Merry Christmas and Happy New Year will echo throughout the land this week as we bookmark the two holidays with a few days of “work”.
It’s been a rewarding time of year for our team and Christmas Day was especially so as John Taylor did his annual broadcast from Oscar’s free community breakfast.
Now we look ahead to New Year’s Eve, and you have many choices this year. See our complete guide to NYE below and on the GayDesertGuide.com.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
For making your New Year’s Eve plans, we’ve got a great roundup of NYE Parties with links to all the info you need [here]. And check out a few highlights below ⬇️
Trans Tuesdays Now on Zoom
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert welcomes all transgender folk to join the Trans Tuesdays support group through Zoom, every Tuesday from 6:30–7:30 pm. Trans Tuesdays has transitioned to a confidential, HIPAA-compliant online Zoom meeting. Gatherings will be conducted as a whole group. Significant others and family members are welcome. More info
Sacred Wounds: Religious Trauma Support Group
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic welcomes you to join their Sacred Wounds Religious Trauma Support Group on Wednesdays from 10–11 am. This is a virtual drop-in therapeutic support group for those who experienced religious hurt, discrimination, and/or ostracization. Facilitated by Esther Loewen, Clinical Trainee & Debbie Kahng, Clinical Trainee. More info
Auntie Mame Interactive
Among Friends presents their ultimate holiday tradition, Auntie Mame, on Tuesday, December 26 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Come for the Mame’s 1920’s themed cocktail party at 6 pm, dressed up (or not) like the characters in the cocktail party in the movie or holiday attire, and join Miss Bea Haven as Auntie Mame. Rattling Good Yarns Press will be promoting their book: At Sea with Patrick Dennis: My Madcap Mexican Adventure with the author of Auntie Mame by Robert Karr. The author passed away in 2017, and the manuscript was almost trashed, but another Rancho Mirage resident and theatrical hair and wig designer, Bernie Ardia, saved it. For Mame fans, this is a must-read, funny, yet true memoir that sheds new light on Patrick Dennis’s time in Mexico. At 8 pm, the interactive screening of Auntie Mame brings the movie to life with audience participation, live actions, and surprises. Get tickets
Heart: A Special Performance in the Desert
Heart will perform at Acrisure Arena on Thursday, December 28 at 8 pm. Heart will be joined by very special guest, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening. Heart, featuring Nancy Wilson, Ann Wilson, Ryan Waters, Ryan Wariner, Paul Moak, Tony Lucido, and Sean Lane, will perform this very special concert to close out 2023. In a career spanning over five decades, Heart has sold more than 35-million records and performed over 2,500 shows worldwide for millions. “Barracuda,” “Crazy On You,” and “Magic Man” are among the many songs that now reside in the pantheon of Rock’s greatest hits. Get tickets
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, nightly through Saturday, December 30 from 6–9 pm. 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. Experience several new and reimagined light exhibits, such as the new 30-foot-tall holiday tree and lighted animal-themed displays; plus 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
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
Christmas with the Crawfords
Desert Theatreworks presents Christmas with the Crawfords at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs now through December 30. This riotous camp classic is based on the actual Christmas Eve live radio broadcast from the Crawford family’s Brentwood mansion in 1949. Filled with exaggerated silver screen icons, this mash-up musical parody is a loving homage to Hollywood’s “Golden Age” and features appearances of Tinsel Town divas such as Judy Garland, Carmen Miranda, Gloria Swanson, Hedda Hopper and the Andrews Sisters. Christmas With The Crawfords is a delightful alternative to the usual saccharine fare offered during the holidays and is guaranteed to make anyone who sees it feel much better about their own family this time of year. Get tickets
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
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Don’t forget to check our roundup of NYE Parties with links to all the info you need [here].
The Dreamboats at The Westin
Join The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Party with The Dreamboats on Sunday, December 31 from 9 pm–1 am. Step into the glamour of the golden era and let the rhythm of the 50s and 60s set the tone for an evening of Shake, Rattle, and Roll. Get ready to be dazzled by infectious energy and award-winning tunes spanning rock ‘n’ roll to pop classics that will have you dancing the night away. Guests are encouraged to dress “Retro Chic.” Get tickets
KC and the Sunshine Band + Zowie Bowie at The Show
In partnership with the City of Rancho Mirage, the Studio ’24 New Year’s Eve Celebration is happening on Sunday, December 31 at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage. The party will be property-wide all day and include a live DJ spinning epic beats on the casino floor. At The Show, a disco-themed party includes performances by KC & The Sunshine Band at 8 pm, followed by Zowie Bowie’s New Year’s Eve dance party. Tickets to see KC & The Sunshine Band include entry to Zowie Bowie. Get tickets
Agua Caliente Palm Springs Glitz & Glam
At Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, guests can celebrate the New Year with a Hollywood glam-inspired Glitz & Glam Block Party from 8 pm–1 am, complete with a countdown to Midnight Fireworks Extravaganza and the famous Palm Tree illumination at midnight. The party starts with live music by high-energy dance band Haute Chile. There will also be food trucks, outdoor bar gardens, oversized outdoor games, and social media stations for that perfect photo opportunity. In addition to the exciting entertainment, all three Agua Caliente casino properties will feature thrilling promotions and cash giveaways all night long, roaming entertainment throughout the casino floors, food and drink specials, and free party favors while supplies last. Get tickets
Agua Caliente Cathedral City A-List Event
Come dressed to impress at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City’s A-List New Year’s Eve from 8 pm–2 am. In the Agave Caliente Terraza, local favorite DJ Alf Alpha will be spinning the hottest tunes while keeping the crowd entertained and dancing all night long. There will also be a midnight countdown complete with a festive balloon drop. More info
New Year’s Eve at 4 Saints
Celebrate the end of the year at 4 Saints, atop the Kimpton Rowan, where the food & drink rival the spectacular mountain and Coachella Valley views, with live music filling the festive air. Book your dinner reservation between 5–10 pm and enjoy a special New Year’s Eve menu prepared by Executive Chef Richard Crespin. Stay for the midnight celebration at 4 Saints’ bar and High Bar to raise a toast to 2024 and take in Agua Caliente’s midnight fireworks from The Rowan’s perfect rooftop vantage point. More info
