As the year draws to a close and the holiday season approaches, the First District comes alive with cheerful and heartwarming celebrations. From festive parades and Christmas carols to tree lightings and visits with Santa, the High Desert embraces the spirit of the season with open arms.
If you’re seeking a fun holiday experience, bundle up and venture out to enjoy one (or more!) of these Christmas celebrations:
- Adelanto’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at City Hall. Santa will be visiting, and there will also be Christmas carolers and refreshments. The fun follows at noon on Dec. 9, when the 17th annual Christmas Parade arrives at Adelanto Event Center. For more information, please call 760-246-2300, ext. 11124.
- The annual Town of Apple Valley Christmas Tree Lighting is planned from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5. Join the community as the Town lights up its 30-foot tree at the Apple Valley Civic Center. Bring the family for warm treats, holiday entertainment and pictures with Santa. For more information, please call (760) 240-7880.
- City of Hesperia’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at Hesperia Civic Plaza Park. Enjoy musical entertainment and vendors, free photos with Santa, and more holiday fun. The park is located at 15833 Smoke Tree Street. For more information, please call (760) 947-1400.
- Phelan’s 3rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, Dec. 1, at Phelan Park. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a showing of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” followed by a choir performance at 6 p.m., and Santa’s arrival at 6:15 p.m. The lighting begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by Christmas carol singing. There will be free hot chocolate and candy canes for visitors. Bring a toy to donate to the County Fire Department’s Spark of Love toy drive. Phelan Park is located at 4176 Warbler Road in Phelan. For more information, please call (760) 868-1212.
- City of Victorville’s Festival of Lights & Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2. The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall. Enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies, take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. There will also be a Kid’s Zone. For more information, call (760) 245-5551.
- The Kiwanis Club of Victorville is getting ready for its 76th Annual Children’s Christmas Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in Old Town Victorville. This year’s theme is “Christmas on Route 66.” The community is invited to participate in the parade with a classic car, vintage float, band/club teams or equestrian groups. There will be treats, surprises, and, of course, Santa himself. To register or learn more about how to join the parade, visit https://www.kiwanisofvictorville.com
- The 27th Annual Wrightwood Holiday Home Tour and Boutique will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 on the day of the tour. They may be purchased at The Grizzly Café, The Mercantile, Hair Fitness, Cabin Fever. On the day of the tour, tickets may be purchased at the Pine Needles Quilt Guild Boutique located in the Community Building, 1275 Hwy 2 between Park Dr. and Pine Street. For more information, please call (760) 249-4320.
- Wrightwood Place is hosting Santa’s Workshop from 4-8 p.m. December 5 & 6. Take your own pictures with Santa and shop for the holidays. Free gift wrapping is available. Wrightwood Place is located at 770 Highway 2. For more information, please call (909) 222-0976.
- Church of The Valley will host its Christmas Outdoor Drive-in Movies beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. These free family events include hot chocolate, games, and plenty of fun. Guests can sit outside, or park their cars and tune in to AM radio, to watch the film. Each week, the church will screen a different drive-in Christmas movie for families to enjoy. Upcoming shows include “The Crippled Lamb” at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3; “The Star” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5; “The Nativity Story” at 6 p.m. Dec. 12, and “Charlie Brown Christmas” at 6 p.m. Dec. 19. The Church is also hosting a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The church is located at 20700 Standing Rock Ave., Apple Valley. For more information, please call 760-247-6494 or go to https://churchofthevalley.net