Following a restful and joyous Thanksgiving celebrated with family and friends, I am feeling invigorated and eager to embrace the ever-present hustle and bustle of the holiday season! And there are plenty of festive ways to get your merriment on in the Coachella Valley, from WildLights at The Living Desert to The Ritz-Carlton’s Teddy Bear Holiday Tea to the Aerial Tramway’s annual tree lighting ceremony, which this year features special guest, American Idol winner Abi Carter! All of my favorite ways to ring in the season across the desert are detailed below.
xo, Lindsay
LIGHT PARADE ON THE TERRACE
The beloved Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is taking place on December 7 and there’s no better place to watch than from Lola Rose Terrace located on the second floor of the Thompson hotel, which boasts unparalleled views of Palm Canyon Drive. Tickets cost $50 and include Yuletide treats and warm cocoa and tea. Holiday-themed libations will also be available at the bar. Bonus – attendance is free for kids under 12.
WALK OF THE INNS
I’ve never attended this annual event, showcasing downtown Palm Springs’ many boutique lodgings, but have heard countless good things. Taking place December 12 from 4 to 7 pm, guests are invited to tour 8 local inns at their leisure while partaking of decorations, live music and refreshments along the way. It’s a fabulous and festive way to embrace not only the season, but Palm Springs’ history – and it benefits a good cause, as well, with participants asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Well in the Desert.
SNOWMAN SERENITY CLASS
Paint your own snowman ornament al fresco using the mandala dot technique with Elaine of Creative Classes with Elaine on December 13 at the Rancho Mirage Farmers Market! I have taken several of Elaine’s fabulous workshops and thanks to her easy way of teaching and refreshing focus on breath work and mindfulness, always walk away feeling centered and relaxed – not to mention shocked at my ability to create something beautiful! Can’t make this class? Elaine is hosting several other holiday-themed courses throughout the month.
LA QUINTA RESORT HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
There is no place quite like the La Quinta Resort during the holidays, which is fitting considering it’s the spot where Frank Capra penned his 1946 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life!” Embark in merriment throughout the sparkling grounds with festive cooking demonstrations, outdoor holiday movies, Santa breakfasts and (my personal favorite) freshly roasted chestnuts served weekends in the main plaza amongst a sea of twinkling lights, glowing garlands and a magical 70-foot tree – the Valley’s tallest!
GINGERBREAD LANE
La Quinta’s Old Town Artisan Studios is transformed into an adorable winter wonderland each Saturday in December, offering three acres of festive fun for kids and adults alike to enjoy, with activities including cookie and ornament decorating, paint-your-own pottery, rock painting, plenty of photo opportunities and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in a charming cottage. There are also holiday treats and live musical performances. Best of all, the event is free to attend!
HAND-BLOWN GLASS ORNAMENT CLASS
Old Town Artisan Studios is also offering holiday-themed classes, including a hand-blown glass ornament workshop, which my mom (that’s her in the photo!) and I recently attended and absolutely loved! Led by La Quinta locals Jason and Nicole McQuaid of McQuaid Glass, the hands-on experience led us through the entire glass-blowing process, from rolling, blowing and reheating to adding color and shaping. The McQuaids are hosting another ornament workshop on December 18 and I can’t recommend it enough!
CHRISTMAS NIGHTS
Step inside a wintry-themed fairyland at 123 Farm, a 2,400-acre working farm in Yucaipa, which is festooned with over one million twinkle lights come nightfall. Located about 30 miles west of Palm Springs and featuring an abundance of attractions like Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas village with shops (Ebenezer Scrooge’s Coal Foods Market, anyone?), a life-size gingerbread house, an interactive Elf on the Shelf exhibit, a European-style Christmas market, a holiday maze and tractor rides, the venue makes for a cheery evening outing.
JUDY’S OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS
I have been hearing rave reviews for The Judy Show ever since starting Everything Palm Springs earlier this year, but only just made it out to The Purple Room to catch the Christmas version (running each Sunday in December) and am thrilled to report it surpassed all expectations! The show and its star Michael Holmes are pure delight, accompanied by a stellar meal, a fabulous soundtrack, and an abundance of hilariously irreverent holiday cheer! It’s the perfect way to indulge in the season!