Top 10 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week, Dec. 18-24
There are always plenty of things to do in the Coachella Valley. We've put together a list of events and entertainment happening this week.
To submit an event for consideration, send an email to events@desertsun.com with a brief description.
Here are 10 things to do this week:
'Fun Home'
Follow the main character of Alison as she uncovers secrets through three different ages in her life. "Fun Home" isn’t just a coming-of-age or coming out story, but one that sets out to unravel the many mysteries of childhood through which we can all identify.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday (closing night)
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Tickets: $63
More info: cvrep.org
‘Palm Springs Getaway’
This new musical is a nostalgic romp through the popular oasis featuring glimpses of history, icons and the celebrities who made the city famous. With a collection of well-known and original songs, the show transports audiences from the early desert landscape to the vibrant and inclusive community people know and love today – and every decade in between.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday (closing night)
Where: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Tickets: $15 students; $38 adults
More info:palmcanyontheatre.net
Chanukah at The River
Hanukkah 2022 starts at nightfall on Dec. 18, so kick off the eight-night celebration with an evening of live music, giveaways, latkes, hot chocolate, donuts and more for the whole family at this event.
When: 5:15 p.m. Sunday
Where: River Amphiteatre, Bob Hope Drive and Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Tickets: Free
More info: RSVP via text to 760-770-7785
'Why Can't The Trains Run On Time?'
Enjoy this emotionally charged, modern-day musical about an artist learning to let go of his past and appreciate his present. This timeless tale is one anyone can relate to, and offers a lesson about life that aims to leave audiences feeling inspired.
When: 6 p.m. Monday
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Tickets: $35
More info: psculturalcenter.org/
Monday Night Bingo & Trivia
Monday Night Bingo continues this winter with Bella da Ball hosting, calling numbers, performing and giving away prizes. Space is limited, so reservations are recommended. Every Monday after Bingo, the Amigo Room also hosts trivia from 9 to 11 p.m. There are no reservations for trivia, so tables are first-come, first-served.
Where: The Amigo Room at King's Highway, 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Date: Every Monday
Time: 7-9 p.m. bingo, 9-11 trivia
Tickets: $30 food and beverage minimum
Information: opentable.com/r/kings-highway-palm-springs
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour
This holiday tradition returns to the McCallum to offer a magical combination of musicians — including David Benoit, Rick Braun, Peter White and Rebecca Jade — to get audience members in the spirit of the season. Famed saxophonist Koz and his special guests will perform their hits and jam on fresh, lively arrangements of season favorites in this energetic show.
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: The McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert
Tickets: $60-$95
Indian Wells Winterfest
Every week in December, head to the Hyatt Indian Wells for cookie decorating and pictures with Santa every Tuesday, smores and kids' arts and crafts every Wednesday, a throwback holiday movie screening and ornament decorating every Thursday and gingerbread cookie decorating and another holiday movie every Friday. (Not interested in any of the above? Other Winterfest activities include 45-minute ice skating sessions at Indian Wells Golf Resort, 44-950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells; and a hot chocolate bar at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, 44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells.)
When: 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
Where: Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, 44-600 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells
Tickets: Free
More info: hyatt.com
Boat Rides with Santa Claus
Give your kids a magical moment this holiday season with an exclusive Boat Ride with Santa & Mrs. Claus! Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and a story from Santa himself. When you return from your voyage, you'll have a book autographed by Santa Claus along with a keepsake photo and goodybag to commemorate your visit. Each experience is 30 minutes long and requires a group reservation.
When: 5-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 2-5 p.m. Saturday (Christmas Eve)
Where: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, 74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert
Tickets: $250 for a party of up to 6
More info: Visit jwdesertsprings.247activities.com
Holiday Movies on the Lawn
‘Tis the season for enjoying feel-good holiday movies while bundled up under a cozy blanket. With this in mind, Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells will host its first-ever Holiday Movies on the Lawn series every Saturday in December. The event will include a holiday movie screening on the Miramonte Lawn, surrounded by cypress and olive trees, and guests and locals alike can upgrade their movie experience with festive cocktails and movie snack favorites such as popcorn and candy. If you want more than just concession stand food, Miramonte’s Citrus & Palm Mediterranean cuisine can service your seat. Limited chair seating available, so guests are encouraged to BYOB (bring your own blanket).
When: 7 p.m. Saturday (every Saturday in December)
Where: Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, 45-000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells
Tickets: N/A, free admission (with food for purchase)
More info: miramonteresort.com
Wildlights
Need something fun to do with the little ones this holiday season? Head to The Living Desert for one of the biggest light displays in the region. Guests can go for a spin on the carousel, enjoy themed treats, take a free photo with Santa, and much more. The G-scale model trains, with more than 3,300 feet of track, will also be decked out for the holidays. Reservations are required.
Where: The Living Desert, 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert
Date: Every Friday and Saturday in December
Time: 7-8 p.m. Friday; 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $16 adults, $12 children ages 3 to 12, children under 3 are free
Information: livingdesert.org
Inclusion in The Desert Sun's weekly community calendar is solely at the editors' discretion. Priority is given to free, community-oriented events.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Top 10 things to do in the greater Palm Springs area this week