Very Merry & Gay Holiday Fun
Bring on the tinsel and cue up Mariah! Here in the desert, without a snowflake in sight, we love to celebrate the jolliest time of year. Visit Palm Springs has put together a wonderful holiday calendar of events and activities, but we wanted to take a moment to share a few of our team’s festive favorites.
Twinkly Lights
Candy Cane Lane
For a pure blast of holiday joy and cheer, we love to take an evening stroll on Candy Cane Lane. Every year the homeowners in this Cathedral City neighborhood go over-the-top with millions of twinkly lights, elaborate Christmas scenes, and glowing inflatables. This local favorite is fun to walk or drive, but you’re going to want to walk so you can visit the hot cocoa hut.
Minerva Road, Cathedral City
All December
Wildlights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Look honey, they bedazzled the zoo! Exploring this annual installation of twinkling holiday lights and giant illuminated sculptures has become a new winter tradition for many of us. The perfect date night, complete with a smores station. Ticket information and more here.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Rancho Mirage
November 22 – December 30, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
Who doesn’t love a light-up parade? People come from all over to watch this annual procession of sparkling floats, dancing trees, marching bands, a few waving celebrities, and gigantic Macy’s Parade-style balloons. Also: Santa Claus!
Palm Canyon Drive, Downtown Palm Springs
December 2, 5:45pm - 8:00pm
Perfect Gifts
Palm Springs Vintage Market
Held the first Sunday of every month from October to May, this upscale flea market features a kaleidoscope of vendors specializing in vintage and midcentury finds. The December market is an especially festive affair, loaded with vintage Christmas decorations and lots of groovy holiday gift ideas for your friends and family. Admission $5-10, details at the PS Vintage Market website.
Palm Springs Cultural Center parking lot, Downtown Palm Springs
Sunday, December 3, 7:00am – 2:00pm
Live Performances
“Joy!” with Scott Wilkie
This is a very special concert, not to be missed. Contemporary jazz pianist Scott Wilkie returns for his 6th annual Christmas concert in the desert with a few of his favorite musicians, this time at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Expect an evening filled with fresh takes on holiday favorites alongside beautiful traditional carols. Tickets here.
Palm Springs Cultural Center, Downtown Palm Springs
Wednesday, December 13, 7:00pm
Dickens Writes a Christmas Carol
This new adaptation follows author Charles Dickens while he is conceiving and writing a new story called A Christmas Carol. While pondering the plot, Dickens is visited by muses in his head who help him develop the story that becomes a beloved classic. Tickets and more information here.
Revolution Stage Company, Downtown Palm Springs
December 1 - 23
"Ring! Swing! Sing!" with the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus
This popular annual concert includes songs for Christmas and Hanukkah, show tunes, a little choreography, and even a handbell choir. These singing men will lift your spirits! Tickets available through Palm Springs Art Museum.
Annenberg Theater at PSAM, Downtown Palm Springs
December 14 - 17
Holiday Cheer
Afternoon Tea at Willie’s
Enjoy the British tradition of High Tea in Willie’s elegant dining room in Rancho Mirage, complete with multi-tiered trays of hand-crafted sweets, scones, and savory finger sandwiches. Willie’s offers Afternoon Tea every Sunday. Reservations are absolutely required, especially around the holidays.
Willie’s Modern Fare, Rancho Mirage
Every Sunday, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
These are just a few of our favorite holiday traditions in the desert. If you have a favorite, we’d love to hear about it!