Son Of A Nutcracker, It’s December In Palm Springs!

“I’m sorry. He thinks he’s an elf.” — Walter, Elf

Here we are, at the top of December, and while most of the U.S. is wrapped in a blanket of snow, we’ve got so much sunshine, we’re walking on it. Yeah, yeah, it’s chilly in the morning and perfect for a cuppa hot whatever, but by noon you’ll be all warmed up. 

It’s perfect hiking weather, and perfect party weather. We’ve got both. We’re pretty festive during the holidays; oh who am I kidding, we’re totally merry and gay. See for yourself:

Holiday cheer in Palm Springs

The view from the top after taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Dec. 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, and 15 — Sounds of the Holidays at the Tramway. A different local high school chorale on each date.

Dec. 5: Cookies with Mrs. Claus at 6 p.m. during VillageFest. Photo op!

Dec. 7: Breakfast with Santa at the Tramway, 8:30 a.m., another photo op!

Dec. 7: Festival of Lights Parade, starts at 5:45 p.m. on Palm Canyon Drive between Tachevah and Ramon.

Dec. 8: Tree Lighting at the Tramway, 5:30 p.m. This year’s celebrity tree lighter is Abi Carter, the winner of season 22 of American Idol. Patrick Evans, KESQ meteorologist and host of Eye on the Desert, will emcee the evet, with the Palm Springs High School Choir and String Quartet performing holiday favorites. The tram’s 45-foot tree is covered in over 4,000 LED lights.

Dec. 12: Walk of the Inns, 4 to 7 p.m. Take a self-guided tour of participating small hotels, all with stories going back to old Palm Springs. Bring a flashlight, and dress warm. 

Theatre

Dec. 6-22: The Bent presents I’ll Eat You Last, with Cathy Moriarty as Sue Mengers.

Dec. 6: Revolution Stage Company presents Company (and other special events) 

Art

More than 180 David Hockney prints will be on display at the Palm Springs Art Museum through March 31, 2025.

Dinner and a show

PS Underground: Attend one of their dazzling dinner shows, or host your own party. Count on the creative genius of Michael and Chef Dave to help you create an outstanding event that your friends will be talking about for years to come.

The Purple Room: Food is only topped by the entertainment. Local favorites during the week, ticketed events on the weekend. If you’re spending a long weekend, go see The Judy Show. So much fun!

Palm Springs Cultural Center in the Historic Camelot Theaters: So much going on here, from live music, cocktails, and bar food (happy hours during the week) to immersive events in the big theatre. Retro movies, and special events. Check them out.

Crystal Fantasy Psychic Weekend, 11 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 

Drift: Check out their happenings. Even if you’re not staying there (but you should), Drift welcomes you to join the fun.

The Rock Gallery: Various events, open mic, comedy, and rocks!

Palm Springs staples

One of the shopping options at VillageFest. Photo by Kathy Condon

VillageFest takes place on Dec. 5, 12, 19, and 26, from 6 to 10 p.m. 

Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon: Great hiking, several locations. Some are a little tougher than others, so check the description. 

Pickleball: Demuth Park has 12 pickleball courts and one tennis court. Need some help with your form or the rules? Linda Paulding is a certified pickleball and tennis coach. All ages.

Looking forward

Jan. 2-13, 2025: 36th International Palm Springs Film Festival. Every year, movie stars converge on Palm Springs to honor films from all around the world.

Modernism Week is set for February 13-23.

Coachella in April, book your hotel early, hey fill up fast.

Look for another post from me soon with a fun and unexpected way to spend Christmas and/or New Year’s Eve.

I hope you’re all full of holiday cheer, and if not, come to Palm Springs! We can’t solve all your problems, but we can make you forget about them for awhile. Cheers!