Last Updated on June 10, 2023

Municipalities located in the “High Desert”, a region located in the western Mojave desert in southern California, are preparing for Christmas 2022 with celebrations and parades, but will perhaps decorate palm trees instead of pines and firs.

A “white” Christmas is unlikely in the desert, but expect holiday vibes with food, hot cocoa, cookies, Christmas-themed gifts and of course Santa Claus.

All major municipalities in Victor Valley will be involved in December, with a major event in Victorsville which includes both the annual Christmas Parade and a Christmas Tree Lightning Ceremony, and smaller events held in the City of Adelanto, the Town of Apple Valley, the City of Hesperia, and Barstow.

Christmas Parade in the High Desert. Victorville, California.
Christmas Parade in the High Desert. Victorville, California.

High Desert Christmas Celebrations 2022

Hesperia’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 1st

The City of Hesperia kicks off the celebrations on the first of December at 5:30 pm, when the tree lighting ceremony will take place at Hesperia Civic Plaza Park, at 15833 Smoke Tree Street.


Adelanto’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 1st

The Ceremony at the City of Adelanto will begin at 6 pm until 8 pm, at City Hall at 1600 Air Expressway Boulevard. A Christmas Parade will then take place on December 10th.


Barstow’s Harvey House Christmas

December 2nd

Christmas celebrations in Barstow will take place in Harvey House (685 N. First Avenue) on Dec. 2. There will be live music, children activities, Christmas vendors, a tree lighting starting at 7:00 pm, and Santa Claus with his elves.


Victorville’s 75th Annual Victorville Christmas Parade & Festival of Lights

December 3rd

Victorville is launching its annual Christmas Parade on December 3rd at 10 am with the theme “A Sparkling Holiday”. The parade route kicks off at La Paz Drive and Seventh Street and travels down to Forrest Avenue in Old Town Victorville.

On the same day, the Festival of Lights & Tree Lighting will take place from 4 pm to 7 pm at City Hall, at 14343 Civic Drive.


Apple Valley‘s 1K Santa Fun Run & Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony

December 6th

The town of Apple Valley will host a “1k Santa Fun Run” on Dec. 6 at 3 pm starting in Civic Center Park at 14999 Dale Evans Parkway. Registration is open until December 5th or until capacity is filled.

After the event, the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at Civic Center Park, 5 pm to 7 pm.


Adelanto’s 16th Annual Christmas Parade

December 10th

The Christmas Parade in Adelanto will begin at 10 am at the corner of Seneca and Aster roads and travel down to Bellflower Street.


Read also: Unhoused Lancaster Residents forced to Camp in the Mojave Desert

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