Thursday, Nov. 29
As a precursor to the Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, the city of Palm Springs sets the tone with its tree lighting at 5 p.m. at Frances Stevens Park, 555 N. Palm Canyon Drive next to the Palm Canyon Theatre. There will be hot cocoa, cookies, caroling by the Palm Springs High School choir and a visit from Santa at the free event. The light switch will be turned on at 5:15 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 30
Reba McEntire headlines McCallum Theatre's 25th anniversary Fundraising Gala starting at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and cocktails at one of four restaurants – Culstot, Jillian's Ruth's Chris Steak House or Wally's Desert Turtle. McEntire takes the stage at 8 p.m. at McCallum.
Theatre 29 wraps up its 2012 season with "A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol" with performances at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and a special 2:30 p.m. matinee Sunday. Set in Bunyan, Minn., bar owner Gunner Johnson winds up in a coma after arguing with his wife and vowing to skip Christmas. He is visited by three ghosts in his dream state, but what will the outcome be?
Saturday, Dec. 1
Paws & Hearts is going to the dogs, but it's a good thing. This volunteer canine ambassador organization visits area hospitals, long-term care facilities, Cancer Centers, Alzheimer's Facilities and senior centers with dogs trained in animal-assisted therapy. Their 12th annual fund-raiser walk starts at 10 a.m. at the Westin Mission Hills Resort. Have your dog's picture taken with Santa.
Actress Betty White will receive the Hero of a Lifetime Award for her dedication to animal welfare. The sixth annual Heroes Brunch starts at 11 a.m. at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells.
Frank DiSalvo has put together a Las Vegas-style show in the spirit of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and others that runs 5:30-9 p.m. at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel.
Sunday, Dec. 2
A major fund-raiser for the College of the Desert Foundation Auxiliary, the second annual Black-Tie Chili Cook-Off is great for foodies plus a silent auction and live music. Suggested attire should include a black tie, but be creative.
Pick a Day
Running through Dec. 7, the "ACT for MS" Stroll Down Christmas Tree Lane lets you view and bid on a beautiful array of decorated trees at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. Proceeds benefit the needs of Coachella Valley individuals living with multiple sclerosis.
For more events, visit our comprehensive calendar.