If holiday plans are taking a turn for the stressful this year and you’re looking to change things up, planning a last-minute vacation to Palm Springs during Christmas could be exactly the right choice! This gem of a vacation destination in the Coachella Valley is a great place to find yourself year-round, but there’s something extra special about a trip this way over the holidays. Even if you don’t have a lot of time to put the details in place, you’ll find Palm Springs to be a getaway that’s ideal for a Christmas experience with family and friends you won’t soon forget.
Embrace the Best of a Sun-Soaked Christmas in California
When you set your sights on a last-minute Christmas vacation to Palm Springs, you’ll never have to worry about your travel plans being thwarted by snow, ice, or cold. That’s because here, visitors and locals alike are treated to over 300 days of sunshine annually and even in December, daytime highs have a refreshing way of lingering in the 70s. The dry desert air that defines the Coachella Valley experience makes for an even more comfortable setting if you’re excited to fill your Christmas itinerary with time in the great outdoors. While the city is still covered in holiday lights, wreaths, and festive flair, you can plan on sipping your hot cocoa under a palm tree and leaving your winter parka far behind this year.
Fun Activities to Add to Your Itinerary
With all that warm weather and sunshine on your side, Christmas is the perfect time in Palm Springs for visitors to maximize their itineraries. A great way to start each day of your last-minute trip, that doesn’t require much planning at all, is an early morning hike through Indian Canyons. Here, travelers with a love for trekking their way to seasonal fun will easily find routes that showcase palm groves, waterfalls, and stunning desert terrain, too. The end of December is also a lovely time of year in Palm Springs to hone your short and long game skills out on the greens if golfing is your hobby of choice. A ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers up spectacular views and opportunities to admire the impressive and decorated Christmas tree at the summit of Mount San Jacinto, too! When all that adventure leaves you longing to relax in holiday style, consider booking yourself a spa day in Palm Springs and enjoying a massage, facial, wrap, or exfoliating treatment to leave you looking and feeling your best this Christmas.
Holiday Events to Check Out While You’re in Town
A last-minute Christmas vacation to Palm Springs comes with options to add a holiday event or two to your must-experience list while you’re here. A fun stop to add for the entire family when you’re traveling with kids is the WildLights event hosted over at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. Set up in nearby Palm Desert, this annual holiday event runs through the end of December and often features millions of holiday lights as well as seasonal treats, animal encounters, and animated displays to enjoy. If you find yourself in Palm Springs on an impromptu Christmas getaway earlier in the month, you can attend the Festival of Lights Parade on the first Saturday of December. This glittering spectacle is hosted on Palm Canyon Drive and includes sparkling floats, marching bands, dancing, and an appearance from Santa at the end.
Pick Up Holiday Gifts When You Arrive
When you decide to head to Palm Springs for a Christmas vacation on a whim, you’re free to leave worries about packing presents in your suitcase behind. That’s because the shopping options here are top-notch, making it simple to buy the gifts you want to gift when you arrive! We would highly recommend spending time browsing the shops along El Paseo when you’re on the hunt for high-end products and apparel. If retro is more your style, the Palm Springs Vintage Market has you covered. There are also a variety of local boutiques to check out when you’re excited to gift your family and friends handmade jewelry this year.
Enjoy Delicious Dining Options
While a last-minute Christmas vacation to Palm Springs doesn’t always allow for enough time to secure a place at a top area restaurant, there are plenty of casual dining options to enjoy when you’re here that don’t require holiday reservations. Consider making your way to Rooser and the Pig when you find yourself longing for mouthwatering Vietnamese and American fusion served up in a trendy and welcoming setting. Over at Paul Bar/Food, you can treat yourself to comfort food paired with handcrafted cocktails and craft beers, while the team over at Tac/Quila is known for serving up some of the best upscale Mexican fare in town.
Book your Last-Minute Getaway Today
No matter when your travel plans bring you to Palm Springs this year, the team at Ryson Vacations is ready to help you get settled into a beautiful vacation rental to match. Reach out today to learn more about our last-minute holiday homes and how our team can help you tailor the details of your trip to fit your style. We can’t wait to see you in California soon!
