The Most Wonderful Time

These events and activities are guaranteed to make the whole family merry

Michelle Roe Arts & Entertainment

Photo courtesy of thinkstockphotos.com

 

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