Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs will launch its holiday season with two major public events: the Official Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 5, and the 33rd Annual Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6. Both events will take place in downtown Palm Springs and are expected to draw large crowds.

The Tree Lighting ceremony begins at 5:15 p.m. at Frances Stevens Park, where Mayor Ron deHarte, City Councilmembers, parade Grand Marshals, and Santa Claus will illuminate the City’s 22-foot Holiday Tree. The evening includes free cookies, cocoa, children’s crafts, and a meet-and-greet with Santa. Prior to the lighting, the City will hold its 33rd Holiday Student Banner Awards at 4 p.m., recognizing 50 winning K–12 student designs selected from more than 700 entries. The banners will hang throughout downtown for the duration of the season.

The Festival of Lights Parade follows the next evening with a 5:45 p.m. start on Palm Canyon Drive. This year’s parade will include a 50th Anniversary Sunrise Park float to commemorate the longtime community landmark. The City also confirmed a high-profile lineup of Grand Marshals: Palm Springs High School graduate and Netflix personality Jada McLean; Vanderpump Rules cast member and local part-time resident Scheana Shay; Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Matt Sorum of Guns ’N Roses; actress Mädchen Amick, known for Riverdale; and Nelda Linsk, recognized for her connection to Modernism Week and the iconic Slim Aarons photograph Poolside Gossip. Grammy Award–winning singer Thelma Houston will appear as a Special Guest Star.

The parade will feature illuminated floats, marching bands from Oregon, Arizona, Napa, and various Southern California schools, as well as large inflatable characters including Smurfette, Daniel Tiger, the Cat in the Hat, and Mr. Potato Head. Additional appearances will include costumed characters such as The Smurfs, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Arthur and Friends. Santa Claus will conclude the procession.

Performance groups include The Changels Choir from Adopt the Arts, the Coachella Valley High School EXLP Dancers, and Cathedral City High School Ballet Folklorico, among others. NBC Palm Springs will broadcast the parade live beginning at 6 p.m., with a special appearance from actor and producer John Stamos.

“The holiday season shines even brighter in Palm Springs with the Festival of Lights Parade, a dazzling tradition that captures the true spirit of the holidays,” Mayor Ron deHarte said in a statement. He encouraged residents and visitors across the Coachella Valley to attend.

Both events are free and open to the public.