One of my favorite holiday traditions is a beautifully decorated Christmas tree sparkling with lights. It lifts my spirits and puts me in a festive mood. Luckily for me, many cities in the Coachella Valley host a Christmas Tree Lighting to kick off the holiday season. These family-friendly events are free and fun. Read on to find out more.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: Sunday, December 4, 2022
Time: 5:30pm
Where: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA
Join UFC Hall-of-Famer Cub Swanson as he lights the landmark 45-foot holiday tree atop the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Decorated with over 4,000 LED lights, it can be seen from all over the valley. Enjoy musical entertainment by the Palm Springs High School Madrigals & String Quartet outside of the Desert View Terrace. Dress warmly as it is chilly up there. While the tree lighting event is free, you must purchase a ticket to ride the tram.
The City of La Quinta’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Friday, December 2, 2022
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Civic Center Park, 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
Bring the kiddos to meet Santa Claus at the City of La Quinta’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The free festivities begin at 6:00pm and everyone is welcome.
The Annual Tree Lighting at the La Quinta Resort & Club
When: Sunday, November 27, 2022
Time: 4:00pm
Where: La Quinta Resort & Club, 49-499 Eisenhower Dr, La Quinta, CA
Begin the most wonderful time of the year at La Quinta Resort & Club’s Annual Tree Lighting. Admission is free with complimentary cookies and cocoa. Sing along to your favorite holiday carols performed live.
Cathedral City’s Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Where: Civic Center Plaza, 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City, CA
Cathedral City is going all out at this year’s Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony with a 30-foot tree, Santa Claus, candy canes, cookies and a concert by the award-winning Cathedral City High School Choir. Take pictures in front of the North Pole Village, a Hollywood-style set depicting Santa’s Main Street in front of City Hall. Stay for a free showing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at the Mary Pickford Theatre at 7:00pm. It’s fun for the whole family.
Winterfest Tree Lighting in Indian Wells
When: Friday, November 18, 2022
Time: 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Where: Indian Wells Golf Resort, 44500 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA
Indian Well’s commences their inaugural Winterfest with a complimentary Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Indian Wells Golf Resort. You will want to have your cameras ready as the 32-foot tree comes alive with twinkling lights. Other activities include an outdoor ice skating rink and the popular Shots in the Night, a holiday-themed golfing experience.
Annual Tree Light Ceremony at The Shops on El Paseo
When: Friday, November 18, 2022
Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Where: The Shops on El Paseo, 73-061 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA
Watch in awe with Santa and Mrs. Claus as The Shops on El Paseo illuminate their spectacular 60-foot holiday tree. View amazing roller skaters and stilt walkers, listen to live carolers and savor tasty treats. There is no charge for this annual event, so come on down.
Tree Lighting Celebration at the River
When: Friday, December 2, 2022
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: The River at Rancho Mirage, 71800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA
Head on down to The River at Rancho Mirage for their annual Tree Lighting Celebration featuring a live DJ and live music from Tuba Christmas. Stroll along the holiday window walk. Bring an unwrapped toy to benefit the Riverside County Fire Department’s Spark of Joy Toy Drive and receive and entry into the holiday giveaway raffle. This is a wonderful free event open to the public.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Ritz Carlton
When: Thursday, December 8, 2022
Time: 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where: The Ritz Carlton, 68900 Frank Sinatra Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA
Join the Ritz Carlton for their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, a quintessential Rancho Mirage experience. Revel in musical delights, delicious lite bites and a magnificent festive ambience. There is no charge to attend.
I know! I know! It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but I have that covered. Click here to read my blog, 5 Reasons to Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Desert.