusive lap around Thermal Raceway, and a scenic run through Indian Wells Golf Resort. The finish line sits at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens. For more information: 760-564-4712 | www.ironman.com/im703-indian-wells
Doggie Holiday Extravaganza | Dec. 8 from 12-1:30pm | Play Lounge & Cafe, Palm Springs
Join us for family Santa photo ops, prizes by local vendors, and holiday treats for our buddies. We will even have a raffle benefiting Guide Dogs of the Desert. For more information: 760-808-8588 | https://www.playloungeps.com/events
Chambermasters Golf Tournament | Dec. 11 - 7am Check In - Breakfast & Putting Practice. 8:30am Shotgun Start | Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage
Hosted by the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce. Entry includes: Bloody Mary Bar, Breakfast, Lunch, Raffle & Awards Ceremony, plus the best chamber day ever, of course! For more information: 760-568-9351 | https://ranchomiragechamber.org/event-calendar/
“Wrap it Up” Show & Sale Opening Reception | Dec. 12 from 4-6pm | Artist Center at the Galen, Palm Desert
Featuring over 130 works of art from local artists. The variety of 2D and 3D works are sure to please all visitors of the Artists Center. The Store, the Artists Center’s Gift Shop will also feature handcrafted items, ceramics, jewelry and prints for a unique shopping experience. For more information: 760-565-6130 | www.artistscouncil.com
Holiday Open House and Cookie Drive | Dec. 13 from 10am-2pm | Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce
Bring a batch of your favorite cookies to donate to the local hospitals. The organizers will begin accepting cookie donations December 12 from 10am-3pm for those that are unable to visit make it on the 13th. On Friday, the RMCC office will be hosting some light bites and holiday cheer beginning at 10am. All donations will be gathered and dropped off at the local hospitals at 3pm. RMCC will also partner with LifeStream Blood Bank for a holiday blood drive from 9am-2pm. For more information: 760-568-9351 | https://ranchomiragechamber.org/event-calendar/
La Quinta Pancakes with Santa | Dec. 14 from 9-11am | Wellness Center: 78450 Avenida La Fonda
Children can enjoy a wide variety of fun holiday activities, including writing a letter to Santa, taking a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, decorating their own stocking and coloring a festive ornament. For more information: 760-777-7000 | https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=981155530707495&set=gm.2047982402307932
Holiday Paw Parade | Dec. 14 from 8am-12pm | Victoria Park
Palm Springs’ Festive Pet Costume Extravaganza! Presented by Boozehounds, Palm Springs, benefiting the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. End at Boozehounds for Award Ceremony + Refreshments. For more information: 760-656-0067 | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-paw-parade-and-pet-costume-contest-tickets-1002501859047?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Art on Main Street | Dec. 14 from 10am-4pm | Old Town La Quinta
Featured artist, Gustavo Santana, is a well-recognized designer known for his unique hand-blown and etched glass art. Enjoy discovering new collections by over 50 artists amidst Old Town’s charming boutiques and cafes. For more information: 760-600-0758 | www.oldtownlaquinta.com
Tailwaggers Santa Paws & Mrs. Claws | Dec. 14 from 11am-4pm | Tailwaggers Pet Food & Supplies, Palm Springs
Bring your pet and get your photo taken with Santa Paws and Mrs. Claws! Mingle with our vendors, and find tasty snacks for your naughty or nice pup to enjoy! Maybe even see some snow! For more information: 323-464-9600 | www.tailwaggerspets.com
Desert Hot Springs Parade of Lights & Holiday Festival | Dec. 14 from 5:45-10pm | DHS City Hall
Tree Lighting Ceremony, FREE pictures with Santa Claus, Food Galore, Live Music, Carnival Rides, Face Painting, and Cotton Candy. For more information: 760-329-6411 | https://www.cityofdhs.org/event/2024-holiday-parade-and-festival/
North Pole Village at Snow Fest | Dec. 14 | Civic Center Plaza, Cathedral City
Enjoy festive music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a dazzling tree lighting ceremony. Delight in Santa’s Arrival, free train rides on the Snow Fest Express, real snow in the park, an Elf Workshop for kids by S.C.R.A.P. Gallery, an ugly sweater contest, live music, and delicious food by Meester Zebra. For more information; 760-202-2426 | www.snowfest.us
Snowtopia | Dec. 20-22 from 6-9pm | Palm Springs Air Museum
Head to the Palm Springs Air Museum for a festive Winter Wonderland experience that’s perfect for the whole family! Snowtopia brings Santa Claus and 60 tons of real snow to the museum for a day filled with magical activities. Play in the snow on the tarmac, take a ride on a real holiday train, and roast your own S’mores over cozy outdoor fire pits. Savor delicious treats from food trucks offering pizza, hot dogs, and more. Capture holiday memories with Frosty the Snowman, Mrs. Claus, and playful elves for photos. Inside the Miles Hangar, enjoy craft-making, holiday shopping, and indulge in hot chocolate and cookies for a truly festive experience! For more information: https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/programs/snowtopia-winter-wonderland/
Palm Springs Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 21 from 8-11am | Palm Springs Pavilion
Come enjoy Breakfast with Santa on Saturday December 21, 2024. For more information: 760-323-8272 | www.psfestivaloflights.com
Santa & Mrs. Claus Meet and Greet & Holiday Boat Tour | Dec. 21-24 Strating at 9am | Santa's Helper Holiday Boat Tour | Dec. 21-30 from 3 to 8pm | JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Check in at the lobby boat dock 10 minutes before your scheduled time to be welcomed by elves and Santa himself. Guests enjoy a special holiday giveaway—choose a Santa stocking filled with toys. For more information: 760-341-2211 | https://jwdesertsprings.247activities.com/?source=link
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