Things to Do This Weekend: Bryan Cranston, Leslie Jordan

What's on your agenda? Here's our suggestions for Dec. 19-22

JIM POWERS Attractions

 

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE…

Christmas Eve/Day Dinner
Looking for a place that serves on a day you either don't feel like cooking or looking for the convenience it provides, we've compiled a number of dinner places offering a place to enjoy family and friends. See our detailed list.

The Living Desert
Holiday lights numbering in the thousands transform the zoo to a holiday wonderland. Runs on select dates throughout the month. See our VIDEO featuring the Tunnel of Lights.

Holiday Libations
Bartenders can't wait for this time of year to give their patrons a taste of the holiday season through captivating and visually cool drinks. Watch our VIDEO showcasing the work of Catalan Restaurant bartender Cory Como in Rancho Mirage.

A Peter White Christmas
Jazz artist Peter White enlists the help of Rick Braun and Mindi Abair to create distinctive arrangements of holiday favorites Dec. 19 at McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert.

"It's a Wonderful Life"
Don't forget to catch this holiday classic at the La Quinta Resort & Club, which was actually written by Frank Capra while he was staying at his favorite La Quinta resort casita.

Free Holiday Concerts at Forever Marilyn statue
Celine Dion tribute performer Brigitte Valdez (pictured at right), and bands "New Sensations" and "Just Like THAT!" will provide musical entertainment in the downtown area starting at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22, respectively. The shows are sponsored by P.S. Resorts and McCormick's Palm Springs Car Auctions.

"Rockin' the Holidays"
The Edge's musical experience at the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs delivers songs in tune with the holiday spirit, but with a powerful beat along with lights, choreography and a 12-person cast with Santa hats. This is the last weekend (Dec. 21-22) of performances.

The Nutcracker Ballet
Starlight Dance Center presents its annual production featuring more than 100 local dancers of all ages. Just the single performance Dec. 22 at the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center at Rancho Mirage High School.

"The Snow Queen"
Dance Dimensions presents its 10th annual Winter Showcase Dec. 22 at the McCallun Theatre in Palm Desert. Look for special performances by the Hartin Dance Company, Joshua King, Josh Curtis and the Palm Desert High School Dance Team.

NEW YEAR'S EVE
Where to Celebrate 2014's Arrival
The countdown to 2014 can be as simple as a nice dinner out to a full-fledged evening of food, entertainment and bubbly. Check out our suggestions in the Greater Palm Springs area.

FILM
"Nebraska"

Cinemas Palme d'Or co-owner and actor Bryan Cranston makes a special trip in to host a Q&A on this Golden Globe nominated film with director Alexander Payne and actor Will Forte following the 6:30 p.m. screening Dec. 20.

"Inside Llewyn Davis"
Golden Globe nominee Oscar Isaac (pictured at left next to Justin Timberlake) will answer questions after the 6:30 p.m. screening Dec. 21 at Cinemas Palme d'Or and moderated by the theater's part owner, actor Bryan Cranston. Directed by the Coen Brothers, "Inside Llewyn Davis" follows the life of a young folk singer in Greenwich Village in 1961.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Sullivan's Toy Drive

The third annual Holiday Toy Drive benefits Loma Linda Children's Hospital. New and unused gifts can be dropped off through Dec. 23 starting at 11 a.m. each day. Mention this listing to receive a free appetizer for your next visit.

Santa Paws 5K
The second annual Santa Paws 5K benefits Guide Dogs of the Desert. Each participant receives a 5-piece Santa suit that must be work during the walk/run event Dec. 21 at the corner of Ramon Road and Sunrise Way in Palm Springs.

Paws 'n Claws
Take your pet over to The Gardens on El Paseo to have his/her photo taken with Santa in Palm Desert. The $10 donation benefits Animal Samaritians.

ART
Stephen H. Willard Photograhs

The exhibition embodies the American West through landscape photos (pictured at left) of areas few have ever seen or visited. Willard's daughter, Beatrice, donated her father's life work to the Palm Springs Art Museum. Exhibit runs through April 6.

LIVE MUSIC
The Hood Palm Desert

Brothers Colin and Patrick Hood, who grew up in the Coachella Valley, have created a great gathering place where punk is cool. This weekend, Strung Out plays Dec. 21. Writer Michele McManmon describes this home of Palm Desert vibe.

The Blank Tapes
Led by Matt Adams and Pearl Charles, The Blank Tapes is gaining heat after recently being featured on the Carson Daily Show. Look for this Joshua Tree-inspired band Dec. 21 at Pappy & Harriet's In Pioneertown. Watch our VIDEO of the duo performing "1000 Leather Tassels".

The Fabulous Follies
In January, Maureen McGovern will take over as guest star. Watch our VIDEO of founder Riff Markowitz reflect on this Palm Springs institution's 23-year run.

The Copa Palm Springs
The newest addition to the downtown Palm Springs nightclub scene has opened. Leslie Jordan brings his own brand of Christmastime stories running Dec. 19-21. Watch our VIDEO to gain a sneak peek of the club.

Industry Night
Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs opens its DJ night with DJ Shasta and DJ Esjay from 7-11 p.m. Dec. 19. Runs through Jan. 16.

Welcome to My World
Singer Yve Evans (pictured at right) pays tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Shirley Horn, Sarah Vaughn, Nat King Cole, Lena Horne and more Dec. 20 at the Tolerance Education Center in Rancho Mirage.

THEATER
"Hughie"

Coyote Stageworks presents a stage reading by the Antaeus Theater Ensemble of the Eugene O'Neill play Dec. 19 with no admission charge.

EATS
Tropicale, Copa Synergy

Located right next to one another, Tropicale Restaurant becomes the food focal point before or after taking in the entertainment at the Copa. Read about Tropicale's "world cuisine" from writer Pamela Bieri.

For more events, visit our comprehensive calendar.

 

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