December is a wonderful time to reconnect with friends and family and enjoy the holiday spirit. This month we have fantastic Christmas celebrations, wonderful concerts, the first shows at the new Acrisure Arena, and great live theater and art exhibitions. You’ll need your sweater and a jacket in the evenings, but that’s perfect for getting in the holiday mood!

 

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

 

Wildlights at The Living Desert - through Dec 30

 

It’s the perfect time to visit the Living Desert, as it’s transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Christmas lights are strung throughout the Living Desert, and mesmerizing glowing animal lanterns will amaze you! The model train set and carousel are given a holiday makeover, and you’ll find live music and food as well. 

 

For more information and to get tickets, click HERE. 

 

Festival of Lights Parade  - Dec 3

 

This is the main Christmas event in downtown Palm Springs. This night-time parade features lighted floats, marching bands, performance groups, and the ever-popular Budweiser Clydesdales. Featured appearances by Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Snoopy and the Gang, and Santa and Mrs. Claus are sure to delight young and old.

 

For more information, click HERE. 

Merri-Achi Christmas - Dec 18

 

For a festive take on the Christmas holiday, check out this traditional Mexican holiday celebration featuring one of the premier mariachi ensembles, Mariachi Sol De Mexico. This multicultural celebration highlights holiday favorites from Mexico and the United States in song and dance.

 

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE. 

 

Merry Movie Night - Dec 3, 10, 17

 

Enjoy fabulous holiday movies on three Saturdays in December on the Center Lawn in front of Saks Fifth Avenue at the Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert. Bring your blankets and dress warmly. The movies start at 5pm.

 

For more information & to buy tickets, click HERE.

 

Magic of Lights @ Empire Polo Club - through Jan 1

 

Magic of Lights at Empire Polo Club offers a magnificent drive-through holiday lights display featuring over 2 million colorful lights that create a number of festive scenes, including lighted snowflakes, figures from the "12 Days of Christmas,” and a 200-foot-long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights. Just tune in to the event’s custom radio station and enjoy the holiday lights from the comfort of your car. 

 

For more information, click HERE.

 

Sound of the Holidays Concerts - Dec 2, 4, 8, 9 & 11

 

Wanna be high to celebrate Christmas? Then ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 8,500 ft up to Mountain Station and enjoy your favorite holiday songs performed by a local high school choir. Showtimes are 5 PM and 7 PM, and performances are complimentary with Tram admission. While you’re there, enjoy a relaxing dinner at the Pine Restaurant with amazing views across the Coachella Valley.

 

For more information, click HERE.

 

 

The Lighting of the Christmas Tree

 

While many of the Christmas tree lighting ceremonies in the Coachella Valley take place right after Thanksgiving, you still have the opportunity to start your Christmas festivities with a tree lighting ceremony. 

 

La Quinta at Civic Center Park - Dec 2, 6 pm -8 pm. 

For more information, click HERE.

 

Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage - Dec 8, 5:30 pm - 7 pm. 

For more information, click HERE.

 

North Pole Village, Cathedral City - Dec 7, 5 pm - 7 pm. 

For more information, click HERE.

 

OTHER EVENTS

 

Indio International Tamale Festival - Dec 1-4

 

Don’t miss out on the 30th anniversary of the world's largest tamale festival! In addition to the delicious food at the 4-day event, you’ll enjoy over 40 musical acts and a festive holiday night market on Thursday and Friday evenings.

 

For more information, click HERE.

 

Winterfest Indian Wells - through Jan 1

 

You’ll find fun for the whole family at the inaugural Winterfest event in Indian Wells. Hosted at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, you’ll enjoy festive holiday lights, an outdoor ice-skating rink, and Shots in the Night, the popular nighttime putting course. And don’t forget to take advantage of the drinks and food at the Vue Bar & Grill. 

 

For more information, click HERE.

 

Men of the Desert Fashion Show - Dec 4

 

Calling all dog lovers! This annual benefit for the Animal Samaritans’ no-kill animal rescue program will be held at the Palm Springs Air Museum. The event starts with a silent auction, followed by lunch, and then the fashion show at noon. Award-winning designer Christopher Bates will show his latest men’s collection along with the Christopher Bates “Top Gun” collection, a collaboration with Paramount Studios.

 

For more information, click HERE.

 

Coachella Valley Firebirds Home Opener - Dec 18

 

The new 11,000-seat Acrisure Arena opens this month, and the home opener for the Firebirds takes place on December 18. The Arena will host a full season of hockey for the American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, as well as concerts and live shows throughout the year. 

 

For more information, click HERE.

 

Stay Fit for The Holidays!

 

December is the month we often over-indulge with so much good food, many holiday parties, and the cookies and pies prevalent during Christmas. So here’s your antidote — burn those calories off in one of these local events.

 

  • Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells-La Quinta - Dec 4. For more information, click HERE.
  • Santa Paws 5K & Kris Kringle Dash - Dec 17. For more information, click HERE.
  • Margaritaville Run - Dec 10. For more information, click HERE.

 

LAUGH A LITTLE

 

Caliente Comedy - Every Friday Night

 

Come out and enjoy a few hearty laughs at Caliente Comedy! Just stop by the Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Palm Springs every Friday at 8 pm for a great comedy show by some of the best touring comics around. 

  • Ester Steinberg - Dec 2
  • Dean Austin - Dec 9
  • Matthew Maloney - Dec 16
  • James Adomian - Dec 20

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

 

 

ENJOY SOME MUSIC

 

Acrisure Arena - Palm Spring’s newest entertainment venue — the 11,000-seat Acrisure Arena — opens this month, featuring hockey matches and a variety of world-class entertainment. 

  • The Doobie Brothers - Dec 15
  • Grupo Firme - Dec 16
  • Maroon 5 - Dec 31 

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

 

McCallum Theatre - Small and intimate, the McCallum is one of the best venues in the desert.

  • Matteo Bocelli - Dec 1
  • Mannheim Steamroller Christmas - Dec 2-3
  • The Storm Large Holiday Ordeal - Dec 9
  • Dave Koz & Friends - Dec 19

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

 

Agua Caliente Casino - Agua Caliente has one of the premier showrooms in the valley, and live shows scheduled this month include:

  • Harry Connick, Jr - Dec 10

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

 

Fantasy Springs Casino

  • Cheap Trick - Dec 10
  • Gladys Knight - Dec 17

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

 

CHECK OUT A LOCAL THEATER

 

CVRep 

  • Fun Home - Dec 6-10

For more information and to get tickets, click HERE.

 

Palm Canyon Theatre —

  • Palm Springs Getaway - Dec 2-18
  • Let It Snow Holiday Concert - Dec 14

For more information and to get tickets, click HERE.

 

Desert Theatreworks 

  • Irving Berlin’s White Christmas - Dec 10-22

For more information and to get tickets, click HERE.

 

ART EXHIBITIONS

 

Beyond Van Gogh  - extended through Dec 27

You won’t want to miss this immersive experience featuring the work of post-impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh. This limited-engagement event brings to life the artwork of one of the most influential artists in the art world!

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE. 

 

Palm Springs Portrait Project Opening Reception - Dec 8

Photography/filmmaking husband/wife team Owen Masterson and Christine Anthony present their stylish portrait work at the Melissa Morgan Fine Art gallery on El Paseo in Palm Desert.

For more information, click HERE

 

Holiday Squares Pop-Up Stores - Dec 1-23

This fundraiser event for the Artist Council at The Galen in Palm Desert will be their first in-person holiday event. Stop by and purchase some awesome artwork by local artists Wednesdays - Sundays through December 23. 

For more information, click HERE

 

Coda Gallery

  • Ben Steele - through Dec 9
  • David Dornan - Dec 2-16

For more information, click HERE

 

Palm Springs Museum of Art

  • Outburst Projects - through Jan 29
  • Phillip K Smith III: Light & Change - through May 21
  • Petra Cortright - through Mar 26

For more information, click HERE

 

The Monday Minute

Don't forget to check out The Monday Minute every Monday to get an up-to-date snapshot of our local real estate market. 

  • Is inventory improving? 
  • Are home prices still rising? 
  • What is the average sale price? 

Check out the Monday Minute each week for an answer to these questions and more. You'll find it every Monday at this link: www.TheMondayMinute.com

 

To view our most recent full-month market report, click here: Desert Market Update.

 

Or give us a call at (760) 625-7229, or visit www.thehamiltonregroup.com, for an easy-to-use home search and for information on how we can help you with all of your real estate needs.

 

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