The 29th Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade will return to Palm Canyon Drive at 5:45 PM on Saturday, December 4, following a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The parade, which stands as the city’s signature holiday event and a much loved tradition, features spectacular twinkling floats, magnificent marching bands, huge Macy’s-style holiday balloons – and Santa Claus.
This year’s Community Grand Marshals are Mariah Hanson, founder of Dinah Shore Weekend and Linda Barrack, CEO of Martha’s Village and Kitchen. Once again, the parade will be broadcast live on NBC Palm Springs. Coverage begins at 6 PM.
Just one day prior to the parade, residents are also invited to bring the whole family and join Santa Claus and the Palm Springs City Council for the Official City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting at 5:15 PM at Frances Stevens Park, 500 North Palm Canyon Drive.
This year’s community tree lighters are parade grand marshals Mariah Hanson and Linda Barrack. Prior to the lighting of the city’s 22-foot tall holiday tree, Main Street Palm Springs and Mayor Christy Holstege will host the annual Holiday Banner Student Awards beginning at 4 PM in the park. Free cookies, hot cocoa, and activities for children will be available until 6 PM.
“After a long period of pandemic restrictions, the City of Palm Springs is thrilled to once again celebrate the joy of the holiday season with our residents and visitors at the Official City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting and at the spectacular Festival of Lights Parade,” Holstege said in a news release issued Monday. “We invite the entire Coachella Valley to come celebrate the magic of the holidays in downtown Palm Springs, truly like no place else.”
