By Crystal Harrell
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, and the Coachella Valley offers a slew of family-friendly activities to ring in the holiday season. Whether you are looking for a festive foodie experience or an illuminating spectacle, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer in the desert.
The 32nd Annual Indio International Tamale Festival returns to Miles Avenue Park on Saturday and Sunday, December 7-8, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., promising another unforgettable celebration of culture, flavor, and community. Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the Largest Tamale Festival, this iconic event will once again draw tamale enthusiasts from near and far, as vendors compete for the coveted title of ‘Best Tamale’ in three delicious categories: Traditional,Vegetarian, and Sweet. For over 30 years, the Indio International Tamale Festival has been a cherished tradition in Downtown Indio. This year’s festival is set to captivate visitors with an incredible array of tamales, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. For more information on the Indio International Tamale Festival, visit indiointernationaltamalefestival.com.
This holiday season will be even brighter, merrier and more colorful as Magic of Lights returns and transforms Empire Polo Club into a vibrant drive-through holiday-themed light display. Guests can experience Magic of Lights’ beloved holiday displays from the comfort of their own vehicle, including Prehistoric Christmas, Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, festive Elves, and Reindeer Road. Along with the 200-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, there will be new and captivating light tunnels to enhance the festive journey. Guests will have the chance to capture their holiday spirit with a special photo op featuring Santa Claus himself. As attendees visit the Holly Jolly Village, they will have the opportunity to take a festive selfie with Santa, creating cherished memories and a perfect holiday keepsake—all at no additional cost. Additionally, the brand-new MagicVision Selfie Filters will be unveiled featuring fun filters that will transform your selfies into festive holiday-themed images. This year, 2024 stirs up more holiday magic with the opportunity to purchase a Magic of Lights unlimited Season Pass for one low price. There will also be new daily themed promotional nights for at-gate ticket discounts. For full details, visit MagicOfLights.com/CoachellaValley.
WildLights invites guests to see the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens in a whole new light. This year’s event features an enhanced light design with three million lights throughout the park, live nightly entertainment, Instagram-worthy festive photo ops, delectable wintertime treats, and much more. Come marvel at awe-inspiring lighted exhibits and enjoy the unique experience of seeing the Zoo at night. Take an enchanting stroll through the African Safari section of the Zoo, where in addition to the lights, you may see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, such as the rhino, giraffe, zebra, and African painted dogs. Visit your favorite festive displays such as the Tunnel of Lights, Dazzling Gift, and holiday-themed G-Scale model train! Warm up at the s’mores station or visit one of the many food outlets to grab dinner! A full bar with beer, wine, and specialty cocktails will be available for guests 21+. Visit www.livingdesert.org to reserve your ticket.
The 6th annual Gingerbread Lane is back at Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta, free and open to the public. Each year, Old Town Artisan Studios converts their 3-acre art campus into Gingerbread Lane – a winter wonderland with dazzling displays, trimmed garland, twinkling lights, and a marquee 17-foot tree next to the signature Holiday Cottage. The moment you walk through the gates, you will enter a magical world of Gingerbread delights. The event offers gingerbread cookies and hot cider in the culinary area, cookie decorating and clay ornament painting in the craft section, and scheduled performances all to enjoy at no cost.
The Holiday Cottage is beautifully decorated for families to visit and take photos with Santa. All day, activities are scheduled to keep guests entertained and in the holiday spirit. Scheduled events include seasonal music, delightful dance, and special performances by local youth organizations from the Coachella Valley. See a complete schedule of events at www.oldtownartisanstudios.org.
