Palm Springs  Aerial Tramway Tree Lighting

with American Idol's Local Abi Chapman

December 8, 2024, 5:30 p.m.

Palm Springs
1 Tram Way
Palm Springs, CA
pstramway.com
Elevation: 8,516'

The annual Palm Springs Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is graced with the presence of celebrity Tree Lighters at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Lighting the landmark 45-foot tree comprised of over 4,000 LED lights, which can be seen throughout the Coachella Valley, has been the honor of an all-star cast of characters from the entertainment industry.

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony is open to the public and is included with regular Tram admission.

Abi Carter, Season 22 American Idol winner and Coachella Valley native is joined by guest emcee, Meteorologist and Eye on the Desert  Host Patrick Evans.

The Tramway's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. The Tram's landmark 45-foot tree is comprised of over 4,000 lights and can be seen throughout the Coachella Valley.

Sounds of the Holidays Concerts

High School Choirs Perform Holiday Favorites at 8,516 Feet
The holiday choir season begins December 4 at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station, continuing a decades-long seasonal tradition. Visitors can enjoy holiday favorites performed by high school choirs on select dates through December 15.

2024  Tramway Holiday Entertainment:

• December 4, 2024 Martin Luther King High School Choir
• December 5, 2024 La Quinta High School Chamber Singers
• December 8, 2024 Palm Springs High School Choir and String Quartette
• December 11, 2024 Cathedral City High School Choirs
• December 12, 2024 Coachella Valley High School Concert Choir
• December 15, 2024 Encore High School for the Arts Madrigals
  
  5 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Showtimes included with regular Tram admission. Performances are on the Pines Café Stage with food and beverage available for purchase from either Pines Café or the Lookout Lounge. (Note: The December 8 performance is outside on the Desert View Terrace at 5:30 p.m. as part of the tree lighting ceremony. There will also be a 7:30 p.m. performance inside).
• Palm Springs High School Choir and String Quartet performing holiday favorites. 

Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Tram Santa Visits the Tramway December 7 and 14, 2024

Breakfast with Santa  returns to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on Saturday, December 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Join Mr. and Mrs. Claus for breakfast, holiday crafts, and storybook readings. Breakfast with Santa tickets are $55 for adults and seniors, and $42 for children (ages 3-10). Tram fare is included. Advanced tickets are required and can be made by calling (760) 325-1449. Availability is limited. \

Santa will also be visiting the Tramway’s Mountain Station on Saturday, December 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Santa’s visit in Pines Café is included in general tram fare admission. Tram tickets are $32.95 for adults, $29.95 for seniors, and $18.95 for children (ages 3-10). Children can share their Christmas lists with Santa himself, pose for photos, and receive a free candy cane.

City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting

December 6, 2024, 4-6 p.m.
Frances Stevens Park
500 Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road
Uptown Palm Springs, California
palmspringsca.gov |  psfestivaloflights.com

The ceremony lighting the City's "green" 22-foot holiday tree features caroling, free cookies and hot cocoa and Santa Claus of course!

The Mayor and City Council help make the season bright with the Official City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting.  Residents and their four-legged friends are invited to bring the whole family and join Santa Claus, the City Council -- and Grand Marshals.

 Enjoy the beautiful music from the Palm Springs High School Madrigal Singers and String Orchestra. Watch as the Santa, City Council, and Grand Marshals hit that magical button to set our Christmas Tree alight! And  share in the amazing performance by the nationally renowned Dancing Christmas Trees--Stars of the Macy's Day Parade!

Right around the same time (the day after the tree lighting, usually) the City of Palm Springs has an incredible Festival of Lights Parade, the highlight of the Coachella Valley.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.