December in the Coachella Valley transforms our desert oasis into a sparkling holiday playground filled with festive markets, magical light displays, family-friendly celebrations, and even a few snowy surprises. Whether you’re looking for iconic Palm Springs traditions, charming small-town festivities, or pet-friendly fun, the desert has something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best holiday events happening all month long.
Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest
December 4, 11, 18 (Every Thursday)
6 p.m.–10 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
Kick off the holiday season at VillageFest’s themed celebration, “Jingle All the Way.” Palm Canyon Drive comes alive with twinkling lights, live music, festive décor, and an outdoor holiday market perfect for gift shopping. Discover handcrafted art, one-of-a-kind treasures, artisanal treats, and more. Kids can enjoy cookies with Mrs. Claus, and if you’re lucky, you might spot Santa making an appearance!
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
December 6 at 5:45 p.m.
Route: Palm Canyon Drive (Ramon Rd → Tachevah Rd)
A beloved desert tradition, the Festival of Lights Parade returns with dazzling Macy’s-style balloons, marching bands, brightly lit floats, and community groups spreading holiday cheer. Bring your chairs, bundle up, and enjoy one of the most anticipated events of the season.
More info: psfestivaloflights.com
Gingerbread Lane in La Quinta
December 6, 13 & 20 (Saturdays)
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Old Town Artisan Studios
Experience a true winter wonderland as Old Town Artisan Studios transforms its 3-acre campus into Gingerbread Lane, complete with trimmed garlands, glowing lights, themed trees, festive music, and a towering 17-foot Christmas tree beside Santa’s workshop. Perfect for families looking for holiday magic in La Quinta.
Info: oldtownartisanstudios.org/gingerbread-lane
Santa Magic at The Gardens on El Paseo — Palm Desert
November 29 & December 6 | 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
The Gardens on El Paseo becomes a joyful holiday playground with bounce houses, snow shows, festive décor, and Santa photo opportunities. Kids can play on the Center Lawn while parents shop or relax nearby.
Photos with Santa:
• Nov. 29 - benefiting Read With Me
• Dec. 6 - benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters
Location varies between the Bridge (Louis Vuitton & Tiffany & Co.) and the Center Lawn.
Tickets & details: thegardensonelpaseo.com/pages/santa-magic
Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum
December 19–22 | 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
Snow comes to the desert! Snowtopia brings 60 tons of real snow, Santa visits, holiday crafts, hot chocolate, s’mores, and festive characters like Frosty, the Elves, and Mrs. Claus. Families will love the glowing displays and immersive winter playground.
Tickets: palmspringsairmuseum.org/snowtopia/
Pet-Friendly Holiday Events
Santa Paws at The Gardens on El Paseo – Palm Desert
December 13 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
A holiday highlight for animal lovers! Bring your furry friends to meet Santa and take home a framed keepsake photo. Enjoy the festive atmosphere while supporting local causes.
Fee: $25 (includes 4x6 framed photo)
Info: thegardensonelpaseo.com/events/the-gardens-on-el-paseo-santa-paws
Santa Paws 5K & Elf Dash – Palm Springs
December 20 | 332 W Alejo Rd
Join thousands of Santas (yes, literally) for this merry 5K where every participant gets a Santa suit to wear and keep. Walk, jog, or stroll with your pups, everyone is invited.
Kids can participate in the Elf Dash (200m) with medals included.
Register: runsignup.com/Race/CA/PalmSprings/PalmSpringsSantaPaws5K
Santa Visits the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Meet Santa at Mountain Station
December 6 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Included with tram admission. Kids can visit Santa, take photos, and receive free candy canes.
Breakfast With Santa
December 13 | 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Includes breakfast, crafts, and holiday fun with Mr. & Mrs. Claus.
Tickets required; tram fare included.
Info: pstramway.com/tickets
Ice Skating in the Desert
Berger Foundation Iceplex – Palm Desert
Enjoy indoor public skating sessions all December long. With music, festive lights, and special holiday programs, it’s a perfect winter escape for families, couples, and kids of all ages.
Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells–La Quinta
December 7 | Lake Cahuilla
Athletes from around the world gather for this world-class race set against stunning desert scenery. Whether you’re competing or cheering, this event brings incredible energy to the valley.
Info: ironman.com/im703-indian-wells
33rd Annual Indio International Tamale Festival
December 6 & 7 | 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Old Town Indio
One of the desert’s most delicious traditions! Enjoy award-winning tamales, global food vendors, artisan shopping, live entertainment, and family activities, spanning multiple blocks of Old Town Indio.
Read More about this event here.
Holiday Light Displays Across the Desert
Magic of Lights at the Empire Polo Club – Indio
Nov. 18–Dec. 31
Drive through millions of lights, animated tunnels, towering holiday characters, and themed displays. A cozy, car-friendly way to enjoy the season.
WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Nov. 25–Dec. 30
Walk through more than three million sparkling lights, illuminated pathways, animal encounters, a holiday carousel, and endless photo ops. A must-see annual event. Read More Here.
Candy Cane Lane – Cathedral City
December (Nightly)
A local favorite and one of the Coachella Valley’s most charming traditions. Candy Cane Lane is a neighborhood-wide holiday spectacular where homes light up with colorful displays, animated decorations, themed vignettes, and plenty of surprises. Visitors stroll or drive through the streets to enjoy music, lights, inflatables, and warm neighborhood spirit. It’s a perfect way to enjoy an evening of festive fun.
Check out more information about Candy Cane Lane Here.
Conclusion
December in the Coachella Valley is truly magical, filled with sparkling lights, festive celebrations, family-friendly fun, and beloved traditions that bring our desert communities together. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, enjoying a parade, visiting Santa, or exploring enchanting light displays, there’s no better place to celebrate the season than right here in our desert home.
