- Desert Dispatch by ORINN
- Posts
- 📬 Desert Dispatch: Holidays in the Desert
📬 Desert Dispatch: Holidays in the Desert
Best of the Valley, Signature Holiday Events, and Inside Sonny Bono's Estate
Jason Ball
December 01, 2025
In partnership with
📬 December 2025 Edition
🌴 Welcome to the December issue of Desert Dispatch 🌵✨
The air is crisp, the mountains are snow-capped, and the palm trees are wrapped in lights, it’s officially the most magical time of year in the desert. We know the holidays can get hectic, so this month we’re focusing on sparkle and ease. From the best light displays to where to grab a festive dinner (no cooking required), consider this your guide to slowing down and soaking up the season.
 | 🏆 The Best of the Valley: Readers' Picks Are In!The results for the CV Independent's Best of Coachella Valley 2025-2026 Readers' Picks have arrived! See all the winners, runners-up, and featured stories celebrating our vibrant community: Best of Coachella Valley 2025-2026: Readers' Picks. |
🎄 Signature Holiday Events
Dec 4, 11, & 18: VillageFest Holiday Market
Downtown Palm Springs
The weekly street fair gets a festive makeover with carolers, holiday crafts, and a "Cookies with Mrs. Claus" event on Dec 4.
Dec 5: Official City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting
Frances Stevens Park (5:15 PM)
Community tree lighting with the Mayor, Santa, and fireworks.
Dec 6: 33rd Annual Festival of Lights Parade
Palm Canyon Drive (5:45 PM)
The biggest event of the season featuring illuminated floats, bands, and balloons.
Dec 6 & 13: Santa Days at the Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Santa visits the Mountain Station (Dec 6) and hosts "Breakfast with Santa" (Dec 13).
Dec 7: Aerial Tramway Tree Lighting with Lance Bass
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (5:30 PM)
Celebrity tree lighting at 8,500 feet, featuring NSYNC's Lance Bass.
 Old Ranch Inn | 🎄 Walk of the Inns 2025!This unique event invites you to explore some of the city's most charming boutique hotels. Stroll through historic properties, enjoy refreshments, and soak in the unique ambiance of each inn on Thursday, December 11th! A special treat awaits you at the Old Ranch Inn, where Hot Cookie will have a delicious activation! |
More than $10k in debt? We can help.
Debt happens. Getting out starts here.
Millions of Americans are tackling debt right now.
Whether it’s credit cards, loans, or medical bills, the right plan can help you take control again. Money.com's team researched trusted debt relief programs that actually work.
Answer a few quick questions to find your best path forward and see how much you could save. answer a few short questions, and get your free rate today.
🎭 The Plaza Theatre ReopensThe beautifully restored in downtown Palm Springs is back. The revival begins with a Grand Opening Gala on December 1st, featuring Cynthia Erivo. The theatre has a full month of events to ring in its new era. For a sneak peek , check out our recent feature. |  The Plaza Theatre |
 | 🎄 🌶️ Holiday Heat is On! Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City is turning up the heat this month, promising a holiday spectacle that’s going "full caliente." If you’re looking for the best parties and festive entertainment to celebrate the season in the desert, we’ve got it. Plan your festive season here: Jingle Mingle and Go Full Caliente |
⭐️ Sonny Bono's Palm Springs Estate Hits the Market for $7.49 Million
Courtesy of Louise Hampton Team
In a major piece of real estate news, the former Palm Springs estate of beloved entertainer and politician Sonny Bono has officially been listed for sale with an asking price of $7.49 million.
The Desert Dispatch was the first to report this exciting development! This classic Palm Springs property, nestled in a prestigious neighborhood. For a look at the details, history, photos of the home, read our original breaking news article: BREAKING NEWS: Sonny Bono Estate Hits The Market For $7.49 Million.
🗞️ Palm Springs Now: The Big Stories
🏗️ Development and Infrastructure
🎭 Arts and Culture
🏆 Ethan Hawke to be Honored at Palm Springs Film Festival. Details
🎙️ NPR’s Tonya Mosley to Headline Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation Hall of Fame. Details
🎭 Prism Theater Pops Down with New Pop Up. Details
🤖 New AI Skills Program to Boost CV EconomyStarting in 2026, juniors and seniors in Riverside County will be able to earn the new Seal of AI Readiness & Next Generation Intelligence. |  |
 California Political Reporter Hank Plante | 🎙️ Legendary Reporter's Life in Palm Springs Palm Springs resident Hank Plante was on the front lines of the AIDS crisis. Now retired in the desert, Hank is still deeply engaged in local journalism and civic life. 🎧 Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! 📺 Watch here! |
🌵 Homecoming for Chef Quentin GarciaLocal culinary star Quentin Garcia is back home in Palm Springs, leading the kitchen as Executive Chef at Lola Rose Grand Mezze. Garcia grew up in the valley and honed his skills around the globe before returing to the desert. Read the full in-depth interview here. (A version of this story first appeared in Oasis Magazine.) |  Chef Quentin Garcia, Lola Rose Grand Mezze |
🗣️ Mrs. O’Donnell’s Corner, December 2025
🍺 Luchador Brewing is coming to Palm Springs. The Cat City brewery is taking over the space at 250 S. Palm Canyon Drive where the sunglasses shop, Designer Alternative Shades used to be.
👙 Diane’s Bikini has opened it’s new shop on Palm Canyon Drive.
🌴 Oasis Magazine is shaking things up in this town. The debut issue was a smash. It’s all over town. Look for the next issue in January.
🎶 The Rock the Park concert series at The Downtown Park starts back this month. A different tribute bank on the first Wednesday of the month. This month’s band is The Springsteen Experience. Next month is Bee Gees Forever.
🐝 The buzz is that Queen Bee Limited, honey and beauty products, opened up shop at 156 N Palm Canyon Dr. between Faherty and Destination PSP.
🍽️ After just six month’s, Marilyn’s on Museum Way is closed for good. Haus of Poké didn’t last very long in the space either. Better luck to the next establishment.
💻 Pro-Tip: Book Direct & Save
Planning your next getaway? Skip the middlemen and book directly at oldranchinn.com to unlock the Private Rate — exclusive savings just for our inner circle (that’s you).
✔ Lowest rate guaranteed
✔ No extra fees
✔ Free Parking
📬 That's a Wrap on the Desert Dispatch!
Thank you so much for reading the December issue of the Desert Dispatch!
We hope you enjoyed catching up on all the latest news from around the area this past month. We truly appreciate your readership and support!
Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Happy Holidays!
— Jason and Troy
💌 Love the Desert Dispatch? Tell a Friend.
Forward this to someone who needs a little more sun and silence in their inbox.
→ Subscribe to Desert Dispatch
→ Follow @desertdispatchnewsletter and @oldranchinn