Any time of year is a great time to get away to the desert, but winter in Palm Springs is oh so delightful. Palm trees are decorated with twinkling lights, in the air there is a feeling of Christmas, stockings are stuffed with sunshine, and there are endless festive activities the whole family will enjoy – even the family Scrooge!
Take a look at just a few of the holly and jolly events and experiences taking place this winter in the Palm Springs area.
MAGIC OF LIGHTS COACHELLA VALLEY
When: November 17, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Sunday – Thursday, 5:30pm – 9pm
Friday – Saturday, 5:30pm – 10pm
Ooh and aah from inside the comfort of your own vehicle, as you wind through Magic of Lights’ dazzling path. Enjoy classic holiday favorites like Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, festive Elves and Reindeer Road. In addition to the 200 foot long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, there will also be three other brand new tunnels that capture the magic of Christmas – the Blizzard Light Tunnel, the Snowflake Tunnel and the Candy Cane Light Tunnel. There will also be a 32-foot-tall holiday Barbie display, life sized dinosaurs and monster trucks. Created with over two million sparkling lights, Magic of Lights is a holiday spectacle the whole family will enjoy.
SNOWTOPIA
When: December 19-23, 6pm – 8:30pm
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! Enter a winter wonderland at the Palm Springs Air Museum where you and your family can meet Santa and Frosty the Snowman, enjoy arts & crafts, sip on hot chocolate, play in 60 tons of real snow, and so much more! Kids 3 and under get in free.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
When: November 24 – December 24, 10am – 11:30am
Come have your photo taken with Santa at The Shops at Palm Desert! Mondays are pet-friendly sessions, so the whole family can get in on the festive fun.
DESERT BREWFEST
When: December 10, 4pm – 11pm
Enjoy everything from live music, and food trucks to lucha libre and Santa Claus at this year’s Desert Brewfest! Don’t forget to wear your ugly Christmas sweaters!
NORTH POLE VILLAGE AT SNOWFEST
When: December 9, 1pm – 8pm
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Snow-Fest. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the Holiday Outdoor Market, live holiday music, free train rides on the Snow Fest express, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday tree lighting ceremony, food, and more. The “North Pole Village” comes to life in front of City Hall – all aglow with holiday lights and features twenty holiday themed-storefronts. It is the ultimate backdrop for family holiday pictures and social media selfies. Free admission and free parking are available.
PALM SPRINGS HOLIDAYS
When: November 24, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Oh, there’s no place like the desert for the holidays! Enjoy starlit street fairs with twinkling displays, special events and entertainment. Sip hot chocolate or festive cocktails under winter desert skies and enjoy the season in Palm Springs.
INDIAN WELLS WINTERFEST
When: December – January 1
Exact opening and closing times will vary slightly (between 6pm and 11pm) and are subject to change. Please check back before attending for updated information including entertainment, activities, and event hours.
Rock around the roller-skating rink on one of their various theme nights, enjoy a drink or game at the entertainment zone and Ice Bar, grab a hot chocolate or sweet treat from the Holiday Cookie and Candy Truck, or rent your own private snow globe. On Tuesday’s, holiday movies will be shown, and any golfers in the group can enjoy their special holiday-themed Shots in the Night golf experiences. Reservations are suggested as Shots in the Night will sell out.
*Winterfest will be closed on December 21 for a private event.
PALM CANYON THEATRE: ELF THE MUSICAL
When: December 1 – 17
Embrace your inner elf, as you enjoy this holiday musical based on the beloved holiday film. The hilarious and endearing comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to bring out the Christmas spirit and will have you laughing all the way home.
WILDLIGHTS
Select nights, November 22 – December 30, 6pm – 9pm
Advanced reservations required
Come get wild this holiday at The Living Desert Zoo and enjoy this deLIGHTful event! Experience several new and reimagined light exhibits, like the new 30-foot-tall holiday tree and lighted animal-themed displays. But don’t fret, many of your festive favorites are returning, such as the Tunnel of Lights, smores station, holiday carousel, photos with Santa, the G-scale model trains, and much more! Don’t Miss Adults Only (21+) Night – December 14. Click here to learn more.
Make it a December to remember and book your desert getaway today.
We have an amazing collection of vacation rentals to suit all sizes and budgets from golf course condos to Spanish style villas with resort-like amenities. Come stay and play with us this holiday season!
