Your ultimate guide to 2025 holiday events as Palm Springs lights up with festive cheer

The long, hot summer is behind us, and the holiday season has officially arrived, bringing a festive glow to Palm Springs. It’s time to pull those ugly holiday sweaters out of storage because The Post is here to guide you through the city’s most exciting seasonal celebrations.

We’ll do our best to highlight the biggest and brightest holiday happenings, but we also want to hear from you! If you’re hosting a holiday event and want the community to know about it, feel free to add it to our event calendar. We’ll keep updating this list with new events as we count down to New Year’s Eve.

ENTERTAINMENT

If you’re in the mood for a show this holiday season, you’ve got plenty of options. Here are some of the major performances bringing the holiday spirit to life through music, theater, comedy and cabaret.

• Miss Conception: Happy Holigays!
  Nov. 28 & 29 | Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive
  A one-of-a-kind holiday spectacular with dazzling live vocals, outrageous comedy and rapid-fire costume changes.
  
• Dance with Miss Lindsay: Nutcracker & Holiday Favorites
  Sat., Nov. 29 | Annenberg Theater, 101 Museum Drive
  Dancers ages 3–18 perform pieces from “The Nutcracker” and other holiday favorites in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip hop.
  
• Naughty & Nice
  Sun., Nov. 30 | 7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Road, Suite 16
  Mama’s boys Gregg Giaviano, Richard Elander and Jim Gnaster, with music direction by Paul Cody, serve up a cheeky holiday show.
  
• An Evening with Lily Tomlin
  Dec. 2 & 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  Comedy legend Lily Tomlin appears for two nights, revisiting iconic characters and stories from her award-winning stage, film and TV career.
  
• Greg Adams & East Bay Soul: Sweet Soul Christmas
  Thu., Dec. 4 | 7 p.m. | Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road
  A horn-drenched holiday show that blends seasonal favorites with the swagger of a classic soul revue.
  
• A John Waters Christmas
  Fri., Dec. 5 | 8 p.m. | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  John Waters returns with a brand-new, adults-only holiday-themed comedy monologue.
  
• Broadway Barbara Holiday Spectacular
  Fri., Dec. 5 | Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive
  Social media sensation Broadway Barbara brings her larger-than-life holiday spectacular back to the Purple Room.
  
• Fortune Feimster
  Sat., Dec. 6 | 5 & 8 p.m. | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  Stand-up comic Fortune Feimster, known for her Netflix specials “Sweet & Salty” and “Good Fortune,” performs two shows in one night.
  
• Broadway’s Best…in the West starring Paulo Szot
  Sat., Dec. 6 | 7 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road
  Tony Award-winning baritone Paulo Szot headlines the latest installment of the Broadway’s Best…in the West concert series.
  
• Judy’s Old-Fashioned Christmas!
  Sundays, Nov. 30; Dec. 7, 14, 21 & 28 | Dinner 5 p.m., show 7 p.m. | Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive
  Michael Holmes’ campy, Judy Garland–themed holiday show styled after her 1964 TV special, with impersonations of Hollywood legends, live music and plenty of laughs.
  
• Sleigh Ride & Symphony: A Joyful Christmas Concert
  Sun., Dec. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  The Palm Springs Symphony presents holiday classics, a festive sing-along and a visit from Santa.
  
• It’s a Fabulous Life
  Running Dec. 8-20 | 7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company, 611 South Palm Canyon Dr.
  A way gay holiday musical! Using the premise of It’s a Wonderful Life, a young gay man wishes he hadn’t been born gay, and an angel grants his wish! This show has it all – showboys, drag, dancing reindeer, and a gospel-singing lesbian!
  
• Sippy ’N Bitsy’s All-Star Christmas TV Extravaganza
  Running Dec. 10–17 | Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road
  A retro, TV-style holiday variety show set in 1965 with a sci-fi twist as Skippy and Bitsy get “lost in space…CHRISTMAS!”
  
• The Duck Soup Trio’s Charlie Brown Christmas
  Thu., Dec. 11 | Cascade Lounge, 401 E. Amado Road
  A smooth, swinging jazz take on “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
  
• A Charlie Brown Christmas with Michael Orland
  Fri., Dec. 12 | 7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Road, Suite 16
  A live take on the beloved Peanuts holiday story and music.
  
• Andrea McArdle: Christmastime Is Here!
  Fri. & Sat., Dec. 12 & 13 | Purple Room
  Original Broadway “Annie” star Andrea McArdle performs classic holiday songs and Broadway favorites in an intimate cabaret setting.
  
• Palm Springs Christmas at PS Underground
  Fri., Dec. 12 | 7 p.m. | PS Underground, 1700 S. Camino Real, Suite #2
  A mid-century, Old Hollywood-inspired dinner show with music made famous by Palm Springs icons. Ticket includes a four-course dinner and fully hosted bar.
  
• Modern Men presents Cool Yule
  Sat., Dec. 13 | 7 p.m. & Sun., Dec. 14 | 3 p.m. | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  A jazz-infused holiday concert featuring more than 140 voices and a full jazz ensemble, reimagining classics from “Hot Hanukkah” to “Little Jack Frost Get Lost.”
  
• Yultide at PS Underground
  Sun., Dec. 14 | 6 p.m. | PS Underground, 1700 S. Camino Real, Suite #2
  A cozy, traditional Christmas dinner show with sing-alongs, a four-course meal and a fully hosted bar.
  
• Gennie Jackson — A Christmas Show
  Sun., Dec. 14 | 6 p.m. | Streetbar, 224 E. Arenas Road
  Vocalist Gennie Jackson takes the stage for a festive holiday performance.
  
• Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas
  Mon., Dec. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and the Tony Guerrero Quintet bring a jazzy, comedy-filled holiday concert based on their Billboard-charting album.
  
• Jews Do the Blues
  Wed., Dec. 17 | Cascade Lounge, 401 E. Amado Road
  DESERT BLUES with Deanna Bogart and Rabbi David Lazar, blending music and banter in a benefit for Or Hamidbar.
  
• Borscht Belt Hanukkah
  Thu., Dec. 18 | Cascade Lounge, 401 E. Amado Road
  A Catskills-style Hanukkah show mixing comedy, storytelling and soulful jazz grooves.
  
• Holiday Oddities 4!
  Thu., Dec. 18 | 7-9 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road
  Deserted Films screens rare holiday-themed film and video oddities with live commentary and sharp editing.
  
• Branden & James with Effie Passero
  Fri. & Sat., Dec. 19 & 20 | Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive
  A trio performance of classics like “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “O Holy Night” and “White Christmas,” plus feel-good pop and Broadway hits.
  
• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus presents Bells, Brass & Sass
  Fri.–Sun., Dec. 19–21 | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  A glittering holiday spectacular with festive favorites, musical-theatre moments and special guest artists.
  
• HO (Holiday Brunch Show) at PS Underground
  Sun., Dec. 20 | 11 a.m. | PS Underground, 1700 S. Camino Real, Suite #2
  A raunchy, adults-only holiday brunch with twisted takes on songs, poems and stories. Ticket includes a three-course brunch and fully hosted bar.
  
• White Christmas Singalong
  Sun., Dec. 21 | 5 p.m.-7 p.m. | Quadz Video Bar, 200 South Indian Canyon (at Arenas)
  Join us for 5th Annual White Christmas Sing -Along at 5pm. Pianist Jason Weber will lead us in singing some Holiday classics followed by the 1954 Holiday classic “White Christmas” along with some surprises!
  
• Nic & Desi’s Holiday Special
  Sun., Dec. 21 | 5 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Road, Suite 16
  A festive song-and-dance holiday show from Broadway duo Nic and Desi.
  
• LT Cousineau’s Songs From My Holiday Closet
  Mon., Dec. 22 | 7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Road, Suite 16
  An original cabaret show starring LT Cousineau with pianist Kurt Jordan and special guests.
  
• The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
  Mon., Dec. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  The Palm Springs Pops present a feel-good holiday concert of carols, pop songs and Christmas classics with local guests and a visit from Santa.
  
• Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
  Tue., Dec. 23 | 7 p.m. | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  The swing-revival band brings its high-energy, horn-driven show to Palm Springs as it marks 32 years on the road.
  
• White Christmas Sing-A-Long
  Wed., Dec. 24 | 3 p.m. | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  A screening of the classic film “White Christmas” with plenty of opportunities to sing along.
  
• Judy Garland: We Need a Little Christmas
  Fri., Dec. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  Debbie Wileman pays tribute to Judy Garland with holiday songs and standards in a concert drawn from her acclaimed online performances.
  
• Brad Williams — The Growth Spurt Tour
  Sat., Dec. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  Nationally known stand-up comic Brad Williams brings his latest tour to town.
  
• Jim Brickman — The Gift of Christmas
  Sun., Dec. 28 | 3 p.m. | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  Pianist and songwriter Jim Brickman performs Christmas favorites and hits like “The Gift,” “Valentine” and “Love of My Life.”
  
• Shaun Cassidy — The Road to Us
  Sat., Jan. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive
  Former teen idol Shaun Cassidy returns to the stage with stories and songs from his multi-platinum music and TV career.

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EVENTS

Here are some of the community events, parades, markets and family activities planned around Palm Springs this season.

Santa Paws 5K Run/Walk
Date TBD (listed as Dec. 14 or Dec. 20) | 8:30 a.m. | 332 W. Alejo Road
A one-of-a-kind 5K where every participant can be Santa. Entry includes a Santa suit to wear and keep; strollers and pets are welcome. A 200-meter Elf Dash for kids 10 and under costs $15 and includes a finisher medal.

Wildlights at The Living Desert
Nov. 25–Dec. 30 | 6–9 p.m. | The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47900 Portola Ave.
New and reimagined light displays, a 30-foot holiday tree, lighted animal-themed exhibits, the Tunnel of Lights, carousel, s’mores station, photos with Santa and more.

Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest
Every Thursday in December | 6–10 p.m. | Palm Canyon Drive (VillageFest)
An outdoor holiday gift market with artisan vendors, festive décor, live music and treats. Enjoy cookies with Mrs. Claus and watch for a surprise visit from Santa. Free.

Tinsel Times Carolers
Sundays & Wednesdays in December | 5–7 p.m. | Various locations downtown and along Palm Canyon Drive
Student carolers from Palm Springs Unified School District bring roaming holiday music to downtown.

Holiday Lighting of the Palm Springs Visitor Center
Fri., Nov. 28 | 4:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Visitor Center
The Ambassador of Americana, Charles Phoenix, hosts the holiday lighting of the Palm Springs Visitor Center using Tru-Tone vintage-style lights.

Cookies with Mrs. Santa at VillageFest Marketplace
Thu., Dec. 4 | 6–9 p.m. | In front of Starbucks downtown
Kids can enjoy cookies, arts and crafts and photo opportunities with Mrs. Santa in the middle of VillageFest. Free.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Tree Lighting & Carols
Fri., Dec. 5 | 4–5:30 p.m. | Frances Stevens Park, 500 N. Palm Canyon Drive
Main Street Palm Springs and city leaders present the annual Holiday Banner Awards before the official city tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. Includes caroling, kids’ crafts, a visit from Santa and complimentary cookies and hot cocoa. Free.

Festival of Lights Parade
Sat., Dec. 6 | 5:45 p.m. | Palm Canyon Drive between Ramon Road and Tachevah Road
Palm Springs’ beloved nighttime parade returns with Macy’s-style balloons, marching bands, floats and more. Free.

Breakfast with Santa at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Sat., Dec. 6 | 8:30–10:30 a.m. | Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, 1 Tramway Road
Breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus plus holiday crafts and storybook readings. Tickets are $55 for adults and seniors and $42 for children ages 3–10; tram fare included. Advance reservations required; capacity is limited.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sun., Dec. 7 | 5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, 1 Tramway Road
Lighting of the Tram’s 45-foot tree—covered in more than 4,000 lights—hosted by KESQ’s Patrick Evans, with performances by the Palm Springs High School choir and string quartet.

Snapshots with Santa
Sun., Dec. 7 | Noon–2 p.m. | Palm Springs Downtown Park
Drop by the downtown park for photos with Santa. Free.

Desert Winds Concert Band
Wed., Dec. 10 | 4–5:30 p.m. | In front of Starbucks on Tahquitz Canyon Way
A free outdoor holiday concert by the Desert Winds Concert Band. Free.

Walk of the Inns
Thu., Dec. 11 | 4 p.m. | Start at Palm Springs Art Museum
A free, self-guided walking tour of boutique hotels between Ramon Road and Tahquitz Canyon Way. Pick up a map and flashlight at the Palm Springs Art Museum and explore the city’s holiday-decorated inns.

Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum
Fri.–Mon., Dec. 19–22 | 6–9 p.m. | Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail
A Winter Wonderland with 60 tons of real snow, craft-making activities, hot chocolate, s’mores, pizza, Santa and friends, Frosty the Snowman, elves and Mrs. Claus. Children 5 and under admitted free.

Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Sat., Dec. 20 | 8–11 a.m. | Leisure Center & Pavilion, 401 S. Pavilion Way
A city-hosted breakfast featuring arts and crafts, gingerbread houses, photo opportunities and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free.

DONT FORGET THE TOYS

While we don’t have an exhaustive list or exact dates yet, now is the time to purchase and donate new, unwrapped toys for children in need this holiday season. Be on the lookout for collection boxes at many locations, including Palm Springs Fire Station 2, at 300 El Cielo Rd., and American Legion Post 519 at 400 North Belardo Rd. The fire department distributes toys to several community organizations, including the city’s Boys & Girls Club, while the Legion partners with Toys for Tots.

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