“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” is a holiday favorite that was written long before COVID and the recent spat of highly contagious viruses that are going around.
We’ve forgotten the protocol of NOT kissing each other (most times on the lips!) that was the norm during COVID. Imagine going up to a friend in December 2020 and planting a big kiss on them for a holiday greeting. You would have been slapped silly.
I was out over the weekend at a few of the watering holes that our staff likes to frequent. Chris Shebel, our program director, is married to Mr. Palm Springs Leather, Oscar Uvillus. I watched in discomfort and no joy as people came up to greet him not with a firm handshake, but with a planted kiss on the lips. He can’t easily ‘just say no’…
Can we just stop?
“There is no ‘cold’ going around,” says my doctor. “Influenza A, COVID, RSV and bacterial pneumonia are the infections da jour.” So it’s putting everyone at risk to go back to our old ways of “gay greeting” with such signs of affection. We don’t need to be as formal as a handshake, but how about those greetings old: air kisses , a salute (my fave), or a loose hug?
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Desert Business Association Holiday Party
Join the Desert Business Association for some holiday cheer at their Holiday Party on Monday, December 11 at 5 pm at Boozehounds. This year’s celebration includes dinner, a no host bar, a fabulous silent auction, and special performances by Mayhem Miller & Honey Davenport. Get tickets
Manilow – A Gift of Love VI
Barry Manilow’s A Gift of Love VI concerts will take place this week and weekend, December 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17 at the McCallum Theatre. Manilow donates his time and talent to this fundraiser that benefits 25 Coachella Valley charities. His past holiday concerts have surprised audiences with a children’s choir, Santa Claus, and even snow! Get tickets
Desert Jam 2023
Well in the Desert presents Desert Jam 2023 on Monday, December 11 at 6 pm at the Agua Caliente Casino Grand Ballroom in Rancho Mirage. This year’s event is in memory of Arlene Rosenthal, with honorees Sean Chuckas, Greg Mieure, and Colleen Veal. For reservations and tickets call 760-656-8905.
WildLights at The Living Desert
Light up your holiday with WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, recognized in the Top 10 Best Zoo Lights by USA Today, presented December 14–24 and 26–30 from 6–9 pm. If kiddos aren’t your thing, this Thursday, December 14 is Adults Only (21+) Night. This magical winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, dazzling light displays, and holiday fun is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and make lasting memories with friends and family. This year, experience several new and reimagined light exhibits, such as the new 30-foot-tall holiday tree and lighted animal-themed displays. Coming up on Tuesday, December 19 from 5–7 pm: KGAY’s John Taylor will be broadcasting live, with KGAY’s DJ Modgirl spinning tunes! [More info]. Many of your festive favorites are returning, such as the Tunnel of Lights, s’mores station, holiday carousel, photos with Santa, and much more! In true WildLights tradition, the G-scale model trains, with more than 3,300 feet of track, will be decked out for the holidays. Get tickets
Desert Modernism 101 Lecture Series
Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS ModCom) in partnership with University of California, Riverside (UCR) Palm Desert and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute present Desert Modernism 101, a series of lectures sponsored by Eisenhower Health and held at UC Riverside – Palm Desert. This free adult program has been developed by PS ModCom’s Education Committee Leaders Joan Gand and Mimi Fisher, both avid architecture preservationists from the Midwest. on Tuesday, December 12 at 6 pm, the lecture will be Albert Frey and the Birth of Desert Modernism, presented by Peter Moruzzi. Registration required. More info
Clubs Fore Kids Golf Tournament
The Club Fore Kids Golf Tournament takes place Wednesday, December 13 from 7 am–4 pm at Classic Club in Palm Desert. Registration includes golf with an 8:30 am shotgun start, Breakfast items, lunch, Mega Ticket, 2 raffle tickets, silent auction, putting contest, hosted games on the golf course included and much more. Celebrating 11 years, the Club Fore Kids tournament is presented by Palm Springs Hospitality & Restaurant Association and has benefitted the Boys & Girls of Palm Springs since its inception. Non-golfers can join for lunch at 1 pm. Lunch ($50) includes 2 raffle tickets. More info
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Lecture Series
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum presents a Lecture Series which will highlight speakers and themes related to opening the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. On Wednesday, December 13 at 6 pm, learn about Cultural Plaza Preservation at the Museum. Meet the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) while they share about the findings recovered during construction of the Cultural Plaza and now displayed in the museum. Representatives will discuss the importance of protecting cultural resources, and present the Tribe’s recent publication documenting the Cultural Plaza excavation, 8,000 Years: Unearthing the History of the Agua Caliente People at Séc-he. Get tickets
Palm Springs Chamber December Mixer
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce is holding its December Mixer at JimmyB’s Restaurant on Wednesday, December 13 from 5–6:30 pm. This is a great time to come & see friends while having the opportunity to meet new business acquaintances; free for Chamber members, $15 for guests, with a variety of delicious, complimentary light appetizers and special happy hour prices at the bar. More info
Scott Wilkie: Joy
Join contemporary jazz pianist Scott Wilkie as he presents a very special “Joy” Christmas Concert at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Wednesday, December 13 at 7 pm. Scott’s arrangements of holiday classics are inspired by the unique energy of his longtime bandmates — Pat Kelley on guitar, along with bassist Nathan Brown and drummer Jeff Olson. This year marks the 10th annual ‘Joy’ concert and their sixth year bringing this show to the desert. With fresh takes on holiday favorites alongside beautiful traditional carols, this is a very special concert not to be missed. Get tickets
Desert Candlelight Concerts: Will Donato
Jazz Sensation and Saxophonist Will Donato, with a smooth Jazz #1 Billboard hit single, will provide an evening of festive Holiday jazz delight for a Desert Candlelight Concert on Wednesday, December 13 at 6 pm at the Mary Pickford Theatre. Get tickets
Cabaret6 Desert Stars: Keisha D Sings Ella Fitzgerald
The Cabaret6 Desert Stars series wraps up its 6-week run this week at the newly renovated Revolution Stage Company in downtown Palm Springs. On Wednesday, December 13 at 7 pm, Keisha D sings Ella Fitzgerald. Known for her big voice, and her ability to get a room up on its feet, Keisha D shows off her wide variety of chops with a show dedicated to the songs and the voice of Ella Fitzgerald. Get tickets
Palm Canyon Theatre Holiday Memories Concert
Join Palm Canyon Theatre for Holiday Memories, a night of festive holiday songs, performed by some of your favorite PCT artists on Wednesday, December 13 from 7–9 pm. Featured performers include Francesca Amari, Ben Reece, Jaci Davis, Eric Stein-Steele, Rebecca Havely, Christian Quevedo, Mary Ewing, Sheldon Safir, Scott Clinkscales, Georgia Smith and many more. Get tickets
Tail-A-Thon
The Palm Springs Animal Shelter is partnering with NBC Palm Springs for their first-ever Tail-A-Thon from 4–7 pm on Thursday, December 14. NBC Palm Springs will be broadcasting LIVE from the shelter, raising critical funds on air for animals who depend on the Shelter every day. The event will be co-hosted by Shelter Board Member Scott Nevins and NBC Palm Springs talent. More info
Bella! Film Premiere
Re-Emerging Films presents the Palm Springs Premiere of Bella! on Thursday, December 14 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This is a documentary film on the trailblazing activist, feminist and congresswoman, Bella Abzug, featuring Barbra Streisand, Shirley MacLaine, Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Lily Tomlin, Gloria Steinem, Maxine Waters, Marlo Thomas, Renée Taylor, Phil Donahue, Charles Rangel, David Dinkins and more. Stay for a talkback with Director Jeff L. Lieberman & special guests, moderated by film producer Kat Kramer. Get tickets
Artists for Oswit Fundraiser
Oswit Land Trust in association with the Desert Art Woman Gallery present Artist for Oswit, an evening of art, conservation, and community to help preserve open spaces in the Coachella Valley on Friday, December 15 from 5–8 pm. The benefit exhibition is at Desert Art Woman Gallery in association with some of the galleries of the Perez Arts District and runs December 5–20. More info
Artist-Made Gifts at Desert Art Center
The Desert Art Center presents: Holiday Shop: Artist-Made Gifts, now through December 31. Don’t miss the finest artist-made giftables in the valley. You’ll find fine ornaments and decor, jewelry and wearables, prints and wall art, greeting cards, and much more. More info
Magic of Lights – Coachella Valley 2023
Experience Magic of Lights – Coachella Valley 2023 now through December 31, every night starting at 5:30 pm at the Empire Polo Club. Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Coachella Valley’s new holiday tradition. One carload, one price. Get tickets
DUI Checkpoint Thursday
The Palm Springs Police Department will hold a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Thursday, December 14 from 6 pm–1 am at an undisclosed location within the city limits of Palm Springs. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Palm Springs Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
