
Hello CV Locals, happy Thursday!
Well, Christmas is next week. We hope you have all your shopping taken care of. Also, If you are attending the Firebirds game this Friday (Dec 19th), do not forget your plush toy. This is the annual "Teddy Bear Toss" night—expect thousands of stuffed animals to rain onto the ice after the first Firebirds goal, causing a delightful (but lengthy) delay in the game.
Holiday Note: We are giving our editor next week off, so… see you in 2026!
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:
The Best spots for New Year’s
Barry Manilow’s Final Week
Comfort and Joy at the Plaza Theatre


New Year's Eve 2025: The Dining & Party Edit

Your guide to the best prix-fixe menus, champagne toasts, and parties to ring in 2026.
As we countdown to 2026, reservations are vanishing faster than a plate of bacon-wrapped dates. Whether you want a white-tablecloth experience, a rowdy drag show, or a family-friendly fireworks spectacle, here is where you need to be on December 31st, 2025.
The Splurge: Elegant & Prix-Fixe
For when you want to end the year on a high note (and a high bill).
4 Saints – The Rowan Hotel (Palm Springs)
The Vibe: Rooftop glamour with the best view in the city.
The Menu: A luxe 4-course tasting menu ($145pp). Highlights include an Amuse Bouche of Royal Osetra Caviar with Yuzu Ranch, followed by choices like Duck Confit with spiced dates or Tuna Tartare. Entrée options feature Butter-Poached Lobster with ube gnocchi or a Wagyu Filet.
The Toast: Midnight champagne on the patio overlooking the valley lights.
Villa Royale / Del Rey – Palm Springs
The Vibe: Moody, Spanish-style romance. Dark corners and fireplaces.
The Menu: A sophisticated 5-course Spanish feast. Expect Croquetas de Patata y Manchego topped with caviar, Lobster Canelones, and a main of Wagyu Flank Steak.
Dessert: A decadent Crema Catalana de Chocolate.
The Purple Room – Palm Springs
The Vibe: Classic Rat Pack cool. Tuxedos are not required but highly encouraged.
The Event: Their annual "glitz and glam" dinner show. Includes a 3-course surf-and-turf dinner and a live jazz ensemble counting down to midnight in true Sinatra style.
Note: This is a ticketed event and usually sells out 48 hours in advance.
The Edge Steakhouse – Ritz-Carlton (Rancho Mirage)
The Vibe: Cliffside dining 650 feet above the desert floor.
The Menu: Chef’s Signature Multi-Course Tasting Menu. It is the priciest option on the list, but with the optional sommelier wine pairing and that view, it is unmatched for romantic drama.
Casual & Vibrant
Great food, loud energy, no tuxedo required.
Lulu California Bistro – Palm Canyon Drive (Palm Springs)
The Vibe: Is it a tourist trap? Yes. But is it the dead center of the action? Also yes. If you want to people watch on the strip, sit on the patio here.
The Menu: A solid 4-course festive menu. Reliable favorites like their Tower of Avocado & Ahi Tuna and Filet Mignon. It’s the most "classic Palm Springs tourist" experience you can have, in the best way.
Freddie’s Kitchen at The Cole – Palm Springs
The Vibe: Modern French-California bistro in a revamped mid-century hotel.
The Menu: A fantastic value at $99pp. Features Crab Bisque, Escargots, and mains like Elk Medallions or a Vegetable Wellington.
The Parties
Less about the fork, more about the dance floor.
Agua Caliente Casino Block Party – Downtown Palm Springs
The Event: The city’s biggest outdoor bash. They shut down the streets for a massive block party with food trucks, outdoor bars, and live bands.
The Highlight: The only Midnight Fireworks Extravaganza in downtown Palm Springs.
The Event: A drag spectacular featuring legends like Jackie Beat and Sherry Vine. It’s comedy, it’s camp, and it’s arguably the most fun you can have with a cocktail in hand.
Timing: Two seatings (6:00 PM and 9:30 PM).
Firebirds vs. Condors – Acrisure Arena (Palm Desert)
The Event: The family favorite. Puck drops at 5:00 PM.
The Highlight: A post-game indoor fireworks show. You get the excitement of a countdown but are out of the arena by 9:00 PM—perfect for parents (or those heading to a second party).
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino – Indio
LIT Lounge: High-energy dance hits with DJ Nano, DJ Slim Dee, and live band Bootie Quake.
Twelve (Top Floor Lounge): Views of the valley with rock hits from Steel Rod.
The Dining: Special menus at The Bistro (Surf & Turf with 14oz Ribeye) and POM.
Bonus: It’s free entry (21+), making it one of the best budget-friendly party options.
Big Rock Pub – Indio
The Event: "Champagne and Sparkles" Bash.
The Vibe: Rock 'n' roll golf course party. Live music from the band Avenida (covers of all genres).
The Perks: Includes a 360° photo booth, a curated prix-fixe menu from Chef Tyler, and a midnight toast.
Tickets: Required (approx. $30 for party-only, higher for dinner package).


THIS WEEK:
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:
Coachella 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
InfoSouthwest Arts Festival - Empire Polo Club (Indio)
Jan 23rd to 25th
Info



If I wanted rain on Christmas i would go back to Seattle…


THIS WEEK(ish):
WildLights – The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (Palm Desert)
Daily (Except Dec 25) @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PMNamed one of the best zoo light displays in the country. The model train display is a huge hit for toddlers.
Magic of Lights Drive-Through – Empire Polo Club (Indio)
Daily through December 30th @ 5:30 PM – 10:00 PMOne price per carload makes this a budget-friendly option for larger families.
Art in the Park in the Dark – Demuth Park (Palm Springs)
December 31st @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PMA free, family-centric NYE celebration featuring blacklight art activities. A great alternative for kids who can't stay up until midnight.
Firebirds NYE Game & Fireworks – Acrisure Arena (Palm Desert)
December 31st @ 5:00 PMThe puck drops early (5:00 PM), allowing families to watch the game (vs. Bakersfield Condors) and see the indoor fireworks display immediately after, all before 9:00 PM.
FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:
Stargaze in the Desert 🔭 - Indio Hills Community Center
Friday Jan 9th
7:30pm
Info

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.

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