photo courtesy of live it up productions
Broadway artists become modern carolers in Rockin’ the Holidays.
1. Sing Along to a Musical Revue
Broadway artists become modern carolers in Rockin’ the Holidays, a family-friendly production sure to knock your winter socks off. Accompanied by a live band, the 12-piece cast serenades the audience with classic holiday tunes in a rock ’n’ roll twist at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. A cocktail reception featuring spirited libations and hot chocolate sets the pre-show cheerful mood. The show runs every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. through Dec. 28. 74855 Country Club Dr., Palm Desert. 760-341-2211; www.desertspringsresort.com, www.showclix.com
photo courtesy of mccallum theatre
John Waters
2. Laugh with Some Standup
Get ready for an uproarious evening of outrageous holiday humor at A John Waters Christmas as the notorious movie director shares his critically acclaimed one-man show poking fun at what some call “the most wonderful time of year.” True fans of Waters’ brand of adult satire and witty charm are in for a jolly time. Waters takes the stage at the McCallum Theatre on Dec. 2. 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert. 760-340-2787; www.mccallumtheatre.com
3. Revel in a Cabaret
Joan Ryan is the 2013 winner of Broadway World’s Top Female Artist award and has starred in major productions, including Les Misérables and Ruthless! The Musical. The brilliant singer and stage and film actress shares her four-octave voice in the popular Cabaret 88 series on Dec. 2 and 3 at the Annenberg Theater. 101 Museum Dr., Palm Springs. 760-325-4490; www.psmuseum.org
photo courtesy of purple room restaurant and stage
Sharon McKnight
4. Giggle at Twisted Jokes
Tony Award nominee Sharon McKnight performs her Twisted Xmas: A Druid’s View of the Holiday Season, featuring wacky songs and commentary. This funny and endearing show runs Dec. 5 and 6 at the Purple Room Restaurant and Stage. 1900 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. 760-322-4422; www.purpleroompalmsprings.com
photo courtesy of elvis honeymoon hideaway
Celebrate midcentury holiday style at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway with a special retro-inspired tribute concert.
5. Rock-a-Holly With Elvis
Celebrate midcentury holiday style at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway with a special retro-inspired tribute concert, Rock-a-Holly Christmas, featuring the famed Elvis and Sinatra duet. Fans can take a house tour and embrace the nostalgia Dec. 6 in the historical setting where The King relaxed and entertained. 1350 Ladera Cir., Palm Springs. 760-322-1192; www.elvishoneymoon.com
6. Enjoy Old-Fashioned Holiday Tunes While Dining
In an adaptation of I’ll Be Seeing You … Love Songs of WWII, Vicky’s of Santa Fe brings holiday flair to its supper club jazz series on Dec. 8. Revel in a three-course dinner while award-winning actress and songstress Andrea Marcovicci spreads a glow in A WWII Christmas, singing seasonal classics including I’ll Be Home for Christmas and Baby, It’s Cold Outside. A portion of the proceeds benefits Tools for Tomorrow’s after school integrated arts programs for Coachella Valley elementary school students. 45100 Club Dr., Indian Wells. 760-345-9770; www.vickysofsantafe.com
photo courtesy of celtic woman on facebook
All-female Irish ensemble Celtic Woman performs stirring renditions of triumphant Christmas classics.
7. Celebrate Like the Irish
All-female Irish ensemble Celtic Woman performs stirring renditions of triumphant Christmas classics accompanied by a full symphony orchestra, conducted by Emmy-nominated music producer David Downes. The cultural heritage of Ireland is captured in their musical and theatrical experience Home for Christmas, the Symphony Tour on Dec. 13 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. 84245 Indio Springs Pkwy., Indio. 760-342-5000; www.fantasyspringsresort.com
8. Experience Joy in Celestial Voices
Be amazed by the incredible Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus vocal ensemble. Under the fabulous direction of Doug Wilson, this dynamic group of 90 members presents A Midcentury Modern Holiday with ’50s-style holiday music to melt your soul on Dec. 13 and 14 at Temple Isaiah. 332 W. Alejo Rd., Palm Springs. 760-325-2281; www.psgmc.com
9. Paint the Town Red and Green
Peabo Bryson, Taylor Dayne, Jennifer Holliday, and Ruben Studdard headline Colors of Christmas with a dynamic selection of pop hits and familiar holiday melodies on Dec. 14 at the McCallum. This soulful celebration is sure to leave audiences with a little sparkle. 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert. 760-340-2787; www.mccallumtheatre.com
photo courtesy of robert friedman presents
Bring the entire family to see this rendition of a holiday favorite: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
10. Marvel at a Masterful Ballet
Bring the entire family to see this rendition of a holiday favorite: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Get lost in the dream that takes audiences on a journey through distant lands showcasing dancing mice, living dolls, magical bonbons, regal parties, and family memories. The Moscow Classical Ballet performs this traditional tale on Dec. 17 at the McCallum Theatre. 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert. 760-340-2787; www.mccallumtheatre.com
11. Hear the Magic
The Coachella Valley Symphony, consisting of local professional and amateur musicians, showcases their collective talent at a heartwarming holiday concert Dec. 20. Holiday Magic features vocalist Patricia Welch performing festive tunes including Silent Night, Joy to the World, and many more at the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center, 31001 Rattler Rd., Rancho Mirage. 760-202-6482, ext. 3; www.hgpac.org
12. Have a Feliz Navidad
Sol de México, an eclectic mariachi ensemble directed by Maestro José Hernández, reinvents holiday classics with original rhythms and fresh sounds in Merri-Achi Christmas. This colorful Mexican holiday celebration, featuring seasonal songs and vibrant dances, comes to the McCallum Theatre on Dec. 20. 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert. 760-340-2787; www.mccallumtheatre.com