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).

    • 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 BistroPalm 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.

    • 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 PartyDowntown 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).

    • 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).

    • 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 PubIndio

    • 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:

  • Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Bakersfield CondorsAcrisure Arena (Palm Desert)

    December 19th @ 7:00 PM (Teddy Bear Toss Night)
    Tickets

  • Santa Runs Palm Springs - PS
    5k and Elf Dash
    Saturday Dec 20th
    Info

  • Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Plaza Theatre (Palm Springs)

    December 23rd @ 7:00 PM
    Info

FLEA & FARMERS MARKETS 🥬 🏮
(Recurring):

  • Palm Springs Village Fest - Palm Canyon Drive
    Thursdays
    7-10pm
    Info

  • Palm Springs Vintage Market - 200 N Indian Canyon Drive
    First Sunday of the Month, Oct-May
    7am-2pm
    Info

  • Old Town La Quinta Farmer’s Market
    Sundays Oct-May
    8am-1pm
    Info

  • New: Desert Hot Springs Farmer’s Market
    Every Other Sunday (starting Nov 16th)
    8am-1pm
    Info

UPCOMING:

  • Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Abbotsford CanucksAcrisure Arena (Palm Desert)

    December 27th @ 6:00 PM
    Tickets

  • Jim Brickman Plaza Theatre (Palm Springs)

    December 28th @ 7:00 PM
    Info

  • Duran DuranAcrisure Arena (Palm Desert)

    December 30th @ 7:30 PM
    Info

  • Southwest 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):


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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