Acrisure Arena December 2026: Every Firebirds Home Game and Holiday Night Worth Planning Around

December brings a full month of hockey to Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert. The Coachella Valley Firebirds have eight home games on the calendar, including several themed nights and a New Year’s Eve matchup. The Coachella Valley Lakers also host one home game in December.

Acrisure Arena is home to both the Firebirds, the Seattle Kraken’s American Hockey League affiliate, and the Lakers, an NBA G League team. For local fans and holiday visitors, the schedule offers plenty of chances to make a game part of the season.

The December Lineup at a Glance

The events below were listed on the arena’s website as on sale when checked on November 4, 2026. Dates and event details can change, so confirm the latest information through Acrisure Arena’s event calendar before making plans.

Date	Event	Theme or highlight
Wednesday, Dec. 2	Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Tucson Roadrunners	December home opener
Friday, Dec. 4	Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Calgary Wranglers	MARGARITAVALLEY theme night
Sunday, Dec. 6	Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Bakersfield Condors	Route 66 Night
Tuesday, Dec. 8	Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Calgary Wranglers	Regular-season matchup
Wednesday, Dec. 16	Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. San Jose Barracuda	Mid-month home game
Sunday, Dec. 20	Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. San Diego Gulls	Teddy Bear Toss night
Sunday, Dec. 27	Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Ontario Reign	Post-holiday home game
Wednesday, Dec. 30	Coachella Valley Lakers vs. Memphis Hustle	G League basketball
Thursday, Dec. 31	Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. San Diego Gulls	New Year’s Eve game

The arena’s event listings show all of these events as on sale now through Ticketmaster. Check the individual event listing for current ticket availability and event-specific details.

Theme Nights Worth Planning Around

MARGARITAVALLEY: Friday, Dec. 4

The Firebirds take on the Calgary Wranglers on MARGARITAVALLEY night. It’s a themed Friday game and a good choice for fans looking for a lively start to the weekend. Arrive early if you want time to get settled and enjoy the arena before the game.

Route 66 Night: Sunday, Dec. 6

Route 66 Night brings a road-trip theme to the Firebirds’ matchup with the Bakersfield Condors. It’s one of the month’s two Sunday games before the holiday break, making it a possible outing for families or visiting friends.

Teddy Bear Toss: Sunday, Dec. 20

The Teddy Bear Toss is the standout family event on December’s hockey calendar. In this hockey tradition, fans bring stuffed animals and toss them onto the ice after the home team scores its first goal. The toys are then collected for donation to local charities.

If you plan to take part, check the Firebirds’ event information before heading out for any specific instructions about the toss and donations. The arena’s regular entry policies also apply, so review its A–Z guide and policies before packing.

New Year’s Eve Hockey

The Firebirds close out the month on Thursday, Dec. 31, with a home game against the San Diego Gulls. It’s a different way to spend New Year’s Eve: an evening of hockey and arena energy instead of the usual dinner or party plans.

Holiday crowds and traffic can make the trip take longer, so plan your arrival with extra time. Parking is available near the arena, and the venue recommends purchasing a pass in advance through its directions and parking page. Rideshare is another option to consider.

The arena is at 75702 Varner Rd., Palm Desert, CA 92211. For event-day questions, the listed local phone number is (760) 835-8778.

More Than Hockey: Coachella Valley Lakers on Dec. 30

The Firebirds are not the only home team playing at Acrisure Arena this month. On Wednesday, Dec. 30, the Coachella Valley Lakers host the Memphis Hustle. The matchup is listed on the arena’s event page.

The game adds a basketball option between the Firebirds’ post-Christmas and New Year’s Eve dates. If you’re planning a sports-filled week, check the arena calendar for the latest listing and ticket information.

Before You Go

A little preparation can make a holiday game night smoother:

• Check the latest schedule. Visit acrisurearena.com/events for the current lineup. Dates, opponents, and event details may change.

• Buy through official channels. The arena lists tickets through Ticketmaster. Holiday games can be popular, so check availability early.

• Plan parking ahead. Review parking details and consider purchasing a pass in advance.

• Review the bag policy. The arena’s A–Z guide explains permitted bag sizes, security procedures, and other entry policies.

• Arrive early for themed nights. Extra time can help you avoid rushing and enjoy the full event experience.

Holiday hockey has become one of the Coachella Valley’s winter traditions, and December’s schedule gives fans plenty of dates to choose from. With the Firebirds, the Lakers, and a New Year’s Eve game at Acrisure Arena, Palm Desert feels like a real sports town through the holidays.

About the Author

Stephen Powell is a Real Estate Broker Associate with Epique Realty and has been licensed in California since 2005 (DRE 01488821). He was named a Palm Springs Life Top Realtor in 2026 and serves Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Bermuda Dunes, Coachella, and the Coachella Valley. Call or text 760-861-3735 or visit StephenPowell.com. Wishing you a memorable December in the desert.