Nostalgia and tradition strike heavily at the holidays. I remember back to those days as a young child experiencing the magic of Christmas. You likely have similar memories – most good, I hope. It’s best to focus on the good ones.
Our family was raised Episcopalian — “all the pageantry and none of the guilt” of the Catholic church. (I use that line often, but must credit it to the TV show St. Elsewhere.)
On Sunday morning, mom texted that my niece was performing live on YouTube at our hometown church. I tuned in. It was like being transported back to my childhood as I got to see the sanctuary in HD. After her beautiful solo, I watched as the people came up for communion–and there was dad and my sister. Others from my past came past the camera. That wave of nostalgia was washing over me.
And then the Dan Fogelberg Christmas song, Same Old Lang Syne” played on the radio Sunday. The song chronicles running into a high school sweetheart in a grocery store at Christmastime. When it was released in 1981, I was firmly in the closet but self aware of my being gay. I had dated a girl in high school and that song always brought me back to the secret that I hid from her.
As a radio DJ, we played that song on the radio contemporaneously and I remember my best friend at the time waxing that the line: “Just for a moment I was back in school./And felt that old familiar pain” would be a classic for the ages. He was right. 43 years later, that song still takes me back to “My Little Town” of Hastings, Michigan, and my many fond Christmas memories. The pain of being in the closet has long since passed.
Happy holidays and Merry Christmas from our little town of Palm Springs to you and yours!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may reside! P.S. Our KMEE 103.1 MeTV FM has gone “all holiday music!” Tune in!
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Christmas Eve with Keisha D at The Desert Oasis Chapel
Celebrate Christmas Eve with the soulful music and inspiring message of Keisha D at Desert Oasis Chapel’s free Communion Service on Tuesday, December 24 from 6:30–8 pm. Whether you’re a regular church-goer or haven’t attended in years, you’ll feel at home with LGBTQ+ pastors who affirm and love you. Seating is limited, so arrive early to ensure the best spot. Everyone is welcome to this beautifully decorated church conveniently located across from Kirk Douglas Way and the Palm Springs International Airport. More info
Magical Christmas Dinner at JW Marriott Desert Springs
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa with a Magical Christmas Day Dinner on Wednesday, December 25, from 12–7 pm. Under the expert guidance of Chef Eric Theiss, enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Rockwood Grill, overlooking the resort’s stunning waterways. This festive feast features custom chef creations, a pasta bar, classic Christmas entrees, a carving station, a seafood tower, and a fun kid’s menu. Top off your meal with a visit to the Grand Dessert Room, boasting over 50 holiday dessert options. More info
Magic of Lights
Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, runs daily through December 29 (Sun–Thurs 5:30–9 pm / Fri–Sat 5:30–10 pm), bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays at the Empire Polo Club. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas, with favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season depicted with the latest LED technology and digital animations. Get tickets
Christmas with the Crawfords
Desert Theatreworks presents Christmas with the Crawfords from December 13–29 at the Riviera Resort Palm Springs, a wild holiday bash hosted by Joan Crawford (Ethylina Canne) that spirals into Hollywood mayhem! Featuring Vanity Halston as Judy Garland, Sister Burna Cross as Carmen Miranda, and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Kornbread Jete’, this glam-packed show is full of surprise guests and spot-on impersonations. With Paul Crane as Christina Crawford, James Flaherty as Hedda Hopper, and Stan Jenson switching between Mae West and Ethel Merman, this zany holiday spectacle is a Tinseltown toast you won’t want to miss. Get tickets
Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical
Desert Theatreworks’ annual Christmas production is back, and this time it’s the uproarious Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, running from December 6–29 at the Indio Performing Arts Center. Join the zany sisters of Nunsense as they spread holiday cheer, yuletide laughs, and a dash of festive mischief. Broadcasting live from the basement of Mount Saint Helen’s Convent, the sisters take to the airwaves for a cable access Christmas special like no other. Get tickets
A Klezmer Hanukkah Barry Sisters Tribute
Celebrate the joyous spirit of Hanukkah with A Klezmer Hanukkah Barry Sisters Tribute at the Agua Caliente Casino’s Cascade Lounge on Thursday, December 26. Doors open at 6 pm, with the show starting at 7 pm. This spectacular evening of music will transport you to the heart of Jewish tradition and festive cheer. Get tickets
Wildlights at The Living Desert
WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is open select nights through December 30, inviting guests to see the Zoo in a whole new light: This year’s event features an enhanced light design with three million lights throughout the park, live nightly entertainment, Instagram-worthy festive photo ops, delectable wintertime treats, and much more. In addition to the lights, you may see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, such as the rhino, giraffe, zebra, and African painted dogs at night. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Friday, December 27
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Shadow with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Ask a Gay Doc Ep 18: Healthy for the Holidays
Dr. Renzo Corzano and KGAY’s John Taylor are answering your health-related questions in the Ask A Gay Doc series, sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. In Episode 18, It’s like a holiday buffet of viruses! Bird Flu, Human Flu, Herpes…learn how to stay healthy for the holidays. Watch the Ask a Gay Doc series, and find out how you can submit your own questions, on the Ask a Gay Doc page at kgaypalmsprings.com.
THIS WEEKEND
Teddy Bear Toss Night at Acrisure Arena
Don’t miss one of the most exciting games of the season! Join the Firebirds faithful on Saturday, December 28 at 6 pm for Teddy Bear Toss Night as the Firebirds take on the Ontario Reign and look to break the League record by tossing the most teddy bears onto the ice after the Firebirds score their first goal of the game. Pre-game Plaza events, photo booth, live music, giveaways and more make it the perfect party. The best part? One Valley Foundation will donate all stuffed animals collected to local police departments, fire stations, and hospitals. Get tickets
Puff & Paint at Double Eye Dispensary & Lounge
On Saturday, December 28 from 7–9 pm, Double Eye Dispensary & Lounge, in collaboration with Flat Black Art Supply, is hosting Puff & Paint—a laid-back evening where guests can indulge in their favorite strains and unleash their creativity. This event is designed for all skill levels, providing a fun-filled night of painting and relaxation. Participants are encouraged to bring friends, enjoy the good vibes, and create a masterpiece to take home. Get tickets
Thriving and Creating: Meet the Artists
The HIV+ Aging Research Project presents “Thriving & Creating,” a month-long gallery show celebrating artists living with HIV. The event runs from December 2–28, with a special Closing Celebration this weekend on Saturday, December 28 from 10 am–2 pm. More info
LOOKING AHEAD
McCallum Theatre is accepting entries for OPEN CALL TALENT PROJECT! Don’t miss your chance to perform live at the McCallum. This highly-anticipated Valley-wide competition (May 2 & 3, 2025) is a perfect opportunity to showcase the talents of local singers, dancers, musicians, jugglers, magicians, comedians or any other self-contained novelty act. Deadline for entry is January 6, 2025. More info
Get our Free 2024-2025 Visitor Map & Guide
Check out the latest edition of the K-Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide! To help you find everything you need as a visitor or local, we feature the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries, and other services. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, or browse it online right here!
Click below to sign up for our Gay Desert Guide Oasis Insiders Newsletter to get our Weekly Blog, Top 3 Events for the weekend, Hot Deals and Cool Events all delivered to your inbox every Friday!
- Christmas Eve Service with Keisha D
Tue. Dec 24 at 6:30 pm at Desert Oasis Chapel - Magic of Lights Drive-Through Holiday Experience
Nov 19–Dec 29 at Empire Polo Club - Christmas with the Crawfords, presented by Desert Theatreworks
Dec 13–29 at The Riviera Resort Palm Springs - Nuncrackers, presented by Desert Theatreworks
Dec 6–29 at the Indio Performing Arts Center - New Year’s Pregame Shabang with music by Daytime Moon
Tue. Dec 31 from 8–10 pm at Double Eye Dispensary & Lounge - New Year’s Eve at The Purple Room
Tue. Dec 31 at 5 pm, 7:30 pm, and 10 pm (three seatings) - Art in the Park in the Dark New Year’s Eve
Tue. Dec 31 from 5–9 pm at Demuth Park - 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and Awards
Jan 2–13, 2025 - Aaron Tveit
Sat. Jan 4, 2025 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre - From Resilience to Action
Mon. Jan 13, 2025 from 5–6:30 pm, Location TBD - Justin Timberlake – The Forget Tomorrow World Tour
Mon. Jan 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena
Son Cabinetry & Design offers custom cabinetry for all rooms in your home – kitchens, bathrooms, media centers, home offices, bars, hutches, and more.You can finally have that dream kitchen or stunning bathroom you’ve always wanted and it’s not as expensive as you might think. Son Cabinetry & Design is big box pricing with a boutique experience. Learn more
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
KGAY will play Christmas music with a focus on gay artists including the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus from 6 pm on Christmas eve until noon on Christmas Day! When the Christmas music ends, we start More Music Week with extra songs to get through the quietest week of the year through New Year’s Day!
KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 & 103.1 MeTV FM have your chance to WIN TICKETS to the Palm Springs International Film Festival, taking place January 2–13. Imagine mingling with filmmakers and stars, experiencing the thrill of world premieres, and being part of an event that celebrates the magic of cinema. The festival screens films representing over 70 countries, and as one of the first stops on the road to Oscars, nearly all honorees at last year’s festival went on to receive Academy Award nominations and five went on to win Oscars. You can be a winner too: ENTER TO WIN on the KGAY Contest Page and the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page!
The KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their high-energy throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm. Perfect party music! The KGAY 106.5 Sunday Tea Dance with Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). All our DJ’s took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
103.1 MeTV FM
103.1 MeTV FM continues to play your Timeless and Memorable Christmas Favorites thru Christmas Day, winding down with The Original Christmas Countdown hosted by Jim Hampton starting at Noon. All of your favorites from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s return at 6 pm! 103.1 MeTV FM is KGAY’s sister station, featuring timeless and memorable music including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
- Palm Springs International Airport is Ready to Welcome Holiday 2024 Travelers
- Broadway World Review: COMPANY at Revolution Stage Company
- Frontier Airlines Takes Flight Again in Palm Springs, Offering Budget-Friendly Trips to Denver and San Francisco
- Festival Theaters Now Open in Former Home of Regal Palm Springs Cinema
Find out what’s happening on any given day by browsing our Gay Desert Guide Online Event Listing Calendar, and for the big picture, take a look at major upcoming events in our 2024-25 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on TuneIn Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 1065 from Tune In Radio.” John Taylor is on mornings 6–10 am and program director Chris Shebel is on afternoons. Our Retro Lunch with DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas is now heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.