WildLights
As the sun goes down The Living Desert twinkles with nearly 1 million lights. The illuminated park features live entertainment, concessions, and the magical model train display. WildLights runs Dec. 3–5, 10–12, and 17–31. www.the livingdesert.org
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Tree-Lighting ceremony
Celebrities Lucie Arnaz and her husband, Laurence Lukinbill, do the honors of lighting a 40-foot tree set atop the tram’s Mountain Station roof Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. See more than 6,200 lights shine while the Palm Springs High School Madrigal Singers perform holiday favorites. www.pstramway.com
Palm Springs Festival of Lights
Celebrate the spirit of the season with a parade of colorful floats, marching bands, and entertainment on Dec. 5 at 5:45 p.m. Come early to get the best viewing spot along Palm Canyon Drive. www.psfestivaloflights.com
It’s a Wonderful Life
La Quinta Resort & Club becomes a winter wonderland in December with myriad activities every week. Lead a traditional menorah-lighting ceremony in the lobby nightly through Hanukkah. Have breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus Dec. 12 and roast chestnuts by an open fire in the lobby every Friday evening. www.laquintaresort.com
Grinch’s Brunch
Join the jolly green giant of Christmas lore for a lively breakfast and holiday activities at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert. Dec. 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. www.cdmod.org
Playtime with Santa
Pose for photos with Santa, and enjoy crafts, treats, and refreshments Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at The Gardens on El Paseo. Proceeds from the event support Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert. www.thegardensonelpaseo.com
Santa Fly-In
Jet over to the Palm Springs Air Museum to see Santa descend upon the runway to share goodie bags with the kids Dec. 12 and 13 at 11 a.m. Snap a picture with Santa, and check out the collection of aircraft on display. www.palmspringsair museum.org
Seasonal Lights, Santa, and Skating on Ice
Santa Claus arrives on a horse and carriage during the Tree-Lighting Ceremony at the Cathedral City Town Square Dec. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy hot chocolate and refreshments, and get your free pass to ice-skate to holiday music at the Desert Ice Castle. This rink offers more family-oriented activities throughout the month: Show off your skating skills at one of the daily public sessions or sign up for a Learn to Skate class. www.discovercathedralcity.com, www.deserticecastle.com
Mount San Jacinto & Idyllwild
Take a trip up the mountain for some old-fashioned frolicking in the snow. The beautiful natural recreation areas offer opportunities for snow play, building snowmen, snowshoe hiking, and sledding. www.parks.ca.gov, www.idyllwild.com