Christmas in Palm Springs: Best Holiday Events & Things to Do

Last updated on September 29, 2026

Thinking about visiting Palm Springs at Christmas?

From twinkling palm trees and festive parades to holiday lights, seasonal events, and warm winter sunshine, Palm Springs offers a completely different way to celebrate the holidays in California.

Christmas in Palm Springs might not come with snow-covered streets, but that’s part of the appeal. Instead of bundling up against freezing temperatures, you can spend December hiking beneath blue skies or relaxing poolside at an amazing resort before heading out to explore downtown Palm Springs and see Christmas lights after dark.

Palm Springs and the surrounding area also offer plenty of ways to have traditional holiday fun. You’ll find Christmas parades, elaborate light displays, festive shopping, and family-friendly events throughout the region.

Palm Springs Christmas Events in 2026

Palm Springs celebrates the holidays from November 15, 2026 through January 3, 2027, with Christmas lights, concerts, markets, visits from Santa and plenty of family-friendly festivities throughout the city.

Some events, including the Festival of Lights Parade and annual tree lighting, take place on just one night, while others run throughout December. If you’re planning a Palm Springs Christmas getaway, it’s worth checking the event calendar before choosing your dates.

Here are some of the best Palm Springs holiday events happening in 2026.

Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade

December 5, 2026 at 5:45 p.m. | Palm Canyon Drive | Free

The annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is one of the city’s biggest holiday traditions and one of the best ways to kick off the holiday season in Palm Springs!

The parade takes place each year on the first Saturday in December. This year, it is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026, beginning at 5:45 p.m. This is a really fun nighttime event for families!

Held along Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs, the parade fills the streets with illuminated floats, marching bands, performers, and giant Macy’s-style balloons. It begins at Ramon Road and Palm Canyon Drive and heads northbound, ending at Tachevah Road.

Arrive early if you want a good viewing spot, especially if you’re attending with kids. Palm Canyon Drive closes for the parade, so allow extra time for parking and walking to the route. I also highly recommend you dress warmly as nights can get pretty chilly in Palm Springs. You may even want to bring a blanket or towels to sit on to help keep your family warm.

Top Tip: December is one of the most popular times to visit the desert. Book your Palm Springs hotel early if you’re visiting during the holiday season, particularly for weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting

December 4, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. | Free

The night before the Festival of Lights Parade, Palm Springs hosts its annual Holiday Tree Lighting.

The festivities include holiday caroling, children’s crafts, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa Claus. The city also recognizes local Palm Springs Unified School District students whose artwork was selected for the annual Holiday Banner Awards.

With the tree lighting on Friday and parade on Saturday, this would be an especially fun weekend for a Palm Springs Christmas getaway.

Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest

December 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2026 from 6–10 p.m. | Palm Canyon Drive | Free

Palm Springs’ popular weekly VillageFest gets a festive twist during December with the Palm Springs Holiday Market.

Vendors line Palm Canyon Drive selling artwork, locally made goods and food, making this a fun place to pick up Christmas gifts while enjoying downtown Palm Springs after dark.

Each week in December brings additional holiday activities:

• December 3: Cookies with Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa bar, photo booth and fun zone
• December 10: Trackless train rides, holiday shorts and fun zone
• December 17: Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a fun zone
• December 24: Christmas Eve Holiday Market

You’ll also find Tinsel Times Carolers performing at various locations downtown and along Palm Canyon Drive on Sundays and Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.

Holidays at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is already one of the best things to do in Palm Springs during winter, but it becomes even more festive during the holidays.

On December 5, families can attend Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The ticketed event includes breakfast, holiday crafts, storybook readings and round-trip tram admission. Advance reservations are required.

Later that day, Santa heads to Mountain Station’s Pines Café from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can share their Christmas lists, take photos and receive a candy cane. Santa’s visit is included with regular tram admission.

On December 6 at 5:30 p.m., the tram holds its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, illuminating a 45-foot Christmas tree covered with more than 4,000 lights. The celebration also includes performances by the Palm Springs High School choir and string quartet.

And there’s another reason to visit the tram in December: you may find snow at the top! Mountain Station sits at an elevation of 8,516 feet, so conditions can be completely different from the warm desert weather below.

Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum

December 20 to 23, 2026 from 6 to 9 p.m. | Ticketed Event

Here’s another way to find snow in Palm Springs, and you don’t have to head to the mountains!

During Snowtopia, the Palm Springs Air Museum transforms its tarmac into a family-friendly winter wonderland featuring 50 tons of real snow.

Kids can play in the snow, visit Santa and his friends, make holiday crafts and take photos with Frosty the Snowman, elves and Mrs. Claus. Hot chocolate, s’mores, pizza and other treats add to the festivities.

Snowtopia is especially well-timed if you are planning to spend Christmas week in Palm Springs; it runs December 20 to 23.

Christmas Shows at the Plaza Theatre

The beautifully restored Palm Springs Plaza Theatre has an extensive lineup of holiday entertainment scheduled throughout November and December 2026.

The season kicks off Thanksgiving weekend and includes everything from Christmas concerts to comedy and singalongs. Highlights include Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party, David Benoit’s Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown, The John Denver Christmas Concert, Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas, and The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

On Christmas Eve, movie fans can join a White Christmas Singalong, with performances scheduled for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The theater’s holiday season continues after Christmas with a Mariachi Divas holiday celebration and a New Year’s Eve performance featuring Lucie Arnaz and family.

Top Tip: Check the Plaza Theatre schedule when planning your trip rather than choosing a show in advance. With holiday performances throughout December, there’s a good chance something will coincide with your travel dates.

Walk of the Inns

December 10, 2026 at 4 p.m. | Free

Palm Springs’ annual Walk of the Inns offers a distinctly local way to experience the holidays, and a chance to peek inside some of the city’s unique boutique hotels and historic inns.

Pick up a map and flashlight at the Palm Springs Art Museum before setting off on a self-guided tour of participating properties between Ramon Road and Tahquitz Canyon Way.

It’s an especially fun option for travelers who appreciate Palm Springs architecture, design and historic hotels.

Important Note: The December 10 date is currently listed for 2026 but is still awaiting confirmation.

Merry Grinchmas

December 12, 2026 from 9 to 11 a.m. | Demuth Park | Free

Families with younger kids can head to the Demuth Park Community Center for Merry Grinchmas.

You can meet the Grinch, make holiday crafts and participate in a Grinch costume contest during this free community event. Advance RSVP is requested by November 28.

Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus

December 19, 2026 from 8 to 11 a.m. | Free

Palm Springs hosts another opportunity to have breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus the weekend before Christmas.

This free family event includes breakfast, arts and crafts, gingerbread-house activities and plenty of opportunities for holiday photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

More Free Palm Springs Holiday Events

Several smaller free events round out the Palm Springs Christmas calendar.

Snapshots with Santa at Downtown Park takes place December 6, offering another opportunity for families to see Santa, while Shine On: 50 Years of Sunrise Celebration comes to Sunrise Park on December 12.

Since additional activities may be announced as the holidays approach, check the Palm Springs events calendar shortly before your trip for newly added events and any schedule changes.

Palm Springs Christmas Activities & Things to Do

1. Experience WildLights at The Living Desert

One of the most popular Christmas activities in the Palm Springs area is WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in nearby Palm Desert.

Visiting The Living Desert is one of the best things to do in Palm Springs with kids any time of year, but the holidays offer something really fun! During this annual holiday event, The Living Desert is transformed with colorful light displays and illuminated pathways.

You can walk through the zoo after dark while enjoying festive displays, entertainment, and seasonal treats. There are walk-through lighted exhibits, a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, and model train with 3,300 feet of track, decked out for the holidays.

Located in Palm Desert, just a few minutes outside Palm Springs, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens brings desert ecosystems to life with animals from Africa, North America, and beyond. Kids can feed giraffes, spot cheetahs, explore gardens and walking trails, and see all kinds of other animals.

I love that The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit, accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, so you know they have high standards when it comes to animal care, education, and conservation. It makes spending money there feel really good!

Because WildLights is a special ticketed event, purchasing tickets in advance is a good idea, particularly on weekends and closer to Christmas.

Top Tip: Desert temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Even if you’ve spent the afternoon in short sleeves, bring layers for evening holiday events.

2. Spend an Evening in Downtown Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs is especially fun to explore during the holiday season.

Palm Canyon Drive is lined with restaurants, shops, galleries, and the city’s distinctive midcentury architecture. During December, holiday decorations add some seasonal sparkle without taking away from the city’s colorful desert personality.

Spend the afternoon shopping, stop for dinner and then walk around downtown after dark to see the lights.

If your trip overlaps with Palm Springs VillageFest, the city’s weekly street fair featuring food, arts, and entertainment, that’s a bonus! VillageFest happens every Thursday evening.

3. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Christmas in the desert doesn’t necessarily mean giving up your chances of seeing snow. We talked about special holiday events at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway above, but honestly it is a great activity even when there are no special holiday happenings scheduled.

We’ve taken the tram up the mountain a few times and it is always different depending on the time of year. When we last went in the wintertime, it was fun to have a little snow play and then warm up in the café before coming down.

What makes the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway truly special is the ride up. You’ll enter the tram car with a bunch of other people (each tram can hold up to 80) for a 10-minute ride up to Mountain Station at the top of Mount San Jacinto, climbing more than 8,500 feet above sea level. Along the way, the rotating tram car slowly spins, offers stunning views of the mountains and Coachella Valley below

Temperatures at the top can be dramatically cooler than in Palm Springs, and snow is possible during the winter. Even if there is no snow, the mountain views make this one of the most memorable things to do during a Palm Springs Christmas vacation.

Top Tip: Check conditions before your visit and dress for the mountain rather than downtown Palm Springs. The temperature difference can be significant.

4. See Christmas Lights Around the Coachella Valley

Palm Springs isn’t the only place celebrating Christmas in the desert.

Holiday lights and seasonal displays can be found throughout neighboring communities including Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, La Quinta, and Indian Wells.

This makes it easy to combine your Palm Springs vacation with Christmas activities throughout the Coachella Valley.

Check local event calendars shortly before your trip, as community light displays and seasonal events can change from year to year.

5. Go Christmas Shopping in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a great destination for shoppers who prefer unique gifts over a traditional shopping mall.

Downtown Palm Springs is filled with boutiques, art galleries, home décor stores and shops specializing in the midcentury-modern aesthetic for which the city is famous.

You’ll also find plenty of California-themed gifts and locally made products.

For even more shopping, head to El Paseo in Palm Desert, where shops, restaurants, and seasonal decorations make it a popular stop during the holidays.

6. Enjoy Palm Springs’ Outdoor Activities

One of the best reasons to spend Christmas in Palm Springs is the weather.

While much of the country is bundled up indoors, December is prime season for exploring the Southern California desert. Cooler winter temperatures make this time of year much more comfortable for outdoor activities than the scorching summer months.

Some of the family-friendly activities you can enjoy outside during your Palm Springs Christmas getaway include:

• Hiking in Indian Canyons
• Exploring Tahquitz Canyon
• Biking around Palm Springs
• Playing golf
• Visiting a botanical garden
• Relaxing beside the pool
• Exploring the area’s famous midcentury-modern architecture

7. Visit a Palm Springs Resort During the Holidays

Palm Springs has been a Southern California resort destination for generations, and December is an especially appealing time for a getaway.

There are many fantastic Palm Springs family resorts to choose from, including everything from colorful boutique hotels in downtown Palm Springs to sprawling resorts throughout the Coachella Valley.

One of the reasons we always return to the Palm Springs area is because so many resorts are designed with kids in mind (think waterslides, movie nights, and poolside games). There are even some amazing Palm Springs resorts with lazy rivers for the ultimate pool experience.

A resort with a heated pool is especially appealing for families. Daytime temperatures can be pleasant enough for pool time even in December, although weather varies.

Some properties decorate extensively for Christmas and offer seasonal dining or activities. We love staying at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa. They have a fantastic restaurant and many family-friendly activities available year-round.

► Be sure to check out our complete Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort review.

8. Take a Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is roughly an hour from Palm Springs, making it an easy addition to a holiday getaway.

Winter is one of the best times to explore the park because daytime temperatures are generally much more comfortable for hiking and sightseeing. You can drive through the park, see its famous Joshua trees and rock formations, stop at scenic overlooks, and take one or two short hikes.

The very first time I visited Joshua Tree National Park, my son was just a little guy and we camped for three nights, exploring the park and taking lots of different hikes. Over the years, we’ve been back many times and there is always something new and amazing to explore. It is truly one of my favorite places and I dare say one of the best national parks easily reachable from San Diego.

If you are visiting Joshua Tree with kids, be sure to check out Hidden Valley Nature Trail, a short, scenic loop with beautiful rock formations. It is one of my favorite trails at the park!

Cholla Cactus Garden is another good spot for an easy walk. It has a quarter-mile cactus garden trail that lets even young kids walk through the garden and explore the fauna safely.

Christmas week at Joshua Tree National Park may be busy, so if you are going then expect more visitors than you might encounter during quieter winter periods.

9. Plan a Special Christmas Meal

Palm Springs has an excellent restaurant scene, and a special meal can be one of the highlights of a Christmas getaway.

Many resorts and restaurants offer seasonal menus, Christmas Eve dinners, Christmas Day meals, or holiday brunches. There are also tons of amazing restaurants in downtown Palm Springs.

If you’re staying at a resort, check its holiday calendar as well. Larger Palm Springs-area resorts sometimes offer their own seasonal dining, decorations and Christmas activities.

Top Tip: Reservations are always highly recommended, and particularly important around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Palm Springs?

Yes. In fact, December is one of the best times of year to visit Palm Springs.

Daytime temperatures are generally much cooler than summer, making it easier to hike, sightsee and spend time outdoors. Evenings can become chilly, however, so packing layers is important.

December is also part of the desert’s busy season. Hotel prices can be higher than during summer, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s.

Does It Snow in Palm Springs at Christmas?

Snow in downtown Palm Springs is extremely rare.

However, the surrounding mountains can receive snow during winter. One of the easiest ways to potentially experience snow during your Palm Springs vacation is to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to Mountain Station.

Snow conditions vary considerably from year to year, so check current conditions rather than planning your trip around guaranteed snow.

What Should I Pack for Palm Springs in December?

Packing layers is the key to visiting Palm Springs during winter.

Bring comfortable clothing for warm or mild afternoons along with sweaters and a jacket for evenings. You’ll also want comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses.

If you’re taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, bring significantly warmer clothing for the mountaintop.

Where to Stay in Palm Springs at Christmas

Where you stay depends on the kind of Christmas getaway you’re planning.

Downtown Palm Springs is ideal if you want restaurants, shopping and nightlife within walking distance.

Palm Desert and Indian Wells are good choices for travelers looking for larger resorts and easy access to attractions such as The Living Desert.

Rancho Mirage offers another excellent selection of resorts and is conveniently located between Palm Springs and Palm Desert.

Final Thoughts: Spending Christmas in Palm Springs

Palm Springs proves that Christmas doesn’t need snow and freezing temperatures to feel festive.

Holiday lights, decorated palm trees and seasonal events bring plenty of Christmas spirit to the desert, while sunny days make it possible to hike, explore and enjoy the outdoors throughout your trip.

For my family, that’s part of what makes Southern California so much fun during the holidays. You can enjoy a traditional Christmas event at night and spend the next morning hiking beneath palm trees and blue skies.

Whether you’re planning a full Christmas vacation or simply escaping to the desert for a December weekend, Palm Springs offers a festive California holiday getaway with a personality all its own.

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