November 15, 2026 - January 3, 2027

As the holiday season approaches, it's time to plan a memorable Christmas getaway that blends festive magic 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.  Please check this page regularly for updates on new Palm Springs Holidays events. 

👉 Visit our Palm Springs Holidays Event Calendar

Palm Springs Holidays logo

Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest

Get into the holiday spirit at VillageFest. This outdoor gift market is the perfect place to jumpstart your holiday shopping. 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, VillageFest is the perfect place to spread holiday cheer and find that perfect present. This free event runs from 6 to 10 pm.

December 3 - Enjoy cookies with Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa bar, photo booth, and fun zone

10 - Trackless train rides, holiday shorts, and fun zone

17 - Photo booth with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and fun zone

24 - Christmas Eve for your last-minute shopping.

Tinsel Times Carolers

Sundays & Wednesdays, 5 - 7 pm - Various locations downtown and along Palm Canyon Drive, Courtesy of Palm Springs Unified School District

The Plaza Theatre

November

27, 7:30 pm - Christmas with the Drifters, The Platters & Cornell Gunter's Coasters - Buy Tickets

28, 7:30 pm - Maria Bamford - Buy Tickets

29, 7:30  pm - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - Buy Tickets

30, 7:30 pm - David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown  - Buy Tickets

Santa standing by the seat at the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs

December

2, 7:30 pm - Meow Meow's Feline Festive | Buy Tickets

3, 8:00 pm - A John Waters Christmas | Buy Tickets

8, 7:30 pm - The John Denver Christmas Concert | Buy Tickets

11 - 13, Jingle Jangle Jazz Hands with the Gay Men's Chorus | Buy Tickets

15 & 16, 7:30 pm, Jane Lynch's A Swingin' Little Christmas |  Tickets for 15th  | Tickets for 16th

19 & 20, 7 pm,  Modern Men Coachella Valley Men's Chorus: That Holiday Glow | Buy Tickets

21, 7:30 pm, A Very Broadway Christmas | Buy Tickets

22, 7:30 pm - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year | Buy Tickets

23, 7:30 pm - The Dean Martin Story Christmas Special | Buy Tickets

24, 10 am & 2 pm - White Christmas Singalong | Buy Tickets

26, 7:30 pm - The Mariachi Divas: A Holiday Celebration | Buy Tickets

31, 5:00 pm - Lucie Arnaz and Family, A New Year's Eve Celebration | Buy Tickets

 

Palm Springs Tree Lighting & Carols

December 4, 5:15 pm - Free - Join Main Street Palm Springs, the Mayor, and the City Council for the presentation of the annual Holiday Banner Awards to local student artists from the Palm Springs Unified School District, followed by the official City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting. The event features holiday caroling and crafts for children, a visit from Santa Claus, and complimentary cookies and hot cocoa

Palm Springs Tree Lighting

Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade

December 5, 5:45 pm - Free - 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.  

palm springs festival of lights parade

Snapshots with Santa at Downtown Park

December 6 - Free - Presented by the City of Palm Springs

Shine On: 50 Years of Sunrise Celebration at Sunrise Park

December 12 - Free - Presented by the City of Palm Springs

Merry Grinchmas

December 12, 9 - 11 am - Free - Meet the Grinch at Demuth Park's Community Center and enjoy holiday crafts. There's also a Grinch costume contest. Family-friendly event open to all. Please RSVP by November 28.

Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus

December 19, 8 - 11 am - Free - 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.  

Holidays at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, December 5, 8:30 to 10:30 am. - Join Mr. and Mrs. Claus for breakfast at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for 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. Enjoy French toast, scrambled eggs, Belgian waffles, fresh fruit, bacon, pork sausage, and assorted pastries. Advance tickets are required and can be made by calling (760) 325-1449.  Availability is limited.

Santa at Mountain Station: Saturday, December 5, 11 am - 3 pm  - Santa will be stopping by the Mountain Station’s Pines Café. Children can share their Christmas lists with Santa himself, pose for photos, and receive a free candy cane. Santa’s visit is included in the general tram fare admission. 

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony - December 6, 5:30 pm, Lighting the Tram’s iconic 45-foot tree, covered in over 4,000 lights. Performances by the Palm Springs High School choir and string quartet. 

Palm Springs Tram Holiday Tree

Walk of the Inns

December 10, 4 pm (to be confirmed) - Free - Self-guided walking tour to explore the local hotel holiday scene. Pick up a map and flashlight at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Explore the unique charm and hospitality of Palm Springs at the annual Walk of the Inns. This walking tour invites locals and visitors to experience the vibrant holiday scene. This annual tradition offers a delightful way to discover the eclectic hotel properties nestled between Ramon Road and Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum

Dec. 20 - 23,  6 - 9 pm - 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 featuring 50 tons of real snow, craft-making activities, hot chocolate, s'mores, pizza, and more. Frosty the Snowman, Elves, and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for photos galore.

Snowtopia no dates

Santa Paws 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, December 19, 8:30 am - This one-of-a-kind 5K event lets every participant be Santa Claus. Each participant receives a Santa suit to wear during the event and keeps it. 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.

Group of Santas running in race

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