You’re a smart cookie — you’ve decided to spend the December holidays in Palm Springs at one of our famous boutique hotels and resorts! Clever you, because we’re bringing all the cheer to the yard. Go here to book your hotel stay, read on for your itinerary…
Holiday events
Dec. 1 Jingle Mingle Tree lighting at Downtown Park
Dec. 1: Charles Dickens Writes a Christmas Carol at Revolution Stage Company — Based on a short note in Dickens’ own journal, this adaptation puts Dickens himself centerstage as the characters in the story argue, debate, and cajole him into writing his most famous work.
Dec. 2: Festival of Lights Parade — Bella da Ball, a Palm Springs community sweetheart, social ambassador, and hostess with the mostest, and John Taylor, radio personality at KGAY 106.5, will be parade announcers from Granvia Valmonte.
Dec. 3: Santa at Marilyn
The view from the top after taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Dec. 3, 6, 8, and 10: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — Take the tram to the top of the mountain and enjoy some holiday music with local chorales.
Wild Lights at The Living Desert in Palm Desert
Magic of Lights at the Empire Polo Club
Don’t forget about Village Fest every Thursday. Shop street vendors, try new food (many current P.S. hot spots got their start at Village Fest), and enjoy a cocktail and some great music on every corner. Pro tip: Bring a jacket and wear good shoes. Maybe take an Uber or stay in one of the downtown boutique hotels and walk. Parking is free but hard to find.
Dec. 13: Drew Sebastian and Ethylina Cannes: Cozy Little Christmas Variety Show at Reforma
Dec. 19-23: Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum — For the little ones: Santa Claus and a playground of 40 tons of real snow, craft making, hot chocolate, s’mores and more. 6 to 9 p.m. Kids 3 and under get in free.
Dec. 20: Deserted Films presents Holiday Oddities II, a unique look at the past through the eyes of home videos and specially curated content. It’s a blast reliving the past.
Stage, theater, film, and concerts
Dec. 6: Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience at the Downtown Park. Concert admission is free.
Dec. 6: For Cabaret6: Desert Stars #5, Rose Mallett presents Songs of Sarah, a Sarah Vaughan Tribute at Revolution Stage Company. Nationally known entertainer and local gem in her final local performance of this show set to go on tour.
Keisha D will sing Ella Fitzgerald at the final Cabaret 6: Desert Stars show. Courtesy photo
Dec. 13: The final Cabaret6: Desert Stars show is Keisha D Sings Ella Fitzgerald at Revolution Stage Company. She’s a local treasure with big pipes and her own spot on our Walk of Stars.
PS Cultural Center — Formerly Camelot Theaters, the Center is a bastion of entertainment with movies, live theater and music, and special events. It’s off the strip and a favorite of locals. Full bar.
Jazzville — At Cascade Lounge in Agua Caliente Casino
Sunday’s Jazz Jam at Melvyn’s — At Ingleside Estate (née Inn) on Sundays they’ve got the best jazz vocalists in the Valley sitting in with an all-star band. Very Palm Springs.
You won’t want to miss any of the free Rock the Park concerts happening over the next several months. Courtesy photo
Dinner clubs
Here’s where you’ll find dinner and a show, each with its own unique spin on the concept.
Entertainment
V Wine Lounge — They’ve got a deliciously unique menu and live entertainment in a mid-mod atmosphere.
Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill — There’s music in the restaurant, but there’s a party up the stairs in the lounge.
Drag Bingo with Palm Springs icon Bella da Ball, Mondays at 7 p.m. at Kings Highway. Trivia follows in the Amigo Room at 9 p.m. Make a reservation — it’s a hot ticket.
New in town
Canopy Wine Lounge — Quite possibly the newest spot in town, Canopy Wine Lounge opened its doors in late November.
Play Lounge and Cafe — Breakfast, lunch, coffee, cocktails, and old school games that don’t require an Xbox, including a pool table.
Christmas Eve and the big day dinner
Christmas Eve at Copley’s — Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner, with options including Scottish salmon, sesame ahi tuna, and charred prime filet. View all of the offerings here.
Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner at Lulu California Bistro — Christmas dinner plans this year are made easy at Lulu California Bistro. Reserve your spot for a delicious Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner and make your choice between multiple courses.
If you’re looking for the traditional Chinese restaurant food for Christmas Day, I’m afraid I’ve failed you. At this time, I have no recommendations.
I couldn’t find much for you on New Year’s Eve, since it’s still a bit early for a sleepy little town, but here’s a quick rundown of what’s planned as of now.
That’s it for me for December! Wishing you the happiest of holidays and I hope you come spend them in the happiest little town in America (fight me!). We’re the nation’s record holder for merry and gay. There’s no such thing, but if there were, we’d win by a landslide!
Ho, ho, ho, ya’ll!
