Thursday, Nov. 22
Eating out has become the new norm for Thanksgiving, and there are plenty of choices in the Coachella Valley. How about Thanksgiving with a view? Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to the Pines Café for a complete turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Or how about Thanksgiving at a seafood restaurant. Seem out of place? Not really. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant in Palm Desert does offer seafood as a choice, like lobster ravioli or baked scallops on the half shell, or you can stay traditional to the holiday.
Friday, Nov. 23
Remember the item that didn't make it past security at the airport? Artist Steve Maloney has created sculptures using exactly those kinds of items in a exhibit titled, Banned Booty. See them at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
If you're a fan of '80's music, you'll love "Rock of Ages," which runs Friday through Sunday at McCallum Theatre. Lip synch to Journey, Jefferson Starship, Night Ranger, Styx, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and more. Better than the movie.
Saturday, Nov. 24
The Palm Springs Open Air Market debuts featuring nearly 100 vendors displaying merchandise, furnishings and home fixtures, farmed/prepared foods and live entertainment. Free admission and parking. Located in the Spa Casino's far north parking lot on Calle Encilia.
Santa makes a visit to The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event benefits Big Brothers and Sisters. Activities include face painting, crafts, choral performance, refreshments and a photo with Santa.
Sunday, Nov. 25
One of the more interesting backdrops for the holidays, The Living Desert presents light displays, international food and beverage stations in accordance with this year's theme, "Holidays Around the Globe." Guests can take a ride on a camel or on the carousel. Santa will also make an appearance. Continues through the end of December.
Day Trip
The 20th annual Festival of Lights celebration opens Nov. 23 and runs through Jan. 5 at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, about an hour drive from Palm Springs. The display contains an amazing 3.6 million lights. The hotel will attempt to get into the Guinness World Record book by building the world's largest mistletoe – 15 feet long and 8 feet wide.
For more events, visit our comprehensive calendar.