As 2025 wraps up, Southern California casinos have some major acts coming to their venues to end the year with a bang. December has fewer shows than usual, likely because of the holidays, but the programming makes up for it with pop and soul icons, country stars singing holiday hits and more.
Be sure to check each casino’s official website for the most up-to-date event information.
WAR
R&B-soul group War was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in June, after selling more than 50 million albums since its formation in 1969. During the ceremony, the band arrived in six lowriders from several car clubs in Los Angeles, a nod to its 1975 hit, “Low Rider,” which became the opening theme song of “George Lopez.”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
Where: Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon.
Tickets: Starting at $171.72. 951-849-3080. morongocasinoresort.com.
Iliza Shlesinger
Elder millennial and stand-up comedian Iliza Shlesinger is back on the road after the premiere of her latest comedy special, “A Different Animal.” The new special, which debuted on Amazon Prime, flexed Shlesinger’s observational humor, including topics and jabs at ideal men, dating standards and sex.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.
Where: Harrah’s Resort Southern California, Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center.
Tickets: Admission is $39.95-$219. 760-751-3100, harrahssocal.com.
Pink Martini
Pink Martini is a multilingual symphonic orchestra that often takes traditional pop and interweaves it with classical, Latin, jazz, and rock music for an easy-listening experience. The band has also collaborated with numerous artists, including Phyllis Diller, Jimmy Scott, Carol Channing, Rita Moreno, Jane Powell, Rufus Wainwright and Japanese icons Saori Yuki and Hiroshi Wada, among others.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12.
Where: Pechanga Resort Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula.
Tickets: $60-$94. 877-711-2946, pechanga.com.
The Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan Holiday Show
Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan, the daughters of country music legends Mel Tillis and George Morgan, are joining forces for a show that bills country hits with holiday classics. On the tour, the two longtime friends and collaborators recently performed “Thank You for Being a Friend,” the theme song of “The Golden Girls.”
When: 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12.
Where: Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella.
Tickets: $31.50-$63.70. 760-775-5566, spotlight29.com.
Diana Ross
Legendary Motown singer Diana Ross will perform two back-to-back nights at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage. Ross, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, began her career as the singer of The Supremes, an all-female soul group that was one of the most successful acts signed to Motown Records. Following her departure from the group, Ross embarked on a solo career and ventured into film, portraying swing singer Billie Holiday in the 1972 film “Lady Sings the Blues.” She’s inspired generations of singers, including Olivia Dean, who recently gave Ross a nod at her debut on “Saturday Night Live,” where she sang in a rose-pink dress and a shawl that floated behind her. The outfit was similar to the one Ross wore in her iconic 1983 show in Central Park, where the outfit’s transparent cape blew in the wind.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13.
Where: Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage.
Tickets: $124.50-$249.50 at aguacalientecasinos.com.
Janet Jackson
Grammy Award and Emmy-winning singer, dancer, actress, author and philanthropist, Janet Jackson, is kicking off New Year celebrations a few days early at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in Highland. Jackson recently received the Icon of the Year Award at The Gala of the Stars, an annual benefit supporting Dancers Against Cancer. Liza Minnelli presented the award and reflected on the singer’s influence on music, dance and culture. Jackson told The Hollywood Reporter in a recent interview that she has no plans to stop dancing, and what’s a better time to dance than the celebration of a new year?
When: 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29.
Where: Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, 777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland.
Tickets: Starting at $326; 21-and-older only. 909-864-5050. yaamava.com.