The first and only time I’ve been to the Palm Springs area was a few years back in mid-July.  The temperature reached an unfathomable 118 at it’s highest point and was about 112 the rest of the time.  Luckily my next trip down will be to Indian Wells and the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa just after the new year.  I can already see our family eagerly heading to the pool because we can in January, in California!

In December, the Renaissance Esmeralda takes the holidays to a new level with a 12 day calendar of festivities, everything from carolers to cocktails and chestnuts to carriage rides, holiday traditions guests and the local community to enjoy!  During the 12 Days of Esmeralda special holiday rates start at $139 (weekday) and $179 (weekend) from December 16-27 . For guests checking in, you are provided $50 in resort credit with your donation of a gift for a child (based per stay to use towards spa and dining), a holiday thank you from the resort.

The 12 Days of Esmeralda calendar of complimentary events (excluding Breakfast with Santa) includes:

Day 1. Sacred Heart Choir Carolers (Monday, Dec. 16)
The season of celebration starts with the sounds of holiday carols sung by the talented Sacred Heart Choir. Gather at Glo Lounge from 5:30-6:30pm and enjoy tasty treats including cookies and cider for the kids.

Day 2. Holiday Cocktail Class (Tuesday, Dec. 17)
Concoct whimsical cocktails filled with cider and spice and everything nice at Stir from 4-5 pm Sampling is encouraged and must be 21 or older. Reservations required.
Day 3. Holiday Cookie Decorating (Wednesday, Dec. 18)
Satisfy cravings for holiday goodies without the mess with cookie decorating and tips from Esmeralda’s master chef from 2-4pm at Stir. Reservations required.

Day 4. Xavier Choir Carolers (Thursday, Dec. 19)
Kick-off the holiday weekend with the angelic melodies of carolers from the Xavier Choir, serenading one and all at Glo Lounge from 5:30-6:30 pm. After a day in the desert sun and evening of holiday music, hearts are warmed for the arrival of Christmas.

Day 5. Secret Santa Workshop (Friday, Dec. 20)
Calling all crafty kids! Design a personalized photo frame for mom and dad from 3-5 pm in Stir. Cookies and milk add to the fun while little hands create a very special family keepsake.

Day 6. Carriage Rides (Saturday, Dec. 21)
Complement holiday celebrations with a charming carriage ride around the resort grounds … a truly Dickens-esque experience, from 12 to 4 pm.

Day 7. Pancakes & Santa (Sunday, Dec. 22)
Just days before his “big night out,” Santa clears his schedule to spend the morning with all the little girls and boys making the Esmeralda home for the holidays and neighboring children. CAVA’s famous breakfast buffet serves up all of Santa’s favorites from 9-11 am with a cost of $24 for adults and $12 for kids. Reservations required.

Day 8. Roasting Chestnuts (Monday, Dec. 23)
The perfect way to round out the holiday fun is by meeting around the fire pits from 4-6pm to learn and enjoy the art of roasting chestnuts.

Day 9. Tree Trimming (Tuesday, Dec. 24)
Traditional tree trimming can be found right here in the land of paradise and palms! Share the nostalgic experience of decorating ornaments and stringing popcorn from 11am-3pm in Stir. And the topper? Cookies and milk, of course!

Day 10. Gingerbread Houses (Wednesday, Dec. 25)
Adults and kids alike delight in creating gingerbread houses on Christmas Day from 11am-3pm. Reservations required.

Day 11. S’mores (Thursday, Dec. 26)
S’more holiday fun is planned with ooey gooey treats on the Emerald Patio from 7-9 pm.

Day 12. Eggnog Tasting (Friday, Dec. 27)
What are the holidays without eggnog? During the art of eggnog tasting at Glo Lounge from 4-6pm, novices and eggnog connoisseurs enjoy the flavors of the season. Must be 21 or over and reservations required.

To make reservations to stay, visit this link for special rates from December 16-27:
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pspsr-renaissance-esmeralda-indian-wells-resort-and-spa/?corporateCode=HO9

For activities that require reservations, please call (760) 836-1286.