Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs is gearing up for a festive and star-powered holiday weekend as the City hosts its Official Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 5, followed by the 33rd Annual Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6. But while anticipation is high, this year’s celebration arrives under the lingering shadow of last year’s parade accident that left ten people injured and prompted significant safety reforms.
The weekend kicks off with the City’s 22-foot Holiday Tree Lighting at 5:15 p.m. in Frances Stevens Park, where Mayor Ron deHarte, City Councilmembers, parade Grand Marshals and Santa Claus will come together to officially launch the season. Families can enjoy free cocoa and cookies, children’s crafts, and a meet-and-greet with Santa. Earlier that afternoon at 4 p.m., the Palm Springs Holiday Student Banner Art Awards will honor 50 winning designs from more than 700 local K–12 submissions, with the banners soon to adorn downtown streets.
The following evening, downtown Palm Springs will glow once again as the Festival of Lights Parade steps off at 5:45 p.m. along Palm Canyon Drive. This year’s signature float celebrates the 50th anniversary of Sunrise Park, marking five decades of community pride.
A star-studded roster of Grand Marshals will headline the procession, including Palm Springs High School graduate and Netflix standout Jada McLean, “Vanderpump Rules” personality and part-time resident Scheana Shay, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Matt Sorum of Guns N’ Roses, actress and part-time resident Mädchen Amick of “Riverdale,” and local icon Nelda Linsk, immortalized in the Slim Aarons photograph “Poolside Gossip.” Grammy Award–winning singer Thelma Houston will appear as this year’s Special Guest Star.
The parade will also feature illuminated floats, marching bands from across the western United States, and massive inflatable characters like Smurfette, Daniel Tiger, the Cat in the Hat, and Mr. Potato Head. Performances from The Changels Choir with Adopt the Arts, Cathedral City High School Ballet Folklorico, and the Coachella Valley High School EXLP Dancers will add music and movement to the night. And of course, Santa Claus will close out the celebration in classic Palm Springs style.
While the city celebrates, many residents haven’t forgotten the events of December 7, 2024, when a Palm Springs police motorcycle officer crashed into a crowd of spectators during the parade, injuring ten people, including a young child who suffered brain and spinal injuries. Early reports suggested the officer may have been attempting a wheelie, though later investigations indicated the maneuver was likely unapproved.
The California Highway Patrol conducted the primary investigation, and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office declined to file criminal charges. The Palm Springs Police Department completed its own internal review, and several victims have since filed a lawsuit against the City.
In response, PSPD has enacted new safety protocols, including a strict 15 mph speed limit for parade vehicles and the hiring of a full-time special events supervisor dedicated to safety and operations. These measures will be in place for the first time at this year’s event.
Despite last year’s tragedy, city officials are focused on restoring confidence and ensuring a safe, joyful kickoff to the holiday season. Mayor Ron deHarte emphasized the community’s resilience and enthusiasm, saying the annual parade “captures the true spirit and sparkle of the holidays” and remains one of Palm Springs’ most cherished traditions.