Share the Cheer

Find the perfect holiday gift at one of the area’s well-known shopping districts.

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Kick off your holiday retail therapy on Black Friday with extended store hours, knockout discounts, and stellar sales. In the spirit of the season, many Coachella Valley merchants also host events with proceeds going to various local charities. Here’s where to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list — and help others at the same time.

Shops on El Paseo

Visit The Shops on El Paseo in Palm Desert on Saturday, Nov. 22, to splurge at A Miracle on El Paseo, an annual charity shopping event honoring Bighorn Behind a Miracle. Bighorn BAM provides local funding to fight cancer. The Shops transform into a winter wonderland with a Christmas Carnival and Shopping Extravaganza featuring Mr. Kringle and professional ice skaters. The event showcases tastes and spirits from the valley’s top restaurants and wineries and music by pop-rockers Night Shift. Model, actress, and businesswoman Beverly Johnson will oversee the lighting of the 60-foot El Paseo Christmas tree. Ticketholders receive a “Miracle Card” to present to participating retailers at checkout, and a percentage of sales on event night and throughout the following week will be donated to Bighorn BAM. 760-610-8218; www.bighornbam.com

The Gardens on El Paseo, El Paseo Village

The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village launch the holiday season Saturday, Dec. 6, with the Celebrate Happiness event. In addition to in-store events, shoppers can win $100 gift certificates. Entry forms are available at the stores beginning Nov. 26. The celebration will culminate with a concert on the center lawn featuring the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley’s band, Heatwave. The events begins with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by the show at 6 p.m. Guests receive refreshments and two glasses of wine for a $12 donation benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley. Extended holiday shopping hours — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — begin Black Friday and continue throughout December. 760-862-1990; www.thegardensonelpaseo.com

Cabazon Outlets

The team at Cabazon Outlets is going all out to accommodate guests, including those on four legs. Encouraging patrons not to leave their pets behind (especially in the car), customer service will provide shoppers and their companions with pet-friendly swag including a leash, water dispensers, and treats. Look for special outdoor holiday lighting, with retailers advertising early-bird specials and door busters. Moonlight Madness, a 24-hour-plus event, sets the tone for the season, beginning Thanksgiving. Extended hours Black Friday weekend and throughout December run 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. 951-922-3000; www.cabazonoutlets.com

Desert Premium Outlets

Desert Premium Outlets recently opened a 50-store expansion in the East Village and a new parking garage. The holiday season begins at the center’s 180 stores with extended hours on Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, and the After-Thanksgiving Weekend Sale, says Liz Perkovich, Desert Premium Outlets’ director of marketing. “Our stores will be pulling out all the stops and offering some of the year’s best sales. Great offers (and extended hours in December) continue throughout the holiday season.” The center is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 26, and 10 a.m.-midnight on Thanksgiving. 951-849-6641; www.premiumoutlets.com/deserthills