Get ready for a dazzling holiday celebration on the world-famous Palm Canyon Drive for the City’s signature holiday event, the 33rd Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, on Saturday, December 6. This glittering event will light up Downtown Palm Springs starting at 5:45 p.m. sharp.
A Weekend of Festive Events
The holiday fun kicks off the night before, on Friday, December 5, with the Official Holiday Tree Lighting. Mayor Ron deHarte and City Councilmembers, parade Grand Marshals, and Santa Claus himself will light up the City’s stunning 22-foot Holiday Tree at 5:15 p.m. in Frances Stevens Park. The evening’s festivities also include a meet-and-greet with Santa, free cookies and cocoa, plus arts and crafts for the little ones. Before the tree lighting, the Holiday Student Banner Awards ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. to get everyone in the festive spirit.
“The holiday season shines even brighter in Palm Springs with the Festival of Lights Parade, a dazzling tradition that captures the true spirit and sparkle of the holidays,” said Mayor Ron deHarte. “We’re thrilled to welcome our incredible Grand Marshals and invite residents and visitors from across the Coachella Valley to experience the magic along Palm Canyon Drive. It’s a joyful, vibrant and uniquely Palm Springs celebration”.
Star-Studded Grand Marshals and Special Guests
This year’s star-studded lineup of Grand Marshals is one you don’t want to miss.
The Grand Marshals include:
- Palm Springs High School graduate Jada McLean, the “America’s Sweetheart” star from the popular Netflix show about the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, who famously fought and won a 400% pay increase for the squad.
- Palm Springs part-time resident Scheana Shay, a star of Bravo-TV’s Vanderpump Rules and NYT Bestselling author.
- Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Matt Sorum, of Guns ‘N Roses.
- Actress and part-time resident Mädchen Amick, best known for her role in Riverdale.
- Local icon Nelda Linsk, the “First Lady of Modernism Week,” famously immortalized in the iconic Slim Aarons photograph “Poolside Gossip“.
Adding to the extraordinary star power, Grammy Award-winning singer Thelma Houston will join the parade as a Special Guest Star.
Parade Highlights
The 33rd Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade will feature dazzling floats twinkling with holiday magic. The parade will also feature a special kickoff 50th Anniversary Sunrise Park float, honoring a beloved community landmark and five decades of Palm Springs tradition.
Attendees can look forward to:
- Marching bands from Portland, Oregon, Arizona, Napa, and throughout Southern California.
- Giant inflatable balloons of beloved characters like Smurfette, Daniel Tiger, the Cat in the Hat, and Mr. Potato Head.
- Kids’ favorites coming to life, including The Smurfs, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Arthur and Friends.
- A very special visit from Santa Claus himself.
Special performances will be given by The Changels Choir from Adopt the Arts, the Coachella Valley High School EXLP Dancers, and the Cathedral City High School Ballet Folklorico.
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. with a special appearance by the beloved Full House actor, singer, and producer John Stamos.
Gather your loved ones, bring your festive cheer, and join the City of Palm Springs to kick off the season in style at the Palm Springs Tree Lighting and Festival of Lights Parade.