Palm Springs in wintertime is a delightful oasis where mild temperatures and abundant sunshine create the perfect backdrop for a Christmas getaway. The desert landscape, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, adds a magical charm to the season.
With its warm weather and vibrant holiday spirit, Palm Springs offers a unique escape from the chilly winter elsewhere. Our luxury vacation rentals ensure you’ll have the perfect holiday with your friends or family.
Thinking about spending Christmas in Palm Springs? You’ll find warm weather, festive events, and a unique holiday vibe that sets this desert city apart. Dive in to discover what makes Christmas in Palm Springs so special.
Why Visit Palm Springs, California, for Christmas?
Photo Credit: MarieKaz
Palm Springs in Southern California offers a quintessential holiday experience with the addition of lovely warm weather. Imagine strolling through beautifully decorated streets, attending exciting holiday events, and enjoying outdoor activities in a picturesque desert setting.
The holiday spirit is palpable here, with every corner of the city decked out in sparkling lights and decorations. The city’s Christmas-themed events are a major draw for visitors. From tree lightings and parades to concerts and markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Local establishments and cultural centers also contribute to the festive atmosphere. The Palm Springs Cultural Center and the Palm Springs Art Museum host special holiday exhibits and events, providing a rich cultural backdrop to your Christmas celebrations.
Whether you’re here for the sunshine, the vibrant events, or the unique shopping opportunities, Christmas in Palm Springs is sure to be a memorable experience.
Typical Christmas Weather in Palm Springs
Photo Credit: Nick Fox
One of the biggest draws of spending Christmas in Palm Springs is the delightful weather. Winter in Palm Springs sees blue skies and plenty of sunshine.
In December, high temperatures generally range from 68°F to 72°F, providing a pleasant contrast to the chilly winter temperatures in other parts of the country. Evening temperatures can drop to between 46°F and 49°F, so it’s wise to bring a light jacket or sweater for nighttime activities.
Palm Springs enjoys nearly 10 hours of daylight each day in December, allowing plenty of time to explore and enjoy outdoor activities.
While the probability of rain increases slightly as the month progresses, the chance of a wet day remains relatively low. With mostly clear skies and mild winds, the weather is ideal for both daytime adventures and evening festivities.
Christmas Events in Palm Springs
Photo Credit: AZRich1
Palm Springs celebrates the holiday season with a variety of events from November to early January. Some ticketed events sell out fast, so plan ahead accordingly and make reservations where applicable, especially if you’ll be visiting with kids eager to partake in fun, festive activities.
1. Palm Springs Holiday Market Extravaganza
- Website: www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/event/palm-springs-holiday-market/13306
- Dates: December 4, 11 & 18, 2025, 6 PM – 10 PM
Every Thursday in December, the Palm Springs Holiday Market transforms downtown into a winter wonderland.
his lively market is part of the VillageFest, where visitors can shop for unique gifts and handmade items from local vendors. The festive decorations and choice of vendors make it a must-visit for holiday shopping enthusiasts.
The market offers a variety of handmade and unique gifts from local artisans, ensuring you find special items for everyone on your holiday list. Live music enhances the festive spirit, and you might even catch a glimpse of Santa, adding to the holiday cheer with some festive favorites.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or simply soaking in the holiday ambiance, the Palm Springs Holiday Market is a delightful experience.
2. WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo
- Website: www.livingdesert.org/events/wildlights/2025-11-25
- Dates: Select nights November 25 – December 30, 2025
Experience the magic of the WildLights Holiday Festival at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, where over a million twinkling lights and dazzling displays await you. It’s a beloved tradition that brings festive cheer to visitors of all ages through reimagined light exhibits.
New attractions are added each year, but popular mainstay features include the Tunnel of Lights, a holiday-themed G scale model train, and a huge Christmas tree. In true WildLights tradition, there’s also a station to make your own s’mores, and a full bar for the grownups.
The lighted animal-themed displays are both beautiful and educational, offering a unique way to celebrate with holiday favorites. You might even get to see some of the zoo critters during your visit.
3. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Holiday Dining
For a dining experience like no other, head to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway during the holiday season. Around Christmas and New Year’s, the tramway operates special holiday hours, with trams running every 30 minutes. Guests can enjoy a Ride ‘n’ Dine experience, which includes tram admission and dinner at the Pines Café.
Peaks Restaurant will also offer a special holiday menu starting over Christmas and New Year. This fine dining eatery provides a festive atmosphere with breathtaking views.
4. Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
- Website: psfestivaloflights.com
- Dates: December 6, 2025
The Festival of Lights Parade is a highlight of the holiday season in Palm Springs. This free event features Macy’s-style balloons, marching bands, and beautifully decorated floats adorned in thousands of colorful holiday lights.
Be sure to take photos galore as you spot prominent characters like the Budweiser Clydesdales, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Snoopy.
The parade takes place along Palm Canyon Drive, and the lively spectacle attracts visitors from all over Southern California. With its elaborate floats and characters, the Festival of Lights Parade brings joy to spectators and embodies the holiday spirit.
5. Snowtopia at Palm Springs Air Museum
- Website: palmspringsairmuseum.org/snowtopia
- Dates: December 19 – 22, 2025, 6 PM – 9 PM
The Palm Springs Air Museum hosts the Snowtopia Winter Wonderland, a fun-filled event for the entire family. It includes a meet and greet with Santa Claus, 60 tons of snow, holiday train rides, s’mores cooked over fire pits, food trucks, and photo ops with Frosty the Snowman, Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s elves.
On the first day of Snowtopia, the Air Museum also arranges the Santa Flyover, in which the big man in red takes flight over a number of local hospitals to cheer on healthcare workers and patients. You can watch him land back at the museum afterwards in the early afternoon.
Snowtopia at Palm Springs Air Museum is a unique tourism event that combines aviation history with festive celebrations, making it a must-visit during the Christmas season.
Check out other opportunities to meet Santa in this guide.
6. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Celebrate the holiday season by attending one of the many annual tree lighting ceremonies that take place in the Palm Springs area. While features vary between events, you can expect to enjoy live music, carols, delicious treats, hot chocolate, and occasional celebrity guests.
Here are the highlights:
- City of Palm Springs Tree Lighting Ceremony in Frances Stevens Park: December 5, 2025, 4 PM
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Tree Lighting Ceremony: December 7, 2025, 12 PM
- Rancho Mirage Tree Lighting Ceremony: December 4, 2025, 5.30 PM (reservation required)
- La Quinta Tree Lighting Ceremony at Civic Center Park: December 5, 2025, 6 PM
These ceremonies offer a festive way to celebrate the holiday season with community-minded individuals, fun activities, and holiday cheer.
Love holiday lights? There are plenty more places to enjoy festive lights in the Palm Springs area.
7. Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Palm Springs hosts a range of holiday classics, shows, and concerts that capture the festive spirit of the season.
Judy’s Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Purple Room features a parody of Judy Garland, combining comedy and live music for an entertaining evening.
The Palm Springs Symphony presents a Christmas concert filled with classic Christmas songs, which is perfect for a sing-along.
The Cool Yule concert presented by Modern Men promises a joyful celebration of holiday music featuring a jazz ensemble.
Greg Adams’ Sweet Soul Christmas is a horn-drenched holiday show that beautifully blends soul and festive spirit.
These performances ensure that there’s no shortage of live entertainment to enhance your holiday celebrations.
Other Things to Do in Palm Springs During Christmas
In addition to the festive events, Palm Springs offers a variety of activities that make the holiday season even more enjoyable. From street fairs and festive events filled with lights and music, to outdoor adventures and unique holiday shopping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Brush Up on Your Golfing
Palm Springs is renowned for its year-round golf courses, which allow visitors to play even during the Christmas season. With dozens of golf courses to choose from, it’s a prime destination for golf enthusiasts.
The mild winter temperatures provide comfortable conditions for golfing, and the area hosts various golf tournaments and events in December.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned golfer, Palm Springs’ golf schools and clinics cater to all skill levels, ensuring a great experience on the greens.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
The warm climate of Palm Springs makes it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding during Christmas.
Indian Canyons offer numerous hiking trails where visitors can enjoy scenic views of palm oases and rugged cliffs.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides access to Mount San Jacinto State Park, allowing for alpine hiking and breathtaking panoramic views.
The Coachella Valley is at its prime in December, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enjoyment.
Unique Holiday Shopping
Holiday shopping in Palm Springs is a delightful experience, with Palm Canyon Drive beautifully adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Local boutiques offer a variety of unique and vintage gifts, ensuring you find special items for everyone on your holiday list.
Seasonal treats and hot cocoa add to the festive cheer as you browse the shops and markets in downtown Palm Springs. The holiday season is an excellent time to find unique gifts and enjoy the festive spirit of Palm Springs.
Packing List for Visiting Palm Springs for Christmas
When visiting Palm Springs in winter, it’s essential to pack layers to adapt to daytime warmth and nighttime chill. Include the following in your packing list:
- T-shirts
- Sweaters
- Jeans
- Swimwear
- A light jacket or coat
- Comfortable footwear, such as sneakers
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Santa suit (optional!)
Christmas in Palm Springs: Where Desert Charm Meets Holiday Magic
Whether you’re here for the outdoor adventures, the unique holiday shopping, or the festive community events, Palm Springs is the perfect destination for a memorable Christmas. Embrace the holiday spirit and create lasting memories in this desert paradise.
Our luxury vacation homes make the picture-perfect winter wonderland getaway for the whole family. Beautiful, spacious, and with pool access, our properties allow you to enjoy an elevated family Christmas.
Book your stay now and get ready for the most wonderful time of the year.
