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.
More Holiday Fun Leading Up to SnowFest:
On Saturday, Dec. 6, bring your furry friend to Feliz Navidog at Esperanza Dog Park (67248 Mia Place) for a holiday dog costume contest! Presented by the Cathedral City Parks & Community Events Commission and sponsored by Koffi, the event features separate contests for small and large dogs, with all breeds and sizes welcome. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the contest running from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Prizes include gift cards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, plus a raffle for four bicycles generously donated by the City of Cathedral City. Complimentary pastries and refreshments will be provided.
Then on Friday, Dec. 12, kick off SnowFest weekend with a free outdoor screening of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018) at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater (68526 Avenida Lalo Guerrero), hosted by Desert Recreation District. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and kids can enjoy a meet and greet with the Grinch before the movie begins! Sponsors include Quench & Refresh, Mary Pickford Theatre is D’Place, and CrushCrush Cookies.
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, incoming Mayor Raymond 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 & incoming Mayor Raymond Gregory (Live on NBC Palm Springs at 5:05 PM)
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM:
- Santa’s Arrival & Photos
5:30 PM:
- CCHS Choir Performs
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM:
- DJ Music, CCHS Flute Choir & Desert Carolers Perform
8:00 PM:
- Event Closes
SnowFest is presented by Comfort Air, with additional support from Canyon Print & Signs (Tree Sponsor), Angel & Sunshine Herrera (Snow Sponsor), Dinner with Patsi, Monster Shakes, and Luchador Brewing Company (Santa Sponsors). NBC Palm Springs is the official media sponsor.
The City of Cathedral City thanks our special event sponsors, volunteers, business community, and city staff for making these events come to life.
Related posts:
Snow-Fest at North Pole Village Offers Two More Opportunities for Photos with Santa, Dec. 16 & 23, 2023, in Downtown Cathedral City
Savor the Spirit of Mexico at the Annual Taste of Jalisco Festival February 2-4, 2024
Celebrate at the Taste of Jalisco Festival in Downtown Cathedral City, Feb. 2 – 4, 2024
