Holiday Tree Lighting slated for Friday, Dec. 2
By Amy Blaisdell
Bring the whole family and come celebrate the magic of the holidays in downtown Palm Springs!
The City of Palm Springs is delighted to announce the 30th annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade will return to world famous Palm Canyon Drive at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3.
The parade, the City’s signature holiday event and a much loved tradition, features spectacular twinkling floats, magnificent marching bands, huge holiday balloons – and a visit from Santa Claus of course!
This year’s Community Grand Marshals are Chief of Police Andy Mills, Don Wardell, Grammy winner and long-time DJ for Mod F.M, Spectrum News evening anchor Bianca Rae, founder of the Coachella Valley-based Bianca Rae Foundation, and part-time resident Alison Martino, reporter for Spectrum News, Los Angeles Magazine columnist, and founder of the acclaimed Vintage Los Angeles blog. Martino frequently highlights the Palm Springs destination and covers mid-century architecture, design, collectibles and all things modern. Once again, the parade will be broadcast live on NBC Palm Springs. Coverage begins at 6 p.m.
Just one day prior to the parade, residents are invited to bring the whole family and join Santa Claus and the City Council for the Official City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting at 5:15 p.m. sharp in Frances Stevens Park, 500 N. Palm Canyon Drive. As always, the event includes holiday caroling, free cookies, hot cocoa, and activities for children.
Prior to the lighting of the City’s spectacular 22-foot tall Holiday Tree, Main Street Palm Springs and Mayor Lisa Middleton will host the annual Holiday Banner Student Awards beginning at 4 p.m. in the park.
“The City of Palm Springs is thrilled to once again celebrate the magic of the holiday season with our residents and visitors at the Official City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting and at the spectacular Festival of Lights Parade,” said Mayor Middleton. “We invite the entire Coachella Valley to bring the whole family and come celebrate the magic of the holidays in downtown Palm Springs, truly like no place else!”
For more information about the parade, visit psfestivaloflights.com
