Agua Caliente Casino – Cathedral City presents the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

CATHEDRAL CITY — Two of the most beloved events in this community — the “Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony” and “North Pole Village” — are set for Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The holiday spectacular, presented by Agua Caliente Casino – Cathedral City, is open to the entire family.

Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony Set

Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

The annual event includes a lit Hollywood-style movie set themed as Main Street at Santa’s North Pole.  Snow-Fest captures all the holiday spirit and places it at one event with holiday music, Santa Claus, holiday tree lighting ceremony, candy canes, bike giveaways for kids, and a free movie at the Mary Pickford Theatre.  There is free admission and free parking.

With the help of the Cathedral City Public Arts Commission and the work by the theatrical stage artists from the Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre and local artists, the “North Pole Village” comes to life in front of City Hall.  This Hollywood-style movie set depicts “main street” at Santa’s North Pole – all lit with holiday lights.  It is the ultimate backdrop for family holiday pictures and selfies.  The “North Pole Village” features 18 storefronts painted as if they came right out of a children’s book.  Best of all, the “North Pole Village” will remain as a static display with holiday music playing in the evenings all the way through the beginning of the New Year and ending on Jan. 9, 2022, according to Chris Parman, communications manager.

Shortly after Santa’s arrival at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, Mayor Raymond Gregory will preside over the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony.  The entire crowd will count down from 10 as the 30-foot holiday tree in front of City Hall will be lit. The holiday tree will remain up and lit through the beginning of the New Year.  Shortly after the Tree Lighting, the award-winning Cathedral City High School Choir will perform a limited holiday concert and Cathedral City’s own Avenida Band will play for the remainder of the event.

The Mary Pickford Theatre is also joining in on the spirit of the season.  You can go to the Mary Pickford Box Office and receive a free pass for the classic holiday movie, “A Christmas Story” (1983) that will play at 7 p.m. inside the Mary Pickford Theatre adjacent to the North Pole Village event.  Tickets are limited to a total of 209 seats.  Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Mary Pickford Box Office.

 

Image Sources

  • Christmas tree: Pexels