Hello CV Locals, happy Thursday!
Welcome to December Coachella Valley, folks—where the only thing "freezing" is the rim of our margaritas. With a forecast boasting effortless sunshine and daytime highs drifting between a perfect 71°F and 85°F this week, we are officially living in the weather the rest of the country dreams about. But don’t let the sunglasses fool you; the holiday spirit is hitting harder than a drum solo at Acrisure. This weekend brings a heavyweight clash of local titans: will you be dazzled by the twinkling floats at the Festival of Lights Parade in Palm Springs, or will you follow the savory scent of masa to the massive Indio International Tamale Festival? (Pro tip: Do both. The diet starts in January.) Grab a light sweater for the evenings and let’s dive into a week of lights, bites, and desert nights.
If you are new here, The CV Scene delivers just the right amount of news and events for locals of Coachella Valley. No crime, no politics, no spam—just the good stuff. We scan newspapers, blogs, social media, business journals, and Google alerts so you don’t have to.
In Today’s Scene:
Last Super Moon of 2025
Tramway Tree Lighter named
Indio on the rise
Tamale Fest
Last Supermoon of 2025
Look to the skies tonight, especially our brethren in the Cove enjoying dark sky status. The final supermoon of the year, the "Cold Moon," is visible now, peaking today, December 4th, but appearing full and bright through the weekend—perfect for evening events.
A major win for local tourism, Indio has been named to Fodor’s Travel 2026 "Go List" of top U.S. destinations, highlighted for its growing cultural scene beyond just the music festivals.
Major star power is confirmed for the upcoming gala in January. Announcements dropping this week include honors for Amanda Seyfried (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress) and Ethan Hawke (Career Achievement Award).
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has officially announced that singer and pop icon Lance Bass will serve as the 2025 celebrity tree lighter for the annual ceremony.
THIS WEEK:
Animal Samaritans Yappy Hour - Riviera Palm Springs
A classic "cocktails and canines" mixer. For a $20 donation, you get wine and hors d'oeuvres while your dog gets treats and socialization in the Desert Rose Garden. It’s a great way for dog lovers to kick off the month.
Thursday Dec 4th @ 4pm-6pm
InfoDear Evan Hansen – Coachella Valley Repertory (Cathedral City)
December 4th – December 14th (Select dates/times)
InfoVillageFest – Palm Canyon Drive (Palm Springs)
December 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
InfoFirst Friday Art Walk on El Paseo – The Gardens on El Paseo (Palm Desert)
Friday Dec 5th @ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
InfoFestival of Lights Parade - Palm Springs
Saturday December 6th @ 5:45pm
InfoMagic of Lights Drive-Through – Empire Polo Club (Indio)
Daily through December 30th @ 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
InfoIndio Tree Lighting Ceremony – Downtown Indio (Indio)
Saturday Dec 5th @ 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Features the "Food Truck Fridays" event simultaneously.
InfoLa Quinta Tree Lighting Ceremony – La Quinta Civic Center (La Quinta)
Saturday Dec 5th @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
InfoIndio International Tamale Festival – Miles Avenue Park (Indio)
Saturday-Sunday Dec 6th & 7th @ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
A massive local favorite with food, kiddie rides, and live entertainment.
InfoDiana Ross – Agua Caliente Resort Casino (Rancho Mirage)
December 12th & 13th @ 8:00 PM
Info
FLEA & FARMERS MARKETS 🥬 🏮
(Recurring):
Palm Springs Village Fest - Palm Canyon Drive
Thursdays
7-10pm
InfoPalm Springs Vintage Market - 200 N Indian Canyon Drive
First Sunday of the Month, Oct-May
7am-2pm
InfoOld Town La Quinta Farmer’s Market
Sundays Oct-May
8am-1pm
InfoNew: Desert Hot Springs Farmer’s Market
Every Other Sunday (starting Nov 16th)
8am-1pm
Info
UPCOMING:
Barry Manilow: A Gift of Love VII – McCallum Theatre (Palm Desert)
December 16th, 17th, 19th, 20th, & 21st (Various times)
InfoCoachella Valley Firebirds vs. San Jose Barracuda – Acrisure Arena (Palm Desert)
December 17th @ 6:30 PM
TicketsCoachella Valley Firebirds vs. Bakersfield Condors – Acrisure Arena (Palm Desert)
December 19th @ 7:00 PM (Teddy Bear Toss Night)
TicketsSanta Runs Palm Springs - PS
5k and Elf Dash
Saturday Dec 20th
InfoBig Bad Voodoo Daddy – Plaza Theatre (Palm Springs)
December 23rd @ 7:00 PM
InfoCoachella Valley Firebirds vs. Abbotsford Canucks – Acrisure Arena (Palm Desert)
December 27th @ 6:00 PM
TicketsJim Brickman – Plaza Theatre (Palm Springs)
December 28th @ 7:00 PM
InfoDuran Duran – Acrisure Arena (Palm Desert)
December 30th @ 7:30 PM
Info
Toronto could never…
THIS WEEK:
Gingerbread Lane - Old Town Artisan Studios La Quinta
Sat Dec 6th 11am-5pm
Info
WildLights – The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (Palm Desert)
Select nights through December 30th @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Note: This is a consistent sell-out; booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
InfoMagic of Lights Drive-Through – Empire Polo Club (Indio)
Daily through December 30th @ 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
InfoIndio Tree Lighting Ceremony – Downtown Indio (Indio)
Saturday Dec 5th @ 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Features the "Food Truck Fridays" event simultaneously.
InfoLa Quinta Tree Lighting Ceremony – La Quinta Civic Center (La Quinta)
Saturday Dec 5th @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
InfoIndio International Tamale Festival – Miles Avenue Park (Indio)
Saturday- Sunday Dec 6th & 7th @ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
A massive local favorite with food, kiddie rides, and live entertainment.
InfoGabby’s Dollhouse Live! – Acrisure Arena (Palm Desert)
Saturday Dec 6th @ 1:00 PM
TicketsFestival of Lights Parade - Palm Springs
Saturday December 6th @ 5:45pm
InfoSkate with Santa – Acrisure Arena (Berger Foundation Iceplex) (Palm Desert)
Saturday Dec 6th @ 6:30 PM
InfoSanta Magic Photos – The Gardens on El Paseo (Palm Desert)
Saturday Dec 6th @ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
InfoJingle Bell Rock ($5) - Children’s Discovery Museum Rancho Mirage
Sunday Dec 7th 12pm-2pm
Info
FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:
Thanks! Hope to see you next Thursday! If you have an event or a scoop that you want to share with The Scene, give us a buzz at [email protected], I read every email.
