City officials announced Monday that the Palm Springs Festival of Lights will be held next week for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The 29th annual festival will start at 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, on Palm Canyon Drive and will feature twinkling floats, marching bands, huge holiday balloons and Santa Claus. This year’s Community Grand Marshals are Mariah Hanson, founder of Dinah Shore Weekend, and Linda Barrack, CEO of Martha’s Village and Kitchen.
Palm Springs will also host its official Holiday Tree Lighting the night before at 5:15 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3, at Frances Stevens Park, 500 N. Palm Canyon Drive. The tree lighters will be parade grand marshals Hanson and Barrack.
“After a long period of pandemic restrictions, the City of Palm Springs is thrilled to once again celebrate the joy of the holiday season with our residents and visitors at the Official City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting and at the spectacular Festival of Lights Parade,” said Mayor Christy Holstege.
“We invite the entire Coachella Valley to come celebrate the magic of the holidays in downtown Palm Springs, truly like no place else!”