Christmas parades, tree lightings, Hanukkah menorah celebrations, breakfasts with Santa, Nutcracker ballets, concerts, and other extravaganzas in Palm Desert, Coachella Valley, and throughout the Inland Empire are just a few of the 2022 holiday events to add to your calendar. This year, Christmas falls on Sunday, December 25, while Hanukkah lasts from December 18 to December 26. When events are posted, always check with the organizers to make sure everything is going according to plan.
CATHEDRAL CITY:
DEC. 7: Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony & North Pole Village. Free movie at Mary Pickford Theatre, too!
DESERT HOT SPRINGS:
DEC. 10: Holiday Parade Of Lights & Festival. Fest includes free carnival rides, photos with Santa & live music.
INDIAN WELLS:
THROUGH JAN. 1: ‘Winterfest’ Holiday Ice Skating Rink: Indian Wells Golf Resort. Outdoor setting decked with 32-foot Christmas tree & lots of holiday décor.
INDIO:
THROUGH JAN. 1: ‘Magic Of Lights’ Holiday Drive-Thru: Empire Polo Club. With illuminated tunnels, holiday scenes & a 32-foot-tall, animated waving Christmas Barbie, too!
DEC. 1-4: Tamale Festival & Carnival. A seasonal spectacular with rides, food, performances & rides.
LA QUINTA:
DEC. 2: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa Civic Center Park. Free event.
PALM DESERT:
NOV. 23-DEC. 30: ‘WildLights’ Holiday Lights Display: Living Desert Zoo. “Twinkling lights, dazzling light displays & holiday fun.”
NOV. 25-DEC. 24: Photos With Santa: The Shops at Palm Desert. Advance reservations suggested.
NOV. 26, DEC. 3, 10 & 17: Merry Movie Nights: Gardens On El Paseo. With family holiday films & sights of snowfall.
DEC. 2-3: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: McCallum Theatre. “A favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years.”
DEC. 18: Merri-Achi Christmas: McCallum Theatre. A show of songs, dance & merriment!
PALM SPRINGS:
DEC. 3: Annual Holiday ‘Festival Of Lights Parade’ – Signature event makes return to “world- famous” Palm Canyon Drive.
RANCHO MIRAGE:
NOV. 26: Christmas Tree Lighting, Santa & Free Holiday Fun: The Westin Rancho Mirage. Live entertainment, plus meet & greet with Mr. & Mrs. Claus.
DEC. 3: Holiday Day of Beauty Benefitting Mizell Center. RSVPs required.
DEC. 5-16: Gelson’s Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center.
DEC. 18: ‘Chanukah At The River’ Menorah Lighting & Gelt Drop. Music, latkes, hot chocolate, donuts & more.