“The sun is nature’s gift to Palm Springs and we take full advantage of all the festive opportunities it shines on us during the holiday season,” said Mary Jo Ginther, Director of the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism. “After sunset, the fun continues with decorative lights, parades, candlelit dining, fireworks and more. We welcome visitors to celebrate the holidays with us and enjoy all our community has to offer.”
Holiday highlights include the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade on December 7 at 5:45 pm, rides up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for the tree lighting, and New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs.
Check shopping off your holiday to-do list and find that near-impossible gift at Villagefest. On Thursday nights hundreds of artisans and their one-of-a-kind art creations from handmade goat soap to statement jewelry are unique finds that make perfect presents. Downtown is also a merry mecca of shopping among the many boutiques and art galleries that exhibit ornate window displays.
If you’ve got an itch to singalong to a little “ho-ho-ho,” who doesn’t appreciate classic carols to get in the holiday spirit? Especially when it’s an Elvis lookalike or a Judy Garland tribute act belting out holiday tunes. Elvis’ Blue Suede Christmas and The Judy Show are performing at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Supper Club throughout December. You can even get your picture with “Judy” by the club’s photographer and send as your season’s greeting card. Prior to the show, dine in the Dean Martin Alcove or enjoy happy hour in Frank’s Bourbon Bar, a homage to Sinatra’s favorite spirted beverage. Brimming with storied history, the Rat Pack sang and drank in this joint and the legacy lives on in music.
Dining and dancing are part of New Year’s Eve amusements in the desert. Whether you’re keen to ring in 2020 with a bang or celebrate with an intimate candlelit dinner, there’s an abundance of options to fit your mood. Restaurants like Zin American Bistro offer special multi-course meals. After dinner, toast to new beginnings at Sugar High Rooftop Lounge located inside La Serena Villas. The Saguaro keeps the party going long past midnight with a disco theme dance gala that includes live entertainment, appetizers and drinks.
Over on Arenas Street, the pulse of the city’s gay district is in full swing with boisterous celebrations. Nightclubs and bars like Hunters, Blackbook, and Chill Bar pack in lively crowds that spill out to cooling misters on patios. The elegant Stacy’s Palm Springs entertains patrons with live piano and smooth craft cocktails.
Make a resolution to head to The Spa at Colony Palms Hotel for a deep tissue massage or a facial when the holiday hustle wears you out. Experience more Palm Springs spas and salons pre or post the New Year’s fun when it is prime time to reflect on the year and look forward to 2020.
Unwrap the Best of Palm Springs This Holiday Season
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