SnowFest Returns to Downtown Cathedral City Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, With 12 Tons of Real Snow & Mayor’s Tree Lighting

Join us for Cathedral City's SnowFest, presented once again by Comfort Air, from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. The annual event captures all the holiday spirit and places it at one event with holiday music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday tree lighting ceremony, food, train rides, real snow, and much more! It all comes to life in front of City Hall (68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero) - all lit with holiday lights.

Kick off the holiday weekend early on Friday, Dec. 12, with a free outdoor screening of The Grinch (2018) at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater (68526 Avenida Lalo Guerrero), hosted by Desert Recreation District.

Then on Saturday, get ready to showcase your kid's most outrageous holiday attire at the SnowFest Children's Ugly Sweater Contest at 4:15 p.m. Whether it's hilariously tacky, creatively funny, or just downright unforgettable, your sweater could earn you one of three fabulous prizes: Ugliest Sweater, Most Creative, or Most Festive. The winner of each category will win a new bike!

Shortly after Santa's arrival at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, Mayor Rita Gregory will preside over the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony with live coverage from NBC Palm Springs. The entire crowd will count down from 10 for the splendor of the season as the 30-foot holiday tree in front of City Hall will shine. The award-winning Cathedral City High School Choir and Flute Choir will also perform, along with the Desert Carolers. You can see the full event schedule below:

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM:

• Snow-Fest Express Trackless Train Rides (FREE)
• 12 Tons of Real Snow Play Area (Kids) - Sponsored by Angel & Sunshine Herrera
• Hot Chocolate from Hot Lips Coffee Shop
• Elf Workshop (S.C.R.A.P. Gallery)
• Food for Purchase from Meester Zebra and OCTO POP Kettle Corn

4:15 PM:

• Children's Ugly Sweater Contest (3 Categories, Prizes: FREE Bikes!)

5:00 PM:

• Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa, Mrs. Claus & Mayor Rita Gregory (Live on NBC Palm Springs at 5:05 PM)

5:00 PM - 7:30 PM:

5:30 PM:

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM:

• DJ Music, CCHS Flute Choir & Desert Carolers Perform

8:00 PM:

The City of Cathedral City thanks our special event sponsors, volunteers, business community, and city staff for making these events come to life.