News

Lance Bass, one-fifth of renowned vocal group NSYNC, will serve as the celebrity tree lighter at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 7, 2025. KESQ Chief Meteorologist and “Eye on the Desert” Host Patrick Evans will again emcee this year’s event at the Tramway’s Mountain Station. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with the Palm Springs High School Madrigal Choir performing holiday favorites. Following their performance, Bass will light the Tram’s landmark 45-foot tree comprised of over 4,000 LED lights, which can be seen throughout the Coachella Valley.

From small-town Mississippi to global pop icon, Lance Bass has spent over 25 years entertaining the world: singing, producing, and hosting. As a member of NSYNC, he helped define 2000s pop music, selling over 70 million records, earning multiple major awards, and releasing one of the fastest-selling albums in history, “No Strings Attached.” In 2023, the group reunited with “Better Place,” which debuted at #1 on iTunes.

Beyond the stage, Bass has produced films, hosted hit shows and podcasts, and co-owns one of the top entertainment venues in West Hollywood. In 2021, he and husband Michael Turchin, welcomed twins Violet and Alexander, inspiring his first of many children’s books, “Trick or Treat on Scary Street,” which also became a New York Times Best Seller.

A passionate LGBTQ+ advocate and philanthropist, Bass is also a voice in the diabetes awareness space and a board member of the Environmental Media Association. Whether raising awareness, raising twins, or raising eyebrows on TikTok, Bass continues to evolve with purpose, creativity, and heart.

The tree lighting ceremony is open to the public and is included with regular Tram admission.

Peaks Restaurant to Offer Special Prix Fixe Menu

On Saturday, February 14, celebrate Valentine’s Day at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Peaks Restaurant will serve a special prix fixe dining menu from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, featuring a choice of grilled mango salmon, wild mushroom ravioli, or petite filet mignon, accompanied by wild mushroom soup or baby spinach salad. And for dessert, choose from crème brulee or caramel chocolate crunch. Valentine’s Day dining in Peaks Restaurant is priced at $89. Tax, gratuity and tram fare are not included. Reservations are recommended.

Already have dinner plans? Embark on a romantic adventure as you ascend Mt. San Jacinto in the world’s largest rotating tramcar and explore over 50 miles of hiking trails or simply enjoy the views from the Mountain Station terraces.

Tram admission is $34.95 for adults, $31.95 for seniors (65+) and $18.95 for children ages 3-10. After 4:00 p.m., Twilight tickets are $31.95 for adults and seniors, and $15.95 for children ages 3-10.

For more information or to view the Valentine’s Day menu, please visit www.pstramway.com/dining/ or call 760-325-4537 for Peaks Restaurant reservations.

The “Sounds of the Holidays” concert series commences December 3 at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station. Continuing a decades-long tradition, visitors can enjoy Yuletide carols and holiday hits performed by high school choirs on select dates through December 14.

For the 2025 season, the Tramway is proud to present the following line-up:

• Wednesday, December 3 – La Quinta High School Chamber Singers
• Thursday, December 4 – Cathedral City High School Lions’ Pride Chamber Singers
• Sunday, December 7 – Palm Springs High School Madrigal Choir
• Wednesday, December 10 – Shadow Hills High School Chamber Singers
• Thursday, December 11 – Coachella Valley High School Concert Choir
• Sunday, December 14 – Quartz Hill High School Chamber Singers and A Cappella Choir

Showtimes are 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on the Pines Café Stage and are included with regular Tram admission. Food and beverage will be available for purchase at Pines Café and The Lookout Lounge. (Note: The December 7 choral performance is outside on the Desert View Terrace at 5:30 p.m. kicking off the Tramway’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. That evening, there will also be a 7:30 p.m. performance inside on the Pines Café Stage).

To purchase tickets, please visit www.pstramway.com or call 760-325-1449 for more information.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate holiday hours Saturday, February 14 – 16 in observance of Presidents’ Day. The first tram up each day will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up will be at 8:00 p.m., and the last tram down will be at 9:30 p.m.

Tram admission is $34.95 for adults, $31.95 for seniors (65+) and $18.95 for children ages 3-10.

Special discounts and packages are available after 4:00 p.m. Twilight tickets are $31.95 for adults and seniors, and $15.95 for children ages 3-10. Ride ‘n’ Dine tickets, which include tram fare and dinner at Pines Café, a cafeteria-style restaurant, are $41.00 for adults and seniors, and $27.50 for children ages 3-10.

Guess who’s coming to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway? This December, families can enjoy two unique opportunities to visit Santa in an alpine winter wonderland.

• Santa will be stopping by the Mountain Station’s Pines Café on Saturday, December 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Children can share their Christmas lists with Santa himself, pose for photos, and receive a free candy cane. Santa’s visit is included in general tram fare admission. Tram tickets are $34.95 for adults, $31.95 for seniors, and $18.95 for children (ages 3 – 10).
• “Breakfast with Santa” will be held on Saturday, December 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Pines Café. Join and Mrs. Claus for a special holiday breakfast and festive crafts. “Breakfast with Santa” tickets are $55 for adults and seniors, and $42 for children (ages 3 – 10). Tram fare is included. Advanced tickets are required and can be purchased by visiting www.pstramway.com/tickets or by calling (760) 325-1449. Seating is “family style” (tables may be shared with other guests).

Celebrate the holiday season at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. For more information, please visit www.pstramway.com.

Stay Cool with Unlimited Tram Rides May 1 through August 31

Starting May 1, ticket sales begin for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Summer Pass—an ideal way to escape the summer heat. Passholders can take advantage of the cooler mountain climate, as temperatures at the top of the Tramway are typically 30-40 degrees lower than the valley floor.

Summer Passes are valid May 1 through August 31, 2026, and include unlimited Tram admissions for the passholder, a 10% discount on additional Tram admissions  (limit 4), a 10% discount at Peaks Restaurant and Pines Café, and free parking. Summer Passes are $85 for adults and seniors, and $45 for children ages 3-10. Beginning May 1, guests may purchase their Summer Pass online at https://pstramway.com/tickets/ or in-person at the Tramway’s Valley Station.

Beyond the breathtaking views from the Tramway’s Mountain Station, passholders can enjoy over 50 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and campgrounds in the 14,000-acre pristine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

At the Mountain Station, guests can also browse the gift shop, explore the natural history museum, and watch two documentary films about the Tramway and the surrounding State Park. For a fine dining experience with spectacular views, Peaks Restaurant is the perfect choice. Cocktails are also available in the Lookout Lounge. Searching for kid-friendly dining? Pines Café, a cafeteria-style restaurant, offers something for the entire family to enjoy.

Special Hours and Holiday Dining

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will offer special holiday hours December 20 through January 4. The first tram up each day will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up will be at 8:00 p.m., and the last tram down will be at 9:30 p.m.

On December 25 and January 1, Ride ’n’ Dine tickets—which include Tram admission and a holiday meal at Pines Café (a cafeteria-style restaurant)—are available for purchase from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Meal service begins at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $41 for adults and seniors, and $27.50 for children (ages 3-10). The holiday menu includes a choice of honey-glazed ham, oven-roasted turkey, or vegetarian lasagna, and a selection of side dishes. A fountain beverage, coffee, or tea is included. Regular Ride ‘n’ Dine menu served on New Year’s Day.

Peaks Restaurant will serve a special prix fixe holiday dining menu on December 25, featuring a selection of roasted duck, pan-seared salmon, or filet mignon, accompanied by a seasonal appetizer and side dishes. For dessert, there is a choice of salted caramel cheesecake or chocolate caramel crunch. Christmas Day dining in Peaks Restaurant begins at 11:00 a.m. and is $89 for adults and seniors, and $39 for children (ages 3 – 10). Tram fare is not included. Reservations are recommended.

For more information or to view the full menus, please visit www.pstramway.com/dining/ or call 760-325-4537 for Peaks Restaurant reservations.

Later Hours, Guided Nature Walks and Summer Programs

PALM SPRINGS, CA (May 14, 2026) Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the summer season at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Mount San Jacinto State Park (MSJSP). Visitors can look forward to extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays, guided nature walks every Sunday and the return of summer programs led by Mount San Jacinto State Park and the Natural History Association.

Summer Hours begin Friday, May 22 and continue through Monday, September 7, 2026. Every Friday and Saturday, the last tram up is at 9:00 p.m. and the last tram down is at 10:30 p.m. In addition, Peaks Restaurant will extend the last seating to 8:45 p.m. and Pines Café will remain open until 9:30 p.m.

Memorial Day Weekend holiday hours will be observed on Sunday, May 24, with the last tram up at 9:00 p.m. and the last tram down at 10:30 p.m. On Monday, May 25, the first tram up is at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up at 8:00 p.m. and the last tram down at 9:30 p.m.

Guided Nature Walks by State Park volunteers resume Sunday, May 24 and continue Sundays through September 6. These walks feature a choice of two easy trails–the Desert View Trail, a 1½-mile walk beginning at 11:00 a.m., and the Long Valley Nature Trail, a ¾-mile loop beginning at 1:30 p.m. No advance registration is required, and there is no charge except for regular Tramway admission.

Enjoy summer programming at Mount San Jacinto State Park. Visitors can discover the wonders of the State Park and learn how to appreciate and explore its resources responsibly. For more information on MSJSP programs, please visit @MountSanJacintoSP on Facebook and Instagram.

The Natural History Association (NHA) will also host a series of programs throughout the summer months. For more information on the NHA programs, please visit https://www.msjnha.org/events.

U.S. Armed Forces Receive Free Tram Admission Throughout July

During the entire month of July, all U.S. military personnel with valid military identification—active, former and retired—receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, along with a special gift for “Military Days.” Spouses of deployed military members, as well as military widows and widowers, also qualify for the promotion. Military personnel are encouraged to bring friends and family and receive 25% off regular Tram admission for up to four guests.

While visiting the Tramway, guests can enjoy:

• Fine dining with breathtaking views at Peaks Restaurant, or casual, family-friendly fare at Pines Café.
• More than 50 miles of hiking trails within Mount San Jacinto State Park (MSJSP).
• Guided Nature Walks led by MSJSP volunteers every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. through Labor Day Weekend. For the latest information on park programs and events, follow @mountsanjacintosp on Instagram. In addition, educational programs and instructor-led hikes are presented by the Mount San Jacinto Natural History Association. Learn more at https://www.msjnha.org/events.

The Tramway remains committed to honoring the service and dedication of active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families through this annual tradition.

EXPERIENCE “RESTAURANT WEEK” WITH MOUNTAINTOP DINING AT THE PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY

Panoramic Views and Fine Dining at Peaks Restaurant

PALM SPRINGS, CA (May 26, 2026) Enjoy Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway May 29 – June 7. Peaks Restaurant is offering a special dinner menu, inviting guests to savor elevated cuisine, scenic vistas and a ride on the world’s largest rotating tramcar.
The three-course $59 prix fixe menu (exclusive of tax, gratuity and tram fare) includes:

• Choice of Appetizer—Spinach Salad, Corn Chowder or Charred Shrimp
• Choice of Entrée—Half Roasted Duck, Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Filet Mignon, Mango Salmon or Vegetable Coconut Curry
• Choice of Dessert—Salted Caramel Cheesecake, Tiramisu or Flourless Caramel Chocolate Crunch Cake

Reduced Restaurant Week tram fares are available after 4:00 p.m. and are $20 for adults and seniors, and $10 for children (ages 3 – 10) with confirmed Peaks Restaurant reservations.

The last tramcar up Sunday through Thursday is 8:00 p.m. and the last tramcar down is 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, the last tramcar up is 9:00 p.m. and the last tramcar down is 10:30 p.m.

For more information or to make dinner reservations, please visit www.pstramway.com/dining