On November 2 – On the 3rd level of the parking structure at Westfield Mall, attendees at STREET will be delighted by an evening celebrating art, music, food and fashion. There are live musical performances by bands and DJs, 40 massive murals and live art installations. The kids’ area, hosted by the YMCA of the Desert and Flat Black Art Supply, will feature bubble art, slime art, hot wire sculpture, graffiti camp and giant games. Food and beverage vendors will be there to satiate those needs as well. There is no charge for admission and it goes from 5-11pm.
On November 3 – The Children’s Museum of the Desert brings back their Touch a Truck Event from 10-2 in the parking lot of the museum. As the name indicates, children will be allowed to touch, sit in and take pictures with an array of emergency vehicles, big rigs and more. This event is $15 for non-members and $12 for members, with family four-packs of tickets for $50 and $45 respectively.
On November 17 – Miracle on El Paseo, brought to you by Bighorn BAM, is an annual anticipated event supporting the Behind a Miracle charity and celebrating the holidays along our most famous street. The event features the lighting of a 60’ tree as well as a visit by Santa Claus. El Paseo is closed off to regular traffic and becomes host to food and beverage vendors, a carnival with games and prizes, a ferris wheel and other kids’ activities, and many local vendors. The winter wonderland is further entertaining with the sounds of Citrus College’s Nightshift and then featured performer The Motels, closing out the evening. Parking is behind California Pizza Kitchen. Tickets are $50 for adults and $10 for kids 5-12.
November 23-December 24 – Over one million twinkling lights transform The Living Desert to a Winter Wonderland during their Wild Lights event. Featuring live music, hot cocoa and snacks at the fire pits and lots of holiday surprises, this is an event that is a yearly tradition. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for kids. The event runs nightly from 6pm-9pm. Please note that the park has limited accessibility, and the zoo (animals) piece is not a part of the Wild Lights Event.
On December 1 – Palm Canyon Drive becomes home to the 26th Annual Festival of Lights Parade. The Parade has been voted one of the Top 10 Holiday Parades in the Country in an AOL survey. Locals and visitors alike come out to see the bands, Macy’s-style balloons, and floats adorned in lights. Santa Claus has been known to come out for this one as well! The parade begins at 5:45 and it is recommended that you go early to reserve your spot along the parade route.
December 1&2 – The Indio Tamale Festival, in Old Town Indio between 111 and Indio Blvd., has been voted one of the Top Ten All-American Food Festivals by The Food Network. It is a two-day food festival with live music and entertainment and over 300 vendors who participate. There is also a carnival and arts and crafts, every kind of tamale you can imagine, and a beer and wine garden. The hours are 10-6 on Saturday and 10-5 on Sunday. There is no charge for admission.
December 8 and 15 – The Gardens on El Paseo holds two events with Santa Claus in December. On the 8th they have Playtime with Santa, an opportunity for families to take photos, do arts & crafts and enjoy refreshments. The price is $15 with proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert. On the 15th, your furry kids will have the opportunity to get their picture taken with Santa at the Paws ‘N’ Claus event. It is also $15 with proceeds benefiting Animal Samaritans. Both events take place on the Center Lawn in front of Saks 5th Avenue.
There are so many fun activities coming up in November and December that we couldn’t talk about them all, so please be sure to check the Calendar of Events on CV Kids for more festive, family events!
