In every season, Palm Springs offers travelers a picture-perfect place to relax and unwind in style. If you’re planning a trip this way over Christmas, you’ll find you can leave all thoughts of cold and snow behind and swap them out for sun-soaked festivities instead! When you’re ready to put the finishing touches on your one-of-a-kind holiday itinerary, the following are some of the top Palm Springs Christmas activities and attractions to make sure you enjoy in and around the city this year.
Enjoy a Family-Friendly Holiday Experience at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
You won’t have to travel far from the heart of Palm Springs to find family-friendly holiday fun waiting for you right at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in nearby Palm Desert. The annual WildLights event held here over Christmas is often a top-rated event for families to attend in the Coachella Valley. Above all, it’s a holiday display that you’re certainly going to want to see for yourself. That’s because in years past, the event has seen the zoo and gardens decked out with more than 750,000 holiday lights at one time! Visitors are invited to explore the illuminated scenery and wander along twinkling pathways while taking photos and sipping hot chocolate at their leisure. There’s live entertainment to enjoy, and opportunities for little ones to make the most of crafts on-site as well. The event is typically hosted from November through December and has a wonderful way of pairing animal encounters with fantastic holiday festivities each and every year.
Plan on Attending the Popular Festival of Lights Parade
If your travel plans have you heading to Palm Springs early in December, you’ll be delighted to find you’re right on time to attend the popular Festival of Lights Parade held here each year. This incredible holiday parade is often held during the first week of the month along the iconic Palm Canyon Drive. Those who attend will be treated to an impressive lineup of marching bands, dancers, floats, and even Clydesdales. This is a Christmas gathering that’s often attended by celebrities and world-famous performers and ends with a visit from Santa Claus himself. The parade kicks off around 5:45 pm, so be sure to arrive early and set up so you can get the very best view this Christmas.
Enjoy Great Holiday Shopping in Palm Springs
Palm Springs has long been recognized as a haven of shopping fun among those visitors who value building retail therapy into each and every vacation itinerary they create. That said, it’s hard to beat the time spent shopping at Christmas here when you have seamless access to places like the dazzling Uptown Design District! Make some room on your agenda to check out the gorgeous art galleries, vintage boutiques, souvenir shops, and so much more! Whether you just window shop or you have plans to fill your bag to the brim, it’s an activity that will have you in the holiday spirit in no time.
Check Out Everything That’s Happening at the Top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway This Christmas
A trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is sure to provide passengers with stunning views in every season. However, those who choose to make their way to the summit at Christmas will find there’s a bit of extra holiday magic included in the experience. Once you’ve enjoyed the ride up to Mt. San Jacinto, you’ll find events like Breakfast with Santa, holiday craft stands to check out, and even a tree lighting ceremony are hosted here this time of year. The cooler mountain temperatures at these higher elevations mean that when you arrive, there’s also a good chance you’ll be treated to a dusting of snow! When you’re looking for a healthy dose of holiday fun this time of year, a trip this way is sure to inspire.
Admire the Magic of Lights at the Empire Polo Club
Many Palm Springs residents and visitors alike will make their way to the Empire Polo Club in nearby Indio this Christmas to experience the annual Magic of Lights event for themselves. This impressive drive-through holiday display is more than a mile long and features everything from illuminated life-sized dinosaurs to glittering monster trucks to admire. Each year has a unique theme that the displays are crafted around, and families can enjoy the dazzling views from the comfort of their own vehicle. Plan on attending any time between mid-November and late December, with options to conveniently purchase your tickets online in advance.
Book Your Christmas Stay in Palm Springs Today
Now is the perfect time to turn those holiday travel plans into reality. When you’re excited to spend time in Palm Springs, the team of property professionals at Ryson Vacations will make sure you enjoy accommodations that take your holiday fun to the next level of excellence with every booking. Reach out today to learn more about our incredible options and to begin planning your December getaway.
