Celebrating the Palm Springs Holidays in 2024

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 continue to update you as new events are announced.

Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest

Begins Nov. 28

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. Clause. You may even see Santa!

Open every Thursday in December, 6 – 10 pm.

Thursday, Dec. 5 – Cookies with Mrs. Santa.

Thursday, Dec. 18 – Cookies with Santa

Tinsel Times Carolers

Sundays & Wednesdays

Performances to be announced.

Palm Springs Holidays Events & Decorations

Wildlights at the Living Desert. 6 – 9 pm

This year, experience several new and reimagined light exhibits, such as the new 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, smores 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.

Dec. 1 /15 / 22 / 29 – Judy’s Old-Fashioned Christmas! @ the Purple Room

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 5:00 pm, followed by the show at 7:00 ps. Tickets include automatic dinner reservations, and guests are encouraged to arrive at least 90 minutes before the show for dinner. Tickets

Dec 5, Joie De Vivre Cabaret with Chloe Perrier and Mark Kopitzke. 7 pm

World renowned chanteuse Chloé Perrier had a dream: bringing to life a joyful cabaret with a live band and her special French touch, spreading joy and inviting people to forget their troubles for the duration of the show – a voyage to 1930s Paris, at a speakeasy with the most fabulous performers! Carousel presents the newest version of this cabaret, with new master of ceremony and talented singer Mark Kopitzke, whom you’ve probably already heard with The Secret Agents, Phat Cats Swinger, and with his own quartet.

Cascade Lounge. 401 E Amado Road. Buy Tickets

Dec. 6 – It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Tree Lighting & Carols. 4 – 5:30 pm

Frances Stevens Park.  See Event Details

Dec. 7, Festival of Lights Parade. 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.

Dec 8, Snapshots with Santa at Palm Springs Downtown Park. Noon – 2 pm.

Dec. 7, Santa Paws 5K Run/Walk. 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 then yours to keep. All participants run, walk, or stroll the 5K (3.1 mile) route, or stroll with strollers or your pup. Following the 5K, there 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.

Dec 7, Broadway’s Best of the West Presents Hugh Panoro. 7 pm

Hugh Panaro is perhaps best known for having played the coveted role of the Phantom in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera over 2,500 times, including the 25th Anniversary production. Hugh is one of the few actors to have been cast by Harold Prince as both The Phantom and Raoul in the show’s Broadway production. Hugh made his Broadway debut in the original production of Les Misérables as Marius.

Palm Springs Cultural Center. 2300 E Baristo Road.  Buy Tickets

Dec 10 – 12 & 17 – 19. Skippy ‘n Bitsy’s All-Star Christmas TV Extravaganza. 7 pm

Skippy and Bitsy are taping their 1969 TV Christmas Special in front of a live studio audience, which is you!  One of the most popular and happily married showbiz couples of their era (except when Skippy’s roving eye spots another man), this duo pulls out all the stops to entertain you with song, dance, fabulous guest stars and the best banter the TV censors will allow.  Starring long time FRUITCAKE FOLLIES alumni Terry Ray and Miss Jane Guy.

Palm Springs Cultural Center. 2300 E Baristo Road. Buy Tickets

Dec 12, The Duck Soup Trio’s Charlie Brown Christmas. 7 pm

Step into the holiday spirit with the enchanting sounds of Vince Guaraldi’s classic scores from the beloved Peanuts Christmas specials. The Duck Soup Trio invites you to a cozy and nostalgic evening. This seasoned trio will fill the night with timeless melodies and jazzy rhythms that capture the magic of the season.

Cascade Lounge. 401 E Amado Road. Buy Tickets

Dec 13 & 14 – Winterson with Amanda McBroom @ Purple Room

Amada performs songs from her new recording, Wintersong. There will be cherished holiday standards, musical classics by Dan Fogelberg, Joanie Mitchell, Ken Hirsh, and writing pals Michel Brourman and Ann Hampton Callaway. Tickets

Dec. 14 & 15, Modern Men Chorus present Home for the Holidays

Palm Springs Cultural Center. 2300 E Baristo Road.

Dec 14, Tailwaggers Santa Paws and Mrs. Claws Holiday. Noon – 5 pm

Bring your pet and get your photo taken with Santa Paws and Mrs. Claws! Find tasty snacks for your naughty or nice pup to enjoy.

Tailwaggers. 1124 E Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Dec 18, Jam On The Rocks Productions Presents Scott Wilkie: Joy!

Contemporary jazz pianist Scott Wilkie will gather his favorite musicians to present a very special Christmas concert. Scott’s arrangements of holiday classics are inspired by the unique energy of his longtime bandmates — Pat Kelley on guitar, along with bassist Nathan Brown and drummer Jeff Olson.

Palm Springs Cultural Center. 2300 E Baristo Road. Buy Tickets

Dec. 19 – 23, Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

Come to the Palm Springs Air Museum to experience a Winter Wonderland for the entire family! Each evening Santa Claus and his friends will arrive at the Air Museum to greet all the good little girls and boys who have come to see him. In addition, there will be a playground of 40 tons of real snow, craft making, hot chocolate, smore’s and more.smores, Snowtopia is open from 6 – 9 pm. Kids 3 and under get in free. Tickets

Dec 20 & 21 – Broadway Barbara’s Holiday Spectacular @ Purple Room

Watch in reverent joy as Barbara performs her own versions of classic Christmas tunes! Listen in stunned amazement as she shares unbelievable Broadway gossip! Gaze in slack-jawed wonder as she unleased her Hanukkah medley. Dinner reservations at 6 pm with showtime at 8 pm. Tickets

Dec 26, A Klezmer Hanukkah Barry Sisters Tribute. 7 pm

A spectacular evening of music that will transport you to the heart of Jewish tradition and festive cheer. Led by the acclaimed musician Skip Keller, this unique event features an ensemble of top-tier musicians and guest singers who will bring to life the rich sounds of Hanukkah, klezmer hits, and the beloved songs of the Barry Sisters. Doors open at 6 pm.

Cascade Lounge. 401 E Amado Road.  Buy Tickets

Palm Springs Holidays at the Aerial Tramway

Tram Christmas Tree Lighting – Date TBD

Santa Visits the Mountain Station. Santa’s visit to Pines Café is included in general tram fare admission. Tram tickets are $30.95 for adults, $28.95 for seniors, and $18.95 for children (ages 3-10). Children can share their Christmas lists with Santa, pose for photos, and receive a free candy cane.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate on a special holiday schedule December 23 – January 7. The first tram up each day is at 8 am and the last tram up at 8 pm. The last tram down is at 9:30 pm.

Dec. 21, Breakfast with Santa. 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.

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