Palm Springs Official Guide to Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs Winter Things
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!
FESTIVALS
Festival Of Lights Parade
When? Saturday December 3, 5:45pm
Where? Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
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.
Parade of Lights & Holiday Festival
When? Saturday December 10, 5:45pm
Where? 11999 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
ANOTHER Parade!! I am loving the holiday spirit. This parade, full of beautiful floats, is followed up with a festival. Expect free carnival rides, free cotton candy, food vendors, Santa, and live performances! It’s going to be one heck of a time.
WildLights Holiday Festival at The Living Desert
When? Select nights, 6pm – 9pm
November 22 (Members Only), 23, 25-26 | December 2-3, 9-10, 16-24, 26-30
Closed December 25
Where? The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert
Get ready for this zoo to be transformed into a magical winter wonderland this holiday season. There will be over a million twinkling lights to enjoy, and life sized glowing animal lanterns will be around the zoo as well, plus SO much more!
SHOWS
Merry Movie Nights
When? Every Saturday from November 26th-December 15th, at 5pm
Where? The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert
Watch an outdoor Christmas movie at the Gardens on El Paseo every Saturday starting November 27th. A great way to join the community and bring the kiddos for a fun night, or a very special someone on a holiday date! Here’s the schedule: Saturday,
November 27- The Grinch
Saturday, December 4- Frozen
Saturday, December 11- Elf
Saturday, December 18- The Santa Clause
Santa Fly-In and Winter Light Show
When? December Start: 18th 5:30pm – End: 22nd, 8:30pm
Where? Palm Springs Air Museum
Santa flies in on a helicopter to say hello to the children. Take a picture with him and receive a gift, and then enter the museum for an amazing light show.
TREE LIGHTINGS
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in La Quinta
When? December 2rd @ 6pm
Where? 78495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, California 92253
Join the beautiful city of La Quinta for their annual tree lighting ceremony!
The Shops At El Paseo Tree Lighting Ceremony
When? November 18th @ 4:00pm (Tree Lighting at 6:30pm)
Where? The Shops at El Paseo
Another tree ceremony on December 3rd! It’ll be hard to choose which one, but we love the options! The ceremony at El Paseo is going to be filled with fun. There will be a photo booth, dessert spots, and a snow globe photo op! Bring the whole family for some cheer.
Best Hotels to Stay During the Holidays
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
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.
Book Your Marriott Desert Springs Reservations Here!
La Quinta Resort and Club
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.
Book Your La Quinta Reservations Here!
Miramonte Resort and Spa
Book Your Miramonte Reservations Here!
Roast chestnuts, make scores, decorate cookies, write to Santa, and more! Another wonderful Resort to bask in the holiday spirit.
So basically, Christmas in Palm Springs
Is Magical! There are so many winter things to do in Palm Springs. Don’t let all the palm trees fool you, it’ll be a perfect North Pole getaway!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Palm Springs!
xoxo, Jess!
LET’S CONNECT!
LET’S CONNECT!My IG: @jessicacastello
Twitter: @jessicacastello
