From Lauren Alaina to New Year's celebrations: 10 things to do in the desert this week, Dec. 25-Jan. 1

The Coachella Valley is home to a number of events and activities to take part in this month. If you're interested in filling your calendar, we've put together a list of 10 things happening this week.

To submit an event for consideration, send an email to niki.kottmann@desertsun.com with the time, date, location and price of admission, as well as a brief event description. Photos are not required but encouraged as part of the submission.

Check out the following events this week:

Magic of Lights - Coachella Valley

Hop in the car with some loved ones to check out this drive-thru holiday lights experience. Guests will enjoy a 200-foot-long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, the Blizzard Light Tunnel, the Snowflake Tunnel and the Candy Cane Light Tunnel in their own vehicle. There will also be other displays, including life-sized dinosaurs, as well as a Holiday Village with drinks and snacks available for purchase.

When 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturdays now through Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Empire Polo Club, 81-800 Avenue 51, Indio

Tickets: $25-$60

More info: magicoflights.com/events

More: Magic of Lights at Empire Polo Club opens Friday: Here's what is new this holiday season

Christmas Day Skate

Looking for a White Christmas? It's not snow, but the ice is just as cold inside the Berger Foundation Iceplex at Acrisure Arena, so bring your loved ones and get a skate in this holiday. This extended public skate is a great way to get in some exercise after all those holiday treats, and you can do it on a budget: receive a free skate rental when you wear your pajamas or a holiday bow. Have your own skates? (We see you, Midwesterners/East Coasters.) Bring them and you'll save $5.

When 12:30-3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 25

Where: The Berger Foundation Iceplex at Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert

Cost: $15 admission (and $5 skate rental if you don't bring your own)

More info: bergerfoundationiceplex.com

La Quinta Full Moon Hike

Looking for a low-cost activitiy that gets you and your loved ones outdoors this holiday week? Watch moonlight wash over the Santa Rosa Mountains during this beginner friendly 3-mile loop hike. Join Friends of the Desert Mountains who will be searching for night creatures along the trail, as well as astronomers who will have their telescope set up to view the night sky. This hike features cobbled, uneven desert terrain. Bring 1 liter of water per person, headlamp or flashlight and wear closed-toed shoes. No dogs allowed.

When: 7-10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26

Where: La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot, Calle Tecate and Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta

Cost: Suggested donation of $5 per person

More info: desertmountains.org/calendar

Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers Market

It's that time of year again to browse locally grown, raised or made flowers, produce, meats, baked goods, sauces and unique artisan goods. Head to Rancho Mirage Community Park every Friday to shop these items and more — including handcrafted jewelry and natural health products — in this family-friendly atmosphere.

When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29 (and every Friday through the spring)

Where: Rancho Mirage Community Park, 71-560 San Jacinto Drive, Rancho Mirage

Tickets: Free admission

More info: cvcfm.org

2nd Annual Celebrate CV

Looking for a free, unforgettable evening to ring in 2024? Head to Palm Desert on Dec. 30 (the day before New Year's Eve) for a night of family-friendly activites and a live musical performance by Lauren Alaina, runner-up on the 10th season of "American Idol." This event will include face painting, shuffle putt, street hockey, basketball shooting competitions, local gift card giveaways, food trucks, full-service bars and more. You can also enter to win year-long sports scholarships to the YMCA and several other prizes.

When: 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30

Where: The corner of San Pablo & Magnesia Falls in Palm Desert

Cost: Free and open to the public

More info: celebratecv.com

More: Need New Year's Eve plans? Check out these dinner deals, events in the Coachella Valley

WildLights

The furry tenants at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens are also celebrating the holidays this season. The zoo's annual light display includes a s'mores station, holiday carousel, 30-foot-tall holiday tree and light exhibits, which include animal-themed displays and the Tunnel of Lights. This is fun for all ages, but if you want to ditch the kids, the zoo is also hosting an adults-only night this year for people 21 and older on Dec. 14. (Note that the zoo requires you to reserve tickets in advance.)

When: 6-9 p.m. on select nights from now through Saturday, Dec. 30

Where: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert

Tickets: $19.95 - $22.95 for adults, $17.95 - $20.95 for adult members, $15.95 - $18.95 for kids 3-17 and free for kids under 3

More info: livingdesert.org

More: The Living Desert to kick off WildLights holiday event this week

Desert Theatreworks Presents ‘Christmas With The Crawfords’

Desert Theatreworks presents this campy Christmas classic and musical parody at Margaritaville Resort based on a 1949 live radio broadcast from Joan Crawford’s Brentwood mansion, featuring appearances by icons such as Judy Garland, Carmen Miranda, Gloria Swanson, Hedda Hopper and the Andrews Sisters.

When: 7:30 p.m. most days through Dec. 30 (check website for specifics)

Where: Margaritaville Resort, 1600 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Cost: $49.95

More info: dtworks.org

New Year’s Eve Party with The Dreamboats

Want to step back in time before heading into 2024? The dress code is "retro chic" for this NYE Party at The Westin, which is a celebration of the golden era led by headline performers The Dreamboats. Let the rhythm of the 50s and 60s set the tone for an evening of "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" and more classic hits. Lean into the infectious energy of these award-winning tunes paired with passed retro diner-style hors d’oeuvres from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Top it all off with a hula-hoop contest, champagne toast, party favors and balloon drop and you have an evening to remember.

When: 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, 71-333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage

Cost: $129

More info: westinranchomirageexperiences.com

Oscar's New Year's Eve Celebration

Ring in 2024 with four vivacious queens at Oscar's Palm Springs. The Ball Drop event includes big laughs and fun times from Jackie Beat, Sherry Vine, Billy L’Amour and Candis Cayne. General admission and tables with buffet options are available, with shows at 6 and 9:30 p.m.

When: First show is at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Oscar's, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs

Cost: Tickets start at $99.95

More info: https://oscarspalmsprings.com

More: Tommy Lee says Crüe Year's Eve at Acrisure Arena will be 'one to remember'

Agua Caliente Casino New Year's Eve Celebrations

What's better than one New Year's Eve celebration? Three of them, all thanks to Agua Caliente Casinos. In Palm Springs, the annual block party is taking place with some Hollywood glitz and glam. Haute Chile and DJ ERINEIL will provide the entertainment and a special fireworks extravaganza. Advanced tickets cost $40 for general admission and $125 for VIP, while day-of tickets cost $50 for general admission and $150 for VIP. In Rancho Mirage, patrons can relive disco nights at the Studio '24 dance party, with entertainment from KC and The Sunshine Band and Zowie Bowie. Tickets to see KC & The Sunshine Band start at $55 and include entry to Zowie Bowie. Finally, Cathedral City will ring in the new year with flashing lights and high-energy music from DJ Alf Alpha. Festivities at all three locations begin at 8 p.m.

When: Various times Sunday, Dec. 31 (check website for each of the three casino events)

Where: The three Agua Caliente Casino locations: 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs; 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 68-960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City

Cost: Prices vary, check website

More info: aguacalientecasinos.com

This story includes previous reporting from Desert Sun reporters Ema Sasic and Brian Blueskye.

Niki Kottmann is the features editor for The Desert Sun. She oversees the paper's arts and entertainment, education, and health coverage, and loves to write the occasional entertainment story. You can connect with her on Twitter @niki_mariee.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 10 things to do in the Palm Springs area this holiday week