Can’t we even get through Christmas without looking too far ahead? I stopped by Michael’s and World Market for some last minute holiday decorations this week. Everything was on clearance – to be expected.
Then I noticed the Valentine’s Day merch was already out! If you’re in retail, you’re always working ahead — to be expected. And we’re planning for such 2024 events as the Red Dress/Dress Red Party. But can’t the red hearts stay hidden till at least the new year?
Speaking of 2024, we’re in for not-so-silent nights where all won’t be calm or bright. As Bette Davis says in All About Eve, “Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night!” The political climate will test our LGBTQ+ community’s will. It’s the underpinning of many a conversation already, and provides a level of apprehension that will have long ranging effects.
For the next week or so, we will celebrate the vestiges of “peace on earth and good will toward men” as best we can. There will be wonderful acts of kindness, charity and civility. My wish for the new year is that those could last forever. Merry Christmas!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Check out ALL the best Holiday Happy Hour and Bar events on the Gay Desert Guide Nightlife Channel. It’s also high time you made your New Year’s Eve plans, and we’ve got a great roundup of NYE Parties with links to all the info you need [here].
Palm Springs Holiday Guide
Experience the magic of the season in Palm Springs, where the holidays are unlike anything else. Visit Palm Springs has a roundup of Holiday Events, Dining, Shopping, and Deals! From starry street fairs with twinkling lights and festive decorations to delicious food and drinks with friends and family, find your moment in our sunny wonderland. Sip cocoa or cocktails under swaying palm trees and dance the night away at special events, nightlife, and live entertainment, find one-of-a-kind gifts and treasures at our local boutiques, and enjoy warmth, wonder, and all things merry and bright! Learn more
Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol
Revolution Stage Company presents Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol playing through December 23. The play offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Charles Dickens’ creative process as he conceives and writes the cherished holiday tale. Get tickets
Free Christmas Breakfast at Oscar’s
Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs is offering their 8th Annual Free Christmas Breakfast for anyone in need, on Christmas morning, December 25 from 8–11 am. Owner Dan Gore says “It’s open to ANYONE in need of good food, good company or good cheer.” KGAY will be there too, with John Taylor and Brad Fuhr helping out. Spread the word: When you see anyone on the street this week that may be in need, please let them know that Oscar’s is open for them on Christmas morning. More info
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 December 30 from 6–9 pm (except Christmas Day). 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
Musical Magic: Funny Lady
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents a series of your favorite movie musicals on the big screen with their Musical Magic series, and this Saturday, December 23 at 3 pm it’s Funny Lady. In this sequel to “Funny Girl,” Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand) is now a huge star on Broadway whose fortunes have taken a hit from the Great Depression. After a whirlwind romance, Fanny marries Billy Rose (James Caan), and the two agree to collaborate on a show. Despite the show’s early struggles, Fanny makes it a success, but the sudden fame puts a strain on her marriage — especially when Billy learns she still has feelings for her ex-husband, Nick (Omar Sharif). Get tickets
Festival Christmas Eve Worship
River of Hope Palm Springs, Lutheran (ELCA) Faith Community in the Desert invites you to their Festival Christmas Eve Worship on Sunday, December 24 at 6 pm. Celebrate in person at Temple Isaiah or via livestream on Facebook. Lessons and Carols with Candlelight Communion will celebrate the joy of Christmas. Inspirational music, under the direction of Rick Cook, includes a brass ensemble from the Desert Winds Freedom Band, guest soloists Jessay Martin and Michelle Fiore, choir and other instruments. River of Hope is fully inclusive and embracing of the LGBTQ+ community and rents worship space at Temple Isaiah. The Reverend Tim Edmondson is the pastor. More info
Die Hard Christmas Eve
Unwrap the ultimate holiday thrill this Christmas Eve at the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s annual screening of Die Hard, the iconic action thriller that redefined the genre, on Sunday, December 24 at 7 pm. Join the indomitable John McClane as he battles ruthless terrorists in the ultimate high-stakes showdown, all set against the backdrop of a towering skyscraper. With heart-pounding action, unforgettable one-liners, and a hero who epitomizes resilience, Die Hard is a pulse-pounding rollercoaster of excitement that’ll have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Get tickets
The Exorcist 50th Anniversary Screening
The Palm Springs Cultural Center and Moving Pictures Symposium Archive present a special 50th Anniversary commemorative screening of a rare, preserved original 35mm film print of William Friedkin’s original theatrical version of The Exorcist, on Friday, December 22 at 7 pm. Released on December 26, 1973, The Exorcist has inspired some of the most extreme audience reactions in the history of film. In honor of its 50th anniversary, witness The Exorcist in its original glory in one of the greatest historic theaters in California. Get tickets
Nathaniel: The Recorded Story of a Legend
The Inner Circle Arts Society presents Nathaniel: The Recorded Story of a Legend, a bio/vaudeville musical production by Joachim Moore, about Nat King Cole and Jimmy Durante. The show will take place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Friday and Saturday, December 22 & 23 and 29 & 30 at 7 pm. 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
Our Visitor Map & Guide
If you haven’t yet done so, check out our Visitor Map & Guide! To help you find everything you need as a visitor or local, we feature the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries, and other services. Look for our printed version around town if you’re here, or if planning a visit, you can view and download it right here, right now!
Click below to sign up for our Gay Desert Guide Oasis Insiders Newsletter to get our Weekly Blog, Top 3 Events for the weekend, Hot Deals and Cool Events all delivered to your inbox every Friday!
On the Air: KGAY 106.5
WIN tickets to the Palm Springs International Film Fest
KGAY 106.5 and 103.1 MeTV fm have your tickets to The 35th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, running Friday, January 5–Monday, January 14. The film festival is bigger than ever with over 175 films from around the world. The line-up includes award-season front-runners, international Oscar submissions, a spotlight on South Korea, family screenings, LGBTQ+ stories, and so much more. Talking Pictures hosts in-depth discussions with directors, writers and actors from the year’s top titles. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page and the MeTV fm Contest Page
You can also win tickets to the new Palm Springs Surf Club’s Big Bam Boo NYE party on Sunday, December 31 at 9 pm. With music, dancing, and professional surf demos with performances by Cut Snake, Touch Sensitive, Rambo, Kahana Kalama & more. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
The KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday at noon, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their high-energy throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm. Perfect party music! Listen Online. DJ Galaxy can also be found spinning at Impala Bar & Grill for Divas on the Dance Floor on Thursdays at 8 pm, and the new Friday Fusion T-Dance Happy Hour Social, Fridays from 4–8 pm also at Impala!
The KGAY 106.5 Sunday Tea Dance with DJ Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). DJ Modgirl (AKA Kellee McQuinn) is all about “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week. Listen online.
On the Air: 103.1 MeTV fm
Starting at Noon on Friday, you’ll hear all of your Timeless and Memorable Christmas Favorites thru Christmas Day! 103.1 MeTV FM is KGAY’s sister station, featuring a unique mix of timeless and memorable music incorporating a wide variety of classic hits, deep tracks and softer sounds spanning several decades of popular music, including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
You can win tickets to see Heart at Acrisure Arena for a special performance in the desert on Thursday, December 28 with very special guest Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening. Enter to WIN on the MeTV fm Contest Page
The Temptations and The Four Tops, two iconic bands that have stood the test of time, will return to the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, January 13 for an evening of Motown favorites and MeTV fm wants you to win tickets! Enter to WIN on the MeTV fm Contest Page
