Palm Springs, CA

The City of Palm Springs is inviting the public to a dazzling holiday celebration as Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Matt Sorum, of Guns ‘N Roses and favorite local Dave Karger, the charming host of Turner Classic Movies and a Palm Springs International Film Festival fixture lead the way down world famous Palm Canyon Drive as Celebrity Grand Marshals of the City’s signature holiday event, the 32nd Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7. This glittering event will light up Downtown Palm Springs at 5:45 p.m. sharp, so mark your calendars!

Joining Karger and Sorum in the spotlight are some seriously star-studded Community Grand Marshals: the fabulous Kelly Golightly, an internationally adored Palm Springs style icon, and the dynamic duo from the Coachella Valley Firebirds: Gino LaMont (former NBC Palm Springs broadcaster) and NHL legend Grant Fuhr (the one and only former Edmonton Oilers All-Star!). Plus, local actress Mädchen Amick, best known for her role in Riverdale, will serve as our Honorary Grand Marshal.

But that’s not all! This is the parade you don’t want to miss. Picture dazzling floats twinkling with holiday magic, marching bands that’ll have your feet tapping, giant inflatable holiday balloons, and of course, a very special visit from Santa Claus himself! With the award-winning journalist Hank Plante at the mic as the parade’s official emcee, this iconic event is sure to light up your holiday season.

Special Performances Include:

• The Tap-Dancing Christmas Trees, (all the way from Oakland!)
• The Changels Choir from Adopt the Arts
• Coachella Valley High School EXLP Dancers
• Cathedral City High School Ballet Folklorico

And for those who can’t make it in person, you can catch all the action live on NBC Palm Springs  starting at 6 p.m.

The fun kicks off the night before, on Friday, Dec. 6, when Kelly, Gino, and Grant join Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein, City Councilmembers, and Santa Claus himself to light up the City’s stunning 22-foot Holiday Tree at 5:15 p.m. in Frances Stevens Park. The evening includes a meet-and-greet with Santa, free cookies and cocoa, plus arts and crafts for the little ones. Plus, the Holiday Student Banner Awards ceremony at 4 p.m. will get everyone in the festive spirit.

“Palm Springs is the perfect place to celebrate the magic of the holidays, and we can’t wait to welcome the amazing Grand Marshals Dave Karger, Matt Sorum, Kelly Golightly, Gino LaMont and Grant Fuhr to Palm Canyon Drive,” said Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein. “It’s a celebration that’s truly like no place else and we invite everyone from the Coachella Valley to join us for the fun!”

So, grab your family, friends, and holiday spirit and come celebrate the season in style at the Palm Springs Tree Lighting and Festival of Lights Parade!

Also Read