While Target may already have Valentine’s Day cards on display, the rest of the world knows it’s just the start of the winter holidays. This time of year sees us celebrate with tree lightings, latkes, and many more traditions. Below, in alphabetical order, we’ve listed some of the events kicking off soon in Coachella Valley cities.
Cathedral City tree lighting | Dec. 7 | 5 p.m. | Civic Center Plaza
Bring the entire family to the “Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony” and “North Pole Village.” Expect holiday music, Santa Claus, a tree lighting ceremony, candy canes, bike giveaways for kids, and a free movie at the Mary Pickford Theatre. More information is available here.
Coachella tree lighting | Dec. 7 | 5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Enjoy special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus and free food to sample at this event, which is followed by an anime-themed parade that starts at Cesar Chavez Street and Westerfield Way and ends at Veterans’ Memorial Park. This year’s parade is hosted by Bea Gonzalez, a Desert Community college District board member. More information is available here.
Desert Hot Springs Parade of Lights & Holiday Festival | Dec. 10 | 5:30 p.m. | Palm Drive
Enjoy free cotton candy, face painting, musical entertainment, and rides, and also get your picture taken with Santa at this event. Food vendors will be on hand. More information is available here.
Indio tree lighting | Dec. 1 | 5 p.m. | Civic Center Mall
Join carolers, Santa, and other performers at this tree lighting on Thursday, Dec. 1. at 5 p.m.
La Quinta tree lighting | Dec. 2 | 6 p.m. | Civic Center Park
Bring the family for all the festivities plus a visit from Santa at this event held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. More information is available here.
Palm Desert Frosty Fest | Dec. 3 | 2 p.m. | Civic Center Park
This free event features games, food, vendors, Santa, a jump town, crafting stations, prizes, live entertainment, and more. Additional information is available here.
Palm Springs tree lighting, Festival of Lights Parade | Dec. 2 and 3 | 5 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.
The city’s annual tree lighting ceremony takes place at Frances Stevens Park on Friday, Dec. 2. It’s preceded by the annual Holiday Banner Student Awards at 4 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 3, take in the sights and sounds of the valley’s largest holiday event as the Festival of Lights heads down Palm Canyon Drive. More information about the tree lighting can be found here. Details about the Festival of Lights Parade can be found here.
Ritz-Carlton tree lighting in Rancho Mirage | Dec. 8 | 5:30 p.m.
The hotel puts on an annual event for residents and visitors that includes music and food.
Also look for events that have already kicked off or are a bit out of the area, including:
- Indian Wells Winter Fest, happening at Indian Wells Golf resort through Jan. 1. The event includes ice skating, a holiday-inspired golf experience, and more. More information is available here.
- A 60-foot holiday tree along El Paseo in Palm Desert was lit Nov. 18. You can see it nightly throughout the holiday season.
- At the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, it’s choir season. performances start on Dec. 2 and continue on select night through Dec. 11. Find all the details here.
