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“AMERICAN IDOL” WINNER ABI CARTER NAMED PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY 2024 TREE LIGHTER
KESQ’s Patrick Evans to Emcee Ceremony
PALM SPRINGS, CA (November 6, 2024) Abi Carter, Season 22 “American Idol” winner and Coachella Valley native, will serve as the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s 2024 celebrity tree lighter at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 8, 2024. KESQ 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 Choir and String Quartet performing holiday favorites. Immediately following, Carter lights the Tram’s landmark 45-foot tree comprised of over 4,000 LED lights, which can be seen throughout the Coachella Valley.
Carter stole the hearts of “American Idol” viewers during her audition, singing her rendition of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” which earned her a Platinum Ticket. The judges, Blake Shelton, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry, boasted about her performance, agreeing she could be the next winner of the show. During her “Hometown Hero Visit,” Carter visited places that meant the most to her, one of those being the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. During her visit, Carter expressed how she visited the Tramway as a child, and it always held a special place in her heart.
Carter became the first recipient of the Platinum Ticket to win the competition and the eighth female winner overall, along with stand-out artists like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Jordin Sparks. Since returning home to the Coachella Valley after her win, Carter sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” and dropped the first puck at a Coachella Valley Firebirds game at Acrisure Arena; she sang the national anthem at the 2024 United States Olympic trials for gymnastics; and held her first full concert, “No Amount of Dark,” at Acrisure Arena. Carter will also be performing at Stagecoach in Indio in 2025.
The tree lighting ceremony is open to the public and is included with regular Tram admission.
SANTA EVENTS AT THE PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
Santa Visits the Tramway December 7 and 14
PALM SPRINGS, CA (November 4, 2024) “Breakfast with Santa” returns to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on Saturday, December 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Join Mr. and Mrs. Claus for breakfast, holiday crafts, and storybook readings. 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 made by calling (760) 325-1449. Availability is limited.
Santa will also be visiting the Tramway’s Mountain Station on Saturday, December 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Santa’s visit in Pines Café is included in general tram fare admission. Tram tickets are $32.95 for adults, $29.95 for seniors, and $18.95 for children (ages 3-10). Children can share their Christmas lists with Santa himself, pose for photos, and receive a free candy cane.
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY WEEKEND AT THE PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
Extended Hours and Special Holiday Dining
PALM SPRINGS, CA (October 28, 2024) The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate a special holiday schedule during the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend, Thursday, November 28 through Sunday, December 1. 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 Thanksgiving Day, November 28, Ride ‘n’ Dine tickets—which include Tram admission and dinner at Pines Café (a cafeteria-style restaurant)—will be available for purchase from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dinner service begins at 11:00 a.m. Combination tickets are $41 for adults and seniors, and $27.50 for children (ages 3-10). The holiday menu includes a choice of oven-roasted turkey, maple-glazed ham or vegetarian lasagna; a selection of side dishes; and pumpkin pie for dessert. A fountain beverage, coffee or tea are included.
Peaks Restaurant will also serve a special Thanksgiving Day menu including a butternut squash soup or a walnut salad, oven-roasted turkey breast served with seasonal side dishes, and an option of an apple brown butter tart or pumpkin pie for dessert. Thanksgiving Day dining in Peaks Restaurant begins at 11:00 a.m. and is $51 for adults and seniors, and $26 for children (ages 3-10). Tram fare is not included. Peaks Restaurant will also serve its regular menu. Reservations are recommended for Thanksgiving Day dining in Peaks Restaurant. To reserve, please call 760-325-4537 or visit https://www.pstramway.com/dining/.
