As the holiday season approaches, it's time to plan a memorable Christmas getaway that combines the magic of the festive season with stunning surroundings. Look no further than Palm Springs – a desert oasis in Southern California with a unique blend of sunshine, relaxation, and festive cheer. Keep returning to this page as we update you on new events that have been announced.
Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest
Open every Thursday in December, 6 - 10 pm.
Get into the holiday spirit at VillageFest with the exciting kickoff event, "Jingle All the Way." This outdoor gift market is the perfect place to jumpstart your holiday shopping. Stroll down Palm Canyon, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, as you explore a diverse selection of unique and handcrafted gifts. From one-of-a-kind artworks to artisanal foods, you'll find something for everyone on your list. With live music, delicious treats, and a joyful atmosphere, "Jingle All the Way" at VillageFest is the ultimate destination for spreading holiday cheer and finding that perfect present. Enjoy cookies with Mrs. Claus. You may even see Santa!
Free
Tinsel Times Carolers
Courtesy of Palm Springs Unified School District
Sundays & Wednesdays, 5 - 7 pm.
Various locations downtown and along Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs Holidays Events & Decorations
Wildlights at the Living Desert
November 25 - December 30, 6 - 9 pm
This year, experience several new and reimagined light exhibits, including a 30-foot-tall holiday tree and lighted animal-themed displays. But don’t worry, many of your festive favorites are returning, such as the Tunnel of Lights, s'mores station, holiday carousel, photos with Santa, and much more! In true WildLights tradition, the G-scale model trains, with more than 3,300 feet of track, will be decked out for the holidays.
The Plaza Theatre
December 2 & 3, 7:30 pm, An Evening with Lily Tomlin: Lily Tomlin rose to fame in 1969 on Laugh-In with her iconic characters Ernestine and Edith Ann. She went on to star in acclaimed stage productions, including The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, and films like 9 to 5, All of Me, and Grandma. On TV, she appeared in The West Wing, Grace and Frankie, and more. Her career spans decades and has earned her Emmys, Tonys, a Grammy, the Mark Twain Prize, and a Kennedy Center Honor.
The Plaza Theatre
December 4, 7 pm, Billy Porter: Award-winning actor, singer, and style icon Billy Porter takes the stage for an electrifying night of music, storytelling, and show-stopping vocals. Known for his groundbreaking work in Broadway’s Kinky Boots, his Emmy-winning role in Pose, and his chart-topping music career, Porter’s concert will be a one-of-a-kind experience.
Cookie with Mrs. Santa at VillageFest Marketplace
Thursday, December 4, 6 - 9 pm: Enjoy cookies, arts & crafts, and picture opportunities in front of Starbucks downtown.
Free
It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Tree Lighting & Carols
Friday, December 5, 4 - 5:30 pm: Frances Stevens Park. The evening includes a meet-and-greet with Santa, free cookies and cocoa, plus arts and crafts for the little ones. Tree lighting at 5:15 pm.
Free.
The Plaza Theatre
December 5, 8 pm, A John Waters Christmas: John Waters returns with a brand-new Holiday-themed comedy monologue!
Festival of Lights Parade
December 6, 5:45 pm: The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is on Palm Canyon Drive between Ramon Road and Tachevah Road. This beloved holiday parade features Macy's-style balloons, marching bands, floats, and much more.
Free
Breakfast with Santa returns to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
December 6, 8:30 to 10:30 am: Join Mr. and Mrs. Claus for breakfast, holiday crafts, and storybook readings. Breakfast with Santa tickets are $55 for adults and seniors and $42 for children (ages 3-10). Tram fare is included. Advanced tickets are required and can be made by calling (760) 325-1449. Availability is limited.
Santa Paws 5K Run/Walk
December 6, 8:30 am: This is a one-of-a-kind 5K event where every participant can be Santa Claus. Each participant receives a Santa suit that can be worn during the event and is yours to keep. All participants run, walk, or stroll the 5K (3.1-mile) route, or stroll with strollers or their pets. Following the 5K is a 200-meter Elf Dash for children 10 and under. The kids’ event entry is $15 and includes a finisher medal! Register. 332 W Alejo Road. Register here.
The Plaza Theatre
December 6, 5 & 8 pm, Fortune Feimster: Get ready for a night of nonstop laughs as Fortune Feimster brings her signature Southern charm and sharp wit to the historic Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs on December 6, 2025. Known for her hit Netflix specials Sweet & Salty and Good Fortune, Fortune’s hilarious take on life has made her a fan favorite across TV, film, and stand-up.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, Dec 7, 5:30 pm: Lighting the Tram’s iconic 45-foot tree—covered in over 4,000 lights—is 2024 “American Idol” winner Abi Carter, with KESQ’s Patrick Evans serving as the evening’s emcee. Also, that evening, there will be performances by the Palm Springs High School choir and string quartet.
Snapshots with Santa at Palm Springs Downtown Park.
Sunday, December 7, Noon - 2 pm.
Free
Judy's Old-Fashioned Christmas! The Purple Room
Sundays in December, 7 /14 / 21 / 28: Judy's Old-Fashioned Christmas is a delightful holiday-themed show at the Purple Room. This unique event features Michael Holmes in his hilarious and glamorous parody of Judy Garland. Set in the style of Garland's 1964 Christmas television variety show, Holmes impersonates Garland and other icons from Hollywood's Golden Age, such as Carol Channing, Bette Davis, and Mae West. The show is filled with comedy, live music, and over-the-top performances, promising an evening of high camp and nonstop laughs.
Dinner begins at 5 pm, followed by the show at 7 pm. Tickets include automatic dinner reservations, and guests are encouraged to arrive for dinner at least 90 minutes before the show.
The Plaza Theatre
December 15, 7:30 pm, Jane Lynch's A Swingin' Little Christmas: Classic holiday tunes come to life as Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet take the stage in "A Swingin' Little Christmas.” This hilarious and heartwarming holiday extravaganza promises to be a delightful blend of comedy and music, ensuring a ‘swingin’ good time. The group has brought their joyful banter to audiences across the country, with their holiday album “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” hitting Billboard’s Top 10 Adult Contemporary chart. Hollywood Digest calls it “captivating,” the comedy “spectacular,” and the vibe “absolutely precious.”
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 20, 8 - 11 am: Join Santa's little helpers for arts and crafts, gingerbread houses, and many fun photo opportunities! Enjoy a delicious breakfast with your friends and family, along with Santa and Mrs. Santa. It's Free. Leisure Center & Pavilion - 401 S Pavilion Way
Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum
Friday, Dec. 19 - Sunday, Dec. 21: Come to the Palm Springs Air Museum to experience a Winter Wonderland for the entire family! Santa Claus and his friends will arrive at the Air Museum each evening to greet all the good little girls and boys who have come to see him. In addition, there will be a playground of 60 tons of real snow, craft making, hot chocolate, s'mores, pizza, and more. Frosty the Snowman, Elves, and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for photos galore. Snowtopia is open from 6 - 9 pm. Kids 5 and under get in free.
Breakfast with Santa
December 20: The City of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department celebrates breakfast with Santa. It begins at 8 am and includes pancakes, games, crafts, and a photo with Santa. It takes place at the Palm Springs Pavilion at 401 S. Pavilion Way and runs until 11 am.
Free
The Plaza Theatre
December 25, 7 pm, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: April 2025 marks 32 years since Big Bad Voodoo Daddy burst onto the music scene from Ventura, California, helping ignite the swing revival of the 1990s. Known for their high-energy shows and original horn-driven sound, the band has performed over 3,000 concerts and sold more than 2 million albums. Co-founded by Scotty Morris and Kurt Sodergren, the group gained early fame through their residency at L.A.’s Derby nightclub and a breakout appearance in the 1996 film Swingers. Their music has since appeared in countless movies and TV shows, and they’ve performed everywhere from The Tonight Show to the Super Bowl Halftime Show. With their original lineup still intact, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy continues to bring the spirit of swing to new generations in 2025.
The Plaza Theatre
December 27, 7:30 pm, Brad Williams- The Growth Spurt Tour: Brad Williams is one of today’s most in-demand comedians, with standout appearances on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and hit specials like Fun Size and Daddy Issues, the latter earning praise from The New York Times. He made history as the first comedian to headline Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple in Las Vegas, and continues to sell out shows nationwide at lightning speed—living up to Robin Williams’ description of him as “Prozac with a head.”
The Plaza Theatre
December 28, 3 pm, Jim Brickman- The Gift of Christmas: Ring in the holiday season with Jim Brickman’s signature blend of warmth, music, and storytelling. The renowned pianist and songwriter, famous for timeless hits like The Gift, Valentine, and Love of My Life, will create a magical atmosphere of Christmas classics and fan favorites.
