Nothing screams Christmas vacation like sunny weather and a swim in a luxury pool after a round of golf. Maybe Palm Springs isn’t the obvious choice for a Christmas getaway, but you’d be surprised at how festive and fun the desert area can be. The temperatures do cool down around this time of year, and there are plenty of family-friendly events and activities to keep you busy all season long. It is one of the busiest times of the year due to the school district holiday break, but that is what makes it all the more enjoyable.
Continue to read to find a list of amazing fun holiday things to do for spending Christmas in Palm Springs, CA.
Wildlights at the Living Desert
Hands down the most festive Palm Springs Christmas activity to partake in, running late November to late December, the Wildlights at the Living Desert features over a million twinkling lights to bedazzle you and the family. Wander around and see the animals, or enjoy creating arts and crafts while listening to music. You can even stop by and sit on Santa Claus’ lap and tell him what you will be wishing for this Christmas. General and Member tickets are available.
Festival of Lights Parade & Holiday Parade (First Week of December)
The annual holiday parade is located down Palm Canyon Drive, taking place the first week in December. The Festival of Lights Parade & Holiday Parade features performers, marching bands, Budweiser Clydesdales, and some famously popular Disney characters. You can enjoy larger-than-life floats with local celebrities, balloons, and thousands of Christmas lights in celebration of the holiday. The parade is usually located between Ramon and Tamarisk Road.
Aerial Tramway
Imagine snow in the desert! Bundle up as the top of the Aerial Tramway is at least 20 degrees chillier up top! Get into the Christmas spirit as you are most likely to see snow-dusted trees and can even cross-country ski and snowshoe the many wonderful trails on the trails up top.
Christmas Concerts + Live Music
McCallum Theatre
Every holiday season there are a variety of Christmas concerts that parade through Palm Springs. The events page for McCallum Theater will be your best guide to holiday-themed shows, musicals, and ballets like The Nutcracker.
The Purple Room Supper Club
At The Purple Room Supper Club, you can find Holiday Elvis tribute shows, a fantastic way to spend a Saturday evening during the holidays with friends.
Christmas Shopping in Palm Springs
Desert Hills Premium Outlets
You can shop for some of the latest designer fashions at a function of the price at Desert Hills Premium Outlets. A one-stop shop for all your Christmas shopping with hundreds of stores to explore.
Palm Canyon Drive Lights
The famous Downtown street is adorned with Christmas lights during the holiday season. Bundle up, grab a cup of cocoa, and wander the streets bundled up to do some Christmas Shopping at Palm Canyon Drive Lights. There are some wonderful souvenir shops on this street with some iconic Palm Springs-style items that aren’t your usual tacky take-home.
Palm Springs Vintage Market— First Sunday of December
The Palm Springs Vintage Market is held on the first Sunday of every month, where you can head down for some unique Christmas gifts inspired by the Palm Springs area! They also host Paws n’ Claus, where you can get some festive photos with your pup and Santa, where admission is $15 and goes to Animal Samaritans.
Holiday Night Out in Palm Springs 21+
The Nest
Dance the night away at the iconic Nest piano lounge, bringing a great mix of young and old flock here during the season. December is one of the busiest months of the year, and you can enjoy cocktails and live music in the festive lounge meeting locals and tourists alike.
Melvyn’s at Ingleside Inn
Melvyn’s at Ingleside Inn is always decorated and the live music features a mix of classics and holiday songs. They are open for Christmas Dinner and offer turkey with all the fixings.
North Pole Village at Snow-Fest in Cathedral City
After driving the Candy Cane Lane, check out the North Pole Village at Snow-Fest to see Santa, win prizes, and see the famous Candy Cane drop, where over 20,000 candy canes fall from the sky for the kids.
Interested in spending Christmas in Palm Springs, CA? From local fun to adult holiday fun, Palm Springs has it all this holiday season.