ACTRESS JUDITH CHAPMAN TO LIGHT PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY’S HOLIDAY TREE DECEMBER 3
KESQ’s Patrick Evans to Emcee Ceremony
Television, stage, and film star Judith Chapman will serve as the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s 2023 celebrity tree lighter at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 3. KESQ Meteorologist and “Eye on the Desert” Host Patrick Evans will 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 performing holiday favorites. Immediately following, Chapman lights the Tram’s landmark 45-foot tree comprised of over 4,000 LED lights, which can be seen throughout the Coachella Valley.
Chapman is best known for her roles in several daytime dramas, including “The Young and the Restless,” “Days of our Lives,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “As the World Turns,” and “General Hospital.” She also guest starred on dozens of television series including “The Fall Guy,” “Magnum P.I.,” “Murder She Wrote.” and “Silk Stalkings.” Her feature film work includes “28 Days,” “The Sweetest Thing” and, most recently, playing Nancy Reagan in the Oscar-winning film, “King Richard”. Among her many stage appearances, she portrayed Oscar-winning film star Vivien Leigh in the Los Angeles premiere of the critically acclaimed, one-woman play, “VIVIEN,” for which she garnered rave reviews and toured nationally.
In 2007, she was recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with a Silver Circle Award, which honors members of the television community who have contributed 25 years to the industry.
“In these trying times, what a holiday blessing it will be for us all to come together in peace and harmony to share the shining light on our beautiful mountain. Peace on Earth and goodwill to all,” says Chapman.
The tree lighting ceremony is open to the public and is included with regular Tram admission.
“SOUNDS OF THE HOLIDAYS” KICKS OFF NOVEMBER 30
High School Choirs Perform Holiday Favorites at 8,516 Feet
The holiday choir season kicks off November 30 at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station, continuing a decades-long seasonal tradition. Visitors can enjoy holiday favorites performed by high school choirs on select dates through December 10.
For the 2023 holiday season, the Tramway is proud to present the following line-up:
Thursday, November 30 – Jurupa Valley High School Chamber Singers
Sunday, December 3 – Palm Springs High School Choir
Wednesday, December 6 – Coachella Valley High School Concert Choir
Friday, December 8 – Cathedral City High School Choirs
Sunday, December 10 – Encore High School for the Arts Madrigals
Show times are at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and are included with regular Tram admission. Performances are on the Pines Café Stage with food and beverage available for purchase from either Pines Café or the Lookout Lounge. (Note: The December 3 performance is outside on the Desert View Terrace at 5:30 p.m. as part of the tree lighting ceremony. There will also be a 7:30 p.m. performance inside).
“BREAKFAST WITH SANTA” RETURNS TO THE PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
Santa Visits the Tramway Two Weekends in December
“Breakfast with Santa” returns to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on Saturday, December 2 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 $45 for children (ages 3-10). Tram fare is included. Advanced tickets are required and can be made by calling (760) 325-1449.
Santa will also be visiting the Tramway’s Mountain Station on Saturday, December 9 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 $30.95 for adults, $28.95 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.
Kick off the holiday season with a dose of Yuletide merriment at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway! For more information, please visit www.pstramway.com .
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY WEEKEND AT THE PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
Extended Hours and Special Holiday Dining
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate a special holiday schedule during the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend, Thursday, November 23 through Sunday, November 26. 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 23, 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, beef burgundy or vegetarian lasagna; a selection of side dishes; and a choice of pumpkin pie or carrot cake 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 mixed greens salad, oven-roasted turkey breast served with seasonal side dishes, and an apple tart topped with ice cream for dessert. Thanksgiving Day dining in Peaks Restaurant begins at 11:00 a.m. and is $49 for adults and seniors, and $27 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 make a reservation, call 760-325-4537 or visit https://pstramway.com/dining/.
36TH ANNUAL TRAM ROAD CHALLENGE RESULTS
The winner of the 36th Annual Palm Springs Aerial Tram Road Challenge was Nic Beechan, who ran the “World’s Toughest 6K” in 30 minutes, 7 seconds. The first female to cross the finish line was Jeanne Collonge in 35 minutes, 51 seconds. Maverick Gentry finished first in the youngest category (12 and under) and Andrew Suozzo finished first in the oldest category (75-79).
This year’s Male and Female Challenge Division Winners are:
| Age Groups | Name | City | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 and under M | Maverick Gentry | Cathedral City, CA | 00:52:07 |
| 12 and under F | Leilani Lua | La Quinta, CA | 01:25:33 |
| 13-19 M | Travis Nuñez | Unknown | 00:37:44 |
| 13-19 F | Yoselin Canseco | California | 00:45:56 |
| 20-24 M | Jayson Fernbacher | Orinda, CA | 00:50:47 |
| 20-24 F | None | – | – |
| 25-29 M | Deryhan Harris | Unknown | 00:41:43 |
| 25-29 F | Oralia Ortega | Unknown | 00:51:06 |
| 30-34 M | Ryan Mills | Unknown | 00:42:16 |
| 30-34 F | Hail Wiggins | Unknown | 00:43:46 |
| 35-39 M | Kyle Stovel | San Diego, CA | 00:38:42 |
| 35-39 F | Liz Mills | Bellevue, WA | 00:46:14 |
| 40-44 M | Steffen Hoehne | Newbury Park, CA | 00:38:37 |
| 40-44 F | Carey Paholek | Edmonton, Canada | 00:42:51 |
| 45-49 M | Eric Jannon | Santa Monica, CA | 00:43:52 |
| 45-49 F | Arcy Selk | Brawley, CA | 00:44:50 |
| 50-54 M | Troy Williams | Palm Cove, Australia | 00:37:52 |
| 50-54 F | Kristen Trubee | Palm Desert, CA | 00:47:52 |
| 55-59 M | Anthony Tanner | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 00:38:09 |
| 55-59 F | Nancy Hickey | Los Angeles, CA | 00:44:45 |
| 60-64 M | Jeff Soares | Aptos, CA | 00:37:02 |
| 60-64 F | Pamela Smyth | Indio, CA | 00:56:52 |
| 65-69 M | James Maxwell | San Diego, CA | 00:48:16 |
| 65-69 F | Debra Montgomery | Unknown | 00:52:24 |
| 70-74 M | Paul Beer | Palm Springs, CA | 00:51:56 |
| 70-74 F | Linda Peterson | Playa Del Rey, CA | 00:51:36 |
| 75-79 M | Andrew Suozzo | Cathedral City, CA | 00:56:04 |
| 75-79 F | Debbie Patterson | Woodland, CA | 01:12:23 |
The first Tram Road Challenge was held in 1983, and was won by Rob Slick in 27 minutes, 35 seconds and Nancy Baird in 35 minutes, 25 seconds. The fastest men’s time was set by Rubin Garcia of Mexico—26 minutes, 5 seconds—in 1987. Lubov Kremleva of Russia set the fastest women’s time—28 minutes, 56 seconds in 1998.
732 runners and walkers entered this year’s Tram Road Challenge.
