Jazz, Jokes and a Menorah
Skip Heller returns to the Cascade Lounge at the Agua Caliente Palm Springs, at 401 E. Amado Road, at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 18, with his Borscht Belt Hanukkah Special, bringing Catskills cool to the oasis. The idea is simple and charming: It’s an evening that carries the warmth, humor and musical glow of all eight nights. Heller leans into classic jazz grooves, sharp storytelling and a retro spirit, giving familiar Hanukkah tunes a sly twist without losing their heart. The Cascade Lounge is a comfortable, nonsmoking club space set up for listening, and the bar stays open throughout the show. Guests must be 21 or older, and tickets start at $19.98, available here. —Charles Drabkin
Under the Big Top
The Marinelli Bros. Circus sets up at The Shops at Palm Desert, at 72840 Highway 111, from Thursday, Dec. 18, through Monday, Jan. 5. At this time of year, the show folds classic circus thrills into a holiday wrapper. You can expect high-speed motorcycle rides, knife-throwing, aerial acts, feats of incredible balance, and Matti the Clown keeping things loose between the big moments. The Marinelli family has five generations of circus history, and that legacy shows in the pacing and polish of the production. Showtimes vary, and tickets range from $20 to $70, depending on location and the age of the ticket holders. For tickets or more information, visit marinellibroscircus.com. —Charles Drabkin
Toys and Tunes for Tots
Support youth with toys and music! At 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19, attend a toy-drive show for the children of Mexicali at 74066 El Cortez Way, in Palm Desert. Lazuli Bones, known for their alternative, twangy-grunge sound, have hosted a local toy drive for the past five years, gathering toys, books and art supplies for children in Mexicali. Alongside a headlining set from Lazuli Bones, this year’s edition will feature sets from TV Screams (pictured), Ju!ian + The Band, South Cliff, BLK, and June and the Tax Evaders, as well as some special vinyl-only jams spun by Desert Vinyl Club. There will be a raffle for band merch, as well as an ugly-sweater contest. You must bring a toy to attend the event. For more information, visit www.instagram.com/lazulibones. —Matt King
He Writes the Songs
Don’t miss one of the desert’s longest-running charity concerts! Barry Manilow’s charity concert series A Gift of Love, which raises funds for 25 local charities, returns to the McCallum Theatre, at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, in Palm Desert, for a seventh edition, with the final three shows at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20; and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. With Manilow set to retire from touring in 2026 (although he will continue performing, including his Las Vegas residency), now is the perfect time to not only see a musical legend, but to support the organizations that give back to our desert. Tickets start at $107.99, and funds will be going to Coachella Valley charities such as AAP–Food Samaritans, Angel View, the local Boys and Girls Clubs, Safe Schools Desert Cities and many others. For tickets and more information, visit www.mccallumtheatre.org. —Matt King
Christmas Crafts
Old Town Artisan Studios, at 78046 Calle Barcelona, in La Quinta, turns into Gingerbread Lane, with a lively mix of seasonal cheer and community art, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20. The free event invites families to wander the three-acre art campus and drop into myriad activities. Face painting, a bubble fountain, youth and senior performances, and a community art show keep the place humming, while Santa and Mrs. Claus settle in for photos. Hot chocolate and donuts are on hand, and visitors can decorate cookies, paint their own ornaments, and create memories that last a lifetime. If you wanted to make a Hallmark Christmas movie in the desert, this would be the scene where the big-city lawyer decided to stay and marry the desert Christmas-tree farmer. For more information, visit oldtownartisanstudios.org. —Charles Drabkin
Celebrating the Solstice
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, and Crystal Fantasy, at 268 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, plans to celebrate with a Winter Solstice Celebration, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21. The shop, long known as the anchor of Palm Springs’ metaphysical scene, opens its doors for a come-and-go event that mixes ritual, reflection and community, with a Reiki circle at noon, and a drum circle at 3 p.m. Throughout the day, you can connect one-on-one with practitioners, with soul connection sessions, tarot readings and oracle guidance. An affirmation tree invites guests to add their hopes and intentions for the year ahead. Admission is free, with a suggested $20 donation supporting the readers and guides. For more information, visit crystalfantasy.com/events. —Charles Drabkin
A Very Judy Christmas
Celebrate a famous actress and the holidays, all in one go. At 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 26, Debbie Wileman will perform her Christmas-themed Garland tribute show Judy Garland: We Need a Little Christmas at the Plaza Theatre, at 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Garland, known for her starring roles in The Wizard of Oz and A Star is Born, is still remembered for her iconic voice and singing skills 50-plus years after her death. Even though it’s the day after Christmas, come and hear these fantastic holiday tunes just how Judy would’ve done them! Tickets start at $40.80; get tickets and learn more at www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com. —Matt King
Rockabilly Revelation
The high dez is getting bluesy! At 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 27, rockabilly roots group Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys will rock up Pappy and Harriet’s, at 53688 Pioneertown Road, in Pioneertown. In the late ’90s and early ’00s, Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys channeled the great ’50s blues sound during the era’s rockabilly revival, and decades later, the band is still celebrating nostalgic tones while combining surf, folk, bluegrass and more. An intimate desert set from these Americana stars is not one to miss! Tickets are $31.86. For tickets and more information, visit pappyandharriets.com. —Matt King
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