Snow may be a rare occurrence in the lovely resort city of La Quinta, California but that doesn’t stop locals and visitors alike from enjoying the various activities planned for the Christmas season. Below are snippets from La Quinta’s calendar of events for this holiday season.
Christmas Tree Lighting Events
In keeping with tradition, La Quinta ushers in the Yuletide season with its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Bring the whole family and head over to Civic Center Park on December 1 for this event. Festivities begin at 6 P.M., culminating with an appearance by St. Nick himself!
Zooming out to the east section of Coachella Valley, neighboring areas are also welcoming the Christmas holidays with their respective tree-lighting events.
- Coachella’s tree was lit up at the Coachella City Hall last November 29, complete with food and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- The tree in Indio lights up on the same night as La Quinta’s tree but festivities begin an hour earlier at 5 P.M. Also expect to see Santa amid joyful strains of Christmas carols and holiday stories.
Holiday Extravaganzas
Below are more events to look forward to for a jolly, merry Christmas in La Quinta and the rest of Greater Palm Springs:
- Scott Wilkie (December 13)
Spend a nostalgic Christmas with jazz tunes from the master pianist of contemporary jazz himself, Scott Wilkie, and his band. This concert coincides with the 10th year of their highly successful “Joy” concert series.
- Barry Manilow’s Gift of Love VI (December 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17)
Singer and composer Barry Manilow gifted the world with songs that touched our hearts like Mandy and Somewhere Down the Road. He continues to bless music lovers in Greater Palm Springs this Christmas with several shows, the proceeds of which will go to several charities.
- Ring! Swing! Sing! (December 14 to 17)
Enjoy inspiring and toe-tapping melodies to be performed by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus.
- Elf the Musical (December 1 to 17)
Whether or not you watched the movie, you’re sure to enjoy this musical take on Buddy the Elf’s (mis)adventures in the Big Apple to look for his family.
- Dickens Writes a Christmas Carol (until December 23)
Imagine famous author Charles Dickens writing his opus, A Christmas Carol, while the muses in his head act out each section as he writes. Such is the plot behind this unique adaptation.
- Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2023 (December 18)
Dynamic musician Dave Koz whips out his saxophone anew with special guests for a night of feel-good Christmas jazz at the McCallum Theatre.
- Canadian Brass: Christmas Time is Here (December 19)
This world-renowned quintet from the world of chamber music comes to Greater Palm Springs to perform a repertoire of original tunes ranging from Baroque to Dixieland.
- Palm Springs Santa Paws 5K and Elf Dash (December 16)
Go the extra mile in your very own Santa Claus suit (provided by the organizers) and run/jog/walk, together with other running Santas in this one-of-a-kind running event! The 200-meter Elf Dash, meanwhile, is for children 10 years old and below. Everyone is welcome to bring their canine companions with them to watch or participate.
- Snowtopia (December 19-23)
Want to experience a snow-filled Christmas in the middle of the desert? Then suit up, head for the Palm Springs Air Museum, and frolic with the family in 40 tons of real snow.
White Christmas or not, holidays in La Quinta are always worth the wait. Consider La Quinta for your next new home or investment. I, Kathleen O’Keefe Galigher, will be happy to help. Just call 760.567.7822 or send a message here.
Recommended Reading: The Golf Life: A Guide to the Top Golf Stores in and Around La Quinta, CA
