This holiday season, the Desert comes alive with festive events for everyone to enjoy! From charming outdoor markets and dazzling parades to Santa sightings and winter wonderlands, there’s no shortage of cheer. Whether you're shopping for unique gifts, savoring tamales, or enjoying holiday lights, these events are sure to spark joy.
Don’t forget to explore our additional blog articles for a detailed guide to the best Tree Lighting Ceremonies and Holiday Lights Displays to make your season even brighter!
Kick off your holiday shopping at the Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest every Thursday starting November 28. Wander through a lively outdoor market filled with unique gifts, enjoy festive entertainment, and even share a cookie with Mrs. Claus! For more family fun, stroll through the winter wonderland at Gingerbread Lane in Old Town Artisan Studios, where sparkling decorations and holiday cheer abound.
Don’t miss the excitement of December 7, when the city lights up with multiple holiday events, including the beloved Festival of Lights Parade, Santa Paws 5K, and the delicious Tamale Festival. For those seeking unique experiences, catch Santa at the Palm Springs Tramway or enjoy the festive Ironman 70.3 event.
Families and furry friends alike will love the Boozehounds Holiday Paw Parade on December 14, and for a snowy twist, visit Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum from December 20–22. Cap off your festivities with a nostalgic evening at the Duck Soup Trio’s Charlie Brown Christmas concert for a jazzy holiday vibe.
Dive Deeper into the Festivities 🌲✨
Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest
Begins Nov. 28 (Every Thursday) from 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!
Gingerbread Lane
Begins Nov. 30 to Dec. 21 | Every Saturday from 11am-5pm
Old Town Artisan Studios will be converting their 3-acre art campus into a winter wonderland with multiple trees, trimmed garland, twinkling lights, a marquee 17-foot tree next to Santa? s workshop all wrapped in the music of the holidays!
Location: 78046 Calle Barcelona, La Quinta
Info: www.oldtownartisanstudios.org/gingerbread-lane
Festival of Lights Parade
Dec. 7 begining at 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. Location: Downtown Palm Springs
Info: www.psfestivaloflights.com
Santa Visits the Tramway
Dec. 7 & 14
Santa will be visiting the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway twice in December! J oin Mr. and Mrs. Claus for breakfast, holiday crafts, and storybook readings on December 7. Santa will also be visiting the Tramways Mountain Station on December 14. Children can share their Christmas lists with Santa himself, pose for photos, and receive a free candy cane.
Location: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Info: pstramway.com/santa-events-at-the-palm-springs-aerial-tramway-2
12/7: 8:30am-10:30am, Breakfast with Santa
12/14: 11am-3pm, Santas Visit
Santa Paws 5K Run/Walk
Dec. 7 begining at 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 miles) route or stroll with strollers or their pups. 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.
Tamale Festival
Dec. 7 & 8 from 10am-7pm
Visitors will delight in scrumptious tamales, endless alternative food options, shopping, and all-day entertainment. Location: Old Town Indio, between Hwy 111 and Indio Blvd
Info: www.indiointernationaltamalefestival.com
Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells & La Quinta
Dec. 8
Located near Palm Springs, California, IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells-La Quinta raises the bar when it comes to an end-of-year race & retreat. End your season with plenty of sunshine and the beauty of the palm tree lined streets when you race here this winter.
Location: Lake Cahuilla. Info: www.ironman.com/im703-indian-wells
The Duck Soup Trio’s Charlie Brown Christmas
Dec. 12 begining at 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 season’s magic. Cascade Lounge. 401 E Amado Road. Buy Tickets
Boozehounds Holiday Paw Parade + Pet Costume Contest
Dec. 14 from 8am - 1pm
A Holiday Spectacular Pet costume parade will benefit the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Coffee, donuts, and a pet line-up at Victoria Park will begin at 8 am. The Paw Parade starts at 9 am, followed by treats and eats and Boozehounds at 10 am. The awards ceremony with guest judges is at 11 am. Tickets
Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum
Dec. 20-22 from 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 of 60 tons of real snow, craft making, hot chocolate, smores, 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. Tickets
