Our Top Picks for the Best 2014 Palm Springs Holiday Events!

It’s that time of year again…the desert nights a little longer, a little cooler; the stars brighter against the immense black bowl of the wide open sky…and your over-scheduled self just craves, well, a little fun. Well, have I got the events for you! My last blog covered events our favorite seasonal philanthropical events (Palm Springs, after all, has a huge heart!), but here are my PalmSprings.com top picks for the most fun Palm Springs Holiday events—hey, indulge your inner child, ’tis the season, after all! XOKate

ROBOLIGHTS 2014 / Through January 6th

Craving some funkadelic fun? What happens when you combine Santa Claus & Robots? Robolights! Robolights is a massive futuristic winter wonderland set in the North Pole—as imagined and constructed by artist Kenny H. Irwin, Jr. In 1986 at age 12, Irwin decided to create a physical wonderland of lights combined with fantasy of imaginary “other-worldly” North Pole themes, and here’s the twist—run by robots. And he’s never stopped. It’s wild, it’s wacky, it’s a must-see “only in Palm Springs” attraction!

If you go: Located at 1077 E. Granvia Valmonte in the Movie Colony East neighborhood of Palm Springs. Lights will be on from 4-9pm daily. No admission, however, donations accepted which will help pay for maintenance costs. For more information: www.facebook.com/ROBOLIGHTS

HOLIDAY VILLAGEFEST / Thursday, December 18th

Need to get a leg up on your holiday shopping? Join thousands of visitors and locals in beautiful downtown Palm Springs this Thursday for the valley’s finest event. Every Thursday evening, Downtown Palm Springs transforms into a diverse array of artists, artisans, entertainers, and purveyors of fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, jewelry, snacks and sweets. Add all that to the great shops, restaurants, clubs, and entertainment venues located along World Famous Palm Canyon Drive – and the result is one of Southern California’s most popular weekly events: VillageFest! Dog friendly too!

If you go: Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; October through May from 6pm until 10pm. For more information: www.VillageFest.org or 760-320-3781.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “CINDERELLA” / Through December 21st

What better way to celebrate the holidays than with a little magic? Adapted from the classic fairy tale in which poor Cinderella is endlessly abused by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters and not allowed to attend the Royal Ball—with the help from her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella goes to the ball, meets the Prince, falls in love and lives happily ever after. Now there’s a Christmas miracle, for you! Stay after the show to meet Cinderella and take photos with her. Hey, why not?

If you go: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 / Thursdays @ 7pm; Friday and Saturday 8pm; Sunday Matinees @ 2pm. Tickets: $36 / $15. For more information: 760.323.5123 or /www.palmcanyontheatre.org

WILDLIGHTS at The Living Desert / December 18th – 31st

Light up the Holidays at The Living Desert! Celebrating its 22nd season, WildLights is one of the most cherished holiday traditions in the Coachella Valley. Nearly a million twinkling lights transform acres of the zoo into a festive winter wonderland. This year’s event includes the extensive light displays and also the popular Tunnel of Lights, where guests can stroll under a canopy of glittering lights, blinking and flashing to holiday music. Visitors have the opportunity to take a picture and visit with Santa Claus, enjoy special holiday-themed entertainment; trackless train or beloved carousel. The more than 3,300 feet of model train track will be thoughtfully decorated and is a sight not-to-be missed. Enjoy holiday music and entertainment (on select nights). Tasty food and beverages are also offered for purchase.

If you go: 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260; 12/18 – 12/31; Closed on Christmas Day. Time: 6-9pm. Admission: Adults $10; Members / Children / Military (with ID) $8 and children (under 3) FREE. For more information: www.livingdesert.org or 760-346-5694.

SANTA PAWS 5K Run / December 20th

Our furry friends can join in the fun at the Santa Paws 5K Run at 9am on Dec. 20th to benefit Guide Dogs of the Desert. Fido not feeling like prancing, but is feeling dashing? Have your pet’s picture taken with Santa and support Paws ‘n’ Claus, Dec. 20th from 10am – 12 noon at The Gardens on El Paseo. Your $10 donation helps Animal Samaritans as well! Now how’s that for “feel good,” any way you turn?

If you go: Santa Paws 5K Run: Mizell Senior Center, 480 Sunrise Way, Palm Springs. 760-413-6508; www.guidedogsofthedesert.org; www.thegardensonelpaseo.com.

STAYIN’ ALIVE, A Celebration of the Bee Gee’s New Year’s Eve Show / December 31st

Spotlight 29 Casino presents a multimedia New Year’s Eve concert with the world’s number #1 (betcha didn’t know they were ranked!) Bee Gees Tribute band, Stayin’ Alive. Groove to the songs and sights of the full Bee Gees playlist, including blockbuster hits “Night Fever,” “Jive Talkin,’” “How Deep is Your Love,” and the always hip-groovin’, “Stayin’ Alive.” The Stayin’ Alive production includes big screen video clips and dazzling imagery (hey, they didn’t earn the sobriquet “The quintessential Bee Gees tribute band” for nothin’!).

If you go: 46200 Harrison Pl, Coachella, CA; Show begins at 8pm. For more information: 800-585-3737.