December in the Desert

 

Our top ways to enjoy the Desert’s Holiday Spirit!

When: December 2, 2023, from 5:45 PM to 8:00 PM

The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade kicked off in the early 1990s along Palm Canyon Drive and has been held every year since on the first Saturday in December — becoming a much-loved holiday tradition in downtown Palm Springs. The parade was the brainchild of former Mayor Will Kleindienst and a small group of community-minded individuals who believed it was important to offer the Coachella Valley an event that would allow residents and visitors to celebrate the spirit and joy of the holiday season while at the same time creating a unique tourism event, which over the years has brought in an estimated 100,000 people annually to the downtown. Over the past 27 years, the parade has featured a host of marching bands, and performing groups as well as the Budweiser Clydesdales, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Snoopy and the Gang — and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Yet more than anything else, it is the parade’s signature floats adorned in thousands of colorful holiday lights and huge Macy-style balloons that keep the crowds coming back for more! Consistently voted one of the best local events in the Coachella Valley, the parade was also voted one of the Top Ten Holiday Parades in the country in an AOL survey. Over the years, the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade has become a beloved holiday tradition downtown — bringing thousands of Coachella Valley residents and their families as well as tourists from all over the world to come see the twinkling floats while celebrating the joy of the holiday season.

Price: Free

 

When: December 8, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Berger Foundation Iceplex, 75702 Varner Rd. Palm Desert, CA 92211

Step into a magical world of icy enchantment at Berger Foundation Iceplex’s Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Event! You’ll enjoy: -Ice Skating with Mr. and Mrs. Claus
-Holiday Treats including hot cocoa, cookies, and signature cocktails
-Festive games and giveaways
-Free skate rental when you bring a wrapped gift for Toys for Tots

Price: $15

Click Here for More Information

 

When: Nov. 17th – Dec. 31st, 2023
Sun-Thur 5:30 pm-9 pm | Fri-Sat 5:30 pm-10:00 pm

Where: Empire Polo Club, Indio, CA
81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201

Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience the Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your car as you wind through the sparkling path of Coachella Valley’s new holiday tradition. One carload, one price.

Inside the comfort of their vehicle, guests will enjoy Magic of Lights’ classic holiday favorites including Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toy Land, festive Elves, and Reindeer Road. In addition to the 200-foot-long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, there will also be three other brand-new tunnels to delight and amaze – the Blizzard Light Tunnel, the Snowflake Tunnel, and the Candy Cane Light Tunnel. 
Other brand-new displays include the 32-foot-tall animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie®, Prehistoric Christmas featuring life-sized dinosaurs celebrating the season, and BIGFOOT® Monster Trucks. Created with over two million sparkling lights, Magic of Lights is a nostalgic and festive event everyone will enjoy.

Price: $15-$60

 

When: Dec. 2 – Jan. 1, 2023, from 6 pm – 11 pm
Where: Indian Wells Golf Resort, 44-500 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, CA 92210

Please join the City of Indian Wells for Southern California’s most extraordinary holiday celebration, where residents and visitors gather to embrace a new holiday tradition – Indian Wells Winterfest, now celebrating its second year. Discover the delights of the holiday season under starlit skies and swaying palm trees. Enjoy roller skating on one of our various theme nights featuring an assortment of tunes ranging from classic rock and country to disco and holiday hits. If roller skating isn’t your cup of hot cocoa, then feel free to stop by and, enjoy a drink or game at the entertainment zone and Ice Bar, or rent your private snow globe. If you’re craving a bite to eat swing on in and grab a hot chocolate or desert treat from our Holiday Cookie and Candy Truck. On Tuesday’s holiday movies will be shown, brought to you by the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa. Finally, for the golfer in the holiday spirit make a reservation for our special holiday-themed Shots in the Night golf experiences. This will be offered every night during the festival featuring music, snacks, and drinks available for purchase. Reservations are suggested as Shots in the Night will sell out.

Winterfest is an evening event, but the exact opening and closing times will vary slightly (between 6 pm and 11 pm) and are subject to change. Please check back before attending for updated information including entertainment, activities, and event hours.