Today, I’ll let John Lennon’s words from the 1971’s classic resonate all these decades later… Oh, and KGAY is switching frequencies to 103.1 starting today. 🙂
So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The road is so long
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let’s stop all the fight
A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so happy Christmas
We hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
Here’s to a better 2026 to all!
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Magic of Lights
The holiday season sparkles once again as Magic of Lights illuminates the Empire Polo Club in Indio through Wednesday, December 31. Families can enjoy a twinkling drive‑through light display and the enchanting Holiday Village powered by IID. Now in its fourth year, this beloved tradition transforms the Coachella Valley into a breathtaking winter wonderland, shining brightly under the desert stars. Get tickets
Holidays at the Tram
Celebrate the season at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with special holiday hours through Sunday, January 4, with the first tram up at 8 am and last tram down at 9:30 pm. On New Year’s Day, the Pines Café offers a Ride ’n’ Dine holiday meal featuring turkey, ham, or vegetarian lasagna. For a fine‑dining experience, make your reservations at Peaks Restaurant.
Jim Brickman – The Gift of Christmas
Celebrate the season with Jim Brickman’s The Gift of Christmas at the Plaza Theatre on Sunday, December 28 at 3 pm. Known for heartfelt hits like “The Gift” and “Valentine,” Brickman brings his signature blend of piano, storytelling, and seasonal charm to this afternoon concert. Featuring beloved holiday classics and fan favorites, the performance promises a cozy, joy-filled experience perfect for closing out the year with warmth and wonder. Get tickets
Schitt$ Creek Drag Brunch
Schitt’s Creek fans can kick off the weekend with big laughs at the Schitt$ Creek Drag Brunch on Saturday, December 27 at 11 am at Chill Bar. Hosted by Epiphany Kali and featuring Kelly K Doll, Rhea Della Vera, and Vanity Halston, this tribute brings Moira, Johnny, Alexis, and David to life in a hilariously over‑the‑top drag celebration. Expect outrageous moments, iconic references, and, of course, A Little Bit Alexis. Don’t miss this one‑of‑a‑kind brunch experience that will have you laughing out loud from the first mimosa to the last wig reveal. Get tickets
CV Firebirds vs. Canucks
Saturday, December 27 is the perfect time to catch the Coachella Valley Firebirds as they face the Abbotsford Canucks at 6 pm at Acrisure Arena—a high‑energy matchup that’s ideal for kicking off the final weekend of the year [Get tickets]. And while you’re in the hockey spirit, KGAY is giving listeners the chance to win a pair of tickets to two huge back‑to‑back holiday events: Duran Duran on Tuesday, December 30, and the Firebirds’ New Year’s Eve showdown with the Bakersfield Condors on Wednesday, December 31, complete with a 5 pm puck drop, party favors, and the largest indoor fireworks display in the Coachella Valley. Enter to WIN at the KGAY Contest Page
Happy Birthday KGAY!
KGAY celebrates our 7th birthday AND we announce a frequency change to 103.1, the former home of our sister station KMEE. We are marking seven years since the station first debuted its now‑beloved LGBTQ+ focused format on Wednesday, December 26, 2018. As KGAY steps proudly into its 8th year, we continue to champion Palm Springs’ vibrant community with the music, voices, and spirit that have made KGAY a local favorite from the very beginning. It’s more music week till after the new year and when we come back you’ll hear us exclusively on 103.1 FM and HD-1. What’s in store for 106.5 and 92.1??? Stay tuned!
The Female Form: Tom Wesselmann & Mickalene Thomas
The Palm Springs Art Museum presents The Female Form: Tom Wesselmann & Mickalene Thomas opening Monday, December 22 and running through Sunday, January 25. Drawn from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his family foundation, this exhibition highlights how two groundbreaking artists have redefined the female nude and challenged its role in art history. More info
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
The McCallum Theatre hosts A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, a high-energy celebration of one of America’s most iconic hitmakers on Friday, Dec 26 at 8 pm; Saturday, Dec 27 at 2 pm and 8 pm; Sunday, Dec 28 at 1 pm and 6:30 pm. Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, this inspiring Broadway-style production traces his journey from Brooklyn kid to global superstar, featuring beloved classics like “Sweet Caroline,” “America,” and “Forever in Blue Jeans.” Get tickets
A Holiday Celebration Starring Debbie Wileman as Judy Garland
On Friday, December 26 at 7:30 pm, the Plaza Theatre hosts We Need a Little Christmas: A Holiday Celebration starring Debbie Wileman in her acclaimed tribute to Judy Garland. Direct from London and fresh off her album I’m Still Here, Wileman channels Garland’s legendary voice in a festive concert filled with holiday classics and imagined favorites Judy might sing today. Get tickets
Sinatra, Martin, Davis & Monroe Tribute
An Evening with the Rat Pack brings the magic of 1960s Las Vegas to life at The Show, Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage. On Saturday, December 27 at 8 pm, audiences will be transported to the legendary Sands Hotel nightclub as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Marilyn Monroe are celebrated in a dazzling tribute. Get tickets
Brad Williams – The Growth Spurt Tour
Brad Williams brings his Growth Spurt Tour to the Plaza Theatre on Saturday, December 27 at 7:30 pm for a night of razor-sharp stand-up and unstoppable energy. Known for his hit specials Fun Size and Daddy Issues, and praised by The New York Times as one of comedy’s most hilarious voices, Brad’s rapid-fire wit and fearless storytelling have earned him sold-out shows nationwide. Get tickets
ENDS SUNDAY: Best of Desert Voting Round
The Desert Sun’s Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards Voting Round runs now through Sunday, December 28. The top nominees in each category now compete for your daily votes to determine the winners. Please vote KGAY! When casting your ballot, choose “DJ Mod Girl” (our Modgirl Kellee McQuinn) for Entertainment & Leisure – People: Radio Personality/Show, and select KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM for Entertainment & Leisure – Radio Station (Local). Cast votes in 25 or more categories for a chance to win a $250 gift card! More info
KGAY Sweeps Best of Coachella Valley Readers’ Poll
KGAY extends heartfelt thanks to the readers of the Coachella Valley Independent for their support in the annual “Best of Coachella Valley” poll! We are honored to be named Best Radio Station, a reflection of the trust and enthusiasm our listeners place in us. We are equally proud of our hosts whose community connection was recognized: John Taylor (1st Place, Best Local Radio Personality) and Modgirl (1st Place, Best Local DJ). We also celebrate Patrick Evans (2nd Place, Best Local Radio Personality), Chris Shebel (3rd Place, Best Local Radio Personality), 103.1 MeTV FM (3rd Place, Best Radio Station), DJ Galaxy (2nd Place, Best Local DJ), and DJ Eric Ornelas (3rd Place, Best Local DJ). Your continued support inspires us to serve the valley every day! See the complete list of Best of Coachella Valley Winners
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, December 26
Drag Bingo/Trivia Nights (alternating) | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Live Jazz with No Cover | 6–9:30 at The Purple Room
Saturday, December 27
Live Jazz with No Cover | 6–9:30 at The Purple Room
Dance Ranch: NEW YEARS: Beginner Shadow w/Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Modgirl’s Birthday Bash | 8 pm–2 am at The Red Barn
Sunday, December 28
A.M. Stream with Modgirl | 10 am–1 pm at Café la Jefa
Judy’s Old-Fashioned Christmas (SOLD OUT) | 5–8:30 pm at The Purple Room
Ongoing…
A Doublewide, Texas Christmas | through Dec 28 at Desert Theatreworks
Wildlights | select nights through Dec 30 at The Living Desert
Alpine Zoo Wildlights | Wed–Sundays through Jan 4 at Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Get our Latest Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the latest edition of the K-Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide! To help you find everything you need as a visitor or local, we feature the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries, and other services. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, or browse it online right here!
LOOKING AHEAD
TUE: Duran Duran – Invisible Days Tour
Duran Duran brings their Invisible Days Tour to Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs for a one‑night‑only performance on Tuesday, December 30 at 7:30 pm. Following a summer of sold‑out stadiums across Europe, the band will deliver a dazzling set of timeless hits like “Rio” and “Ordinary World,” alongside fresh tracks recorded with Nile Rodgers at Abbey Road Studios. This exclusive U.S. show is a rare chance to ring in the new year with one of pop’s most iconic acts. Get tickets
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- Magic of Lights
Now through Dec 31 at Empire Polo Club - We Need a Little Christmas: A Holiday Celebration starring Debbie Wileman
Fri. Dec 26 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre - Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas
Sun. Dec 28 at 3 pm at the Plaza Theatre - The Female Form: Tom Wesselmann & Mickalene Thomas
Dec. 22–Jan. 25 at the Palm Springs Art Museum - Duran Duran – Invisible Days Tour
Tue. Dec 30 at 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena - New Year’s Eve at The Purple Room Supper Club
Wed. Dec 31 seatings at 5 pm, 7:30 pm, and 10 pm - New Year’s Eve: Studio 2026 Glam Disco Party
Wed. Dec 31 at 9 pm at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club - THRESHOLD: Palm Springs’ Newest Signature New Year’s Eve Event
Wed. Dec 31 at 8 pm at The 4707 - Rock the Park: Bee Gees Forever
Wed. Jan 7 at Palm Springs Downtown Park - Palm Springs International Film Festival
Jan 2–13, 2026 – Passes on Sale Now - Palm Springs International Film Awards
Sat. Jan 3, 2026 – Tickets on Sale Now - Firebirds Pride Night at Acrisure Arena
Sat. Jan 10 2026 from 6–9 pm
KGAY 103.1 FM
The KGAY 103.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their high-energy throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm. Perfect party music! The KGAY Sunday Tea Dance with Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). All our DJs took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 103.1 online
This Weekend: MODGIRL’s Birthday Bash brings high‑energy fun to The Red Barn in Palm Desert on Saturday, December 27 at 8 pm. The next morning, catch Modgirl at A.M. Stream at Café La Jefa on Sunday, December 28 at 10 am!
WIN TICKETS: Duran Duran & Firebirds
KGAY 103.1 is giving listeners the chance to WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS to two incredible back-to-back holiday events. On Tuesday, December 30, iconic 80s legends Duran Duran light up Acrisure Arena as they ring in 2026 following a summer of sold-out European shows [More info]. Then, on Wednesday, December 31, the Coachella Valley Firebirds take on Bakersfield in the final game of the year, complete with an early puck drop at 5 pm, party favors, and the largest indoor fireworks display in the Coachella Valley [More info]. Don’t miss this mid-week holiday celebration—Enter to WIN at the KGAY Contest Page
WIN Shaun Cassidy TICKETS
Shaun Cassidy takes the stage Saturday, January 3 at8 pm at the Plaza Theatre [More info], and KGAY 103.1 is giving fans a chance to WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS to see the legendary teen idol live. With chart-topping hits like “Da Doo Ron Ron,” “That’s Rock ’n’ Roll,” and “Hey Deanie,” Cassidy’s performance promises a night of nostalgia and high-energy entertainment. Use code HOLIDAY to get 30% off your tickets or Enter to WIN at the KGAY Contest Page
WIN TICKETS to the Palm Springs International Film Festival
KGAY 103.1 is giving you the chance to WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS to see the film of your choice at the 37th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, running Friday, January 2 through Monday, January 12. Experience world premieres, special events, and more than 500 screenings from around the globe at the year’s biggest celebration of film. Enter to WIN on the KGAY contest page.
- New Year’s Eve Dinners, Parties and Family Events in Greater Palm Springs
- Guide to Coachella Valley Art Galleries and Desert Exhibitions
- Lisa Middleton Honored at the Chase for Transformative Leadership and Community Impact in Palm Springs
- Dance Ranch Palm Springs Celebrates Designer Tom Dolle and Its Signature T‑Shirt
- Modernism Week 2026 Showcases 15 Architectural Neighborhood Tours Across Greater Palm Springs
Find out what’s happening on any given day by browsing our Gay Desert Guide Online Event Listing Calendar, and for the big picture, take a look at major upcoming events in our 2025-2026 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 106 5 .” John Taylor is on mornings 6–10 am and program director Chris Shebel is on afternoons. Our Retro Lunch with DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas is heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.