Christmas in Palm Springs. That sentence feels like a whole contradiction, doesn’t it? What winter things are there to possibly do in Palm Springs during Christmas time? You would be surprised that the answer is actually: lots!
Winter in Palm Springs can be a one-of-a-kind, incredible experience. I am here to show you all the fun things you can do!
When: Event Dates: Select nights, November 25 – December 30, 6:00–9:00 pm Location: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260
Get ready for this zoo to be transformed into a magical winter wonderland this holiday season. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is excited for the start of the 33rd annual WildLights, the Coachella Valley’s favorite holiday tradition! Experience the Zoo transformed into a shimmering winter wonderland with millions of dazzling lights, festive entertainment, holiday photo ops — including a meet-and-greet with Santa — and much more. WildLights was rated Top 5 Event by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2024 >>> Learn more here!
Indio, CA Nov. 10th – Dec. 31st, 2025 Sun-Thur 5:30pm-9pm | Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10:00pm Closed November 15 – 17, 2025 info@magicoflights.com Where? 81-800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201 TICKETS
The Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, hosts the Magic of Lights yearly. This drive-through holiday lights experience features dazzling displays with the latest LED technology and digital animations. Visitors can enjoy the holiday scenes from the comfort and safety of their own cars as they navigate through the sparkling path. The event includes attractions like the MagicVision World and a Jolly Holiday Village for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Ticket prices vary, with special offers for military and first responders, and they are available for purchase online and at the gate>>> Learn More Here!
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—the world’s largest rotating tram car—travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate on a special holiday schedule December 21 through January 5. The first tram up each day will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up will be at 8:00 p.m., and the last tram down will be at 9:30 p.m.
On December 25 and January 1,Ride ’n’ Dine tickets—which include Tram admission and dinner at Pines Café (a cafeteria-style restaurant)—are available for purchase from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dinner service begins at 11:00 a.m. Combination tickets are $41 for adults and seniors, and $27.50 for children (ages 3-10).
Peaks Restaurant will serve special holiday dining menus on December 25 and January 1. Holiday dining in Peaks Restaurant begins at 11:00 a.m. and is $79 for adults and seniors. A separate menu for children ages 3-10 is also available. Tram fare is not included. Peaks Restaurant will also continue to serve its regular menu. Reservations are recommended for holiday dining on December 25 and January 1 in Peaks Restaurant. To make a reservation, call 760-325-4537 or visit https://pstramway.com/dining/.
REMINDER: Choir performances kick off the holiday season December 4, and continue Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays through December 15. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony hosted by KESQ’s Patrick Evans takes place December 8 with “American Idol” winner Abi Carter lighting the Tram’s landmark 45-foot tree comprised of over 4,000 LED lights.
When?Saturday December 6, 5:45pm Where?Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs 92262
A PARADE?? I know. This is sooo cute and festive, and a Palm Springs holiday tradition! With Marching Bands, performances, and guests like Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, and others, and most importantly, all the incredible floats, it is always an outstanding celebration every year. It is a very popular parade and thousands of thousands of people visit every holiday season to embrace some holiday cheer>>>Learn more here!
Join us on the Saturday after Thanksgiving for an unforgettable evening of island magic at the Palm Springs Surf Club! Experience authentic Polynesian hula and fire dancing, enjoy a delicious Hawaiian buffet dinner, and celebrate the season with a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus. MORE
When: Nov 29th – Doors open 4:30pm
Location: Palm Springs Surf Club – 1500 S Gene Autry, Palm Springs, CA 92264
oin the dazzling song-and-dance duo of Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as they team up with the sparkling sister act of Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen for a heartwarming Christmas spectacular in snowy Vermont.
This merry screening include free jingle bells and a pre-film sing-a-long featuring some of our favorite Christmas classics—so come ready to belt out the holiday cheer! Arrive early to soak in the festive spirit and join the fun!
TICKETS Wednesday December 24 – 3:00 PM
PLAZA THEATRE 128 S Palm Canyon DrivePalm Springs, CA 92262
760-593-5818
The evening will be filled with holiday cheer featuring festive DJ entertainment, roaming Christmas carolers, colorful face painting for kids, a Santa letter-writing station, and a merry visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will also be complimentary handmade and freshly baked Winston Pie bites, and warm organic Buena Matcha. The beloved tree-lighting will take place at 6 p.m. on Ocotillo and El Paseo, in between Porta Via and California Pizza Kitchen. Opening remarks will be given by Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem Evan Trubee and President Fred Fern with Chartwell Properties, the management group for The Shops on El Paseo >>>>Learn more here!
This resort is amazing during any time of year, but during the winter they have a life-sized gingerbread house. I know. You can also take a gondola decorated “sleigh ride” driven by an elf. And of course, the resort will be seasonally decorated.
74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Right next to Palm Springs is La Quinta, and here lies La Quinta Resort and Club. During the Holiday season you will be able to roast chestnuts, crafts for the kids, breakfast with Santa, and activities with the fam such as fudge making classes, etc. La Quinta Resort and Club will be beautifully decorated for Christmastime. Enjoy their fire-pits or admire the giant decorated white fir Christmas tree in the main plaza.
Jessica Castello is the Editor of Traveler.com and associate Editor for PalmSprings.com. Jessica was born in Santa Monica, California. She is an Actress and has always had a passion for traveling. Between auditions, filming, and photoshoots, she would plan amazing trips to Europe, Australia, and even local wonders in the USA. She wishes to share what she finds of the world, to the world, in hopes that others like her can find the magic in traveling.
