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.
Travelers hoping to take time out of hectic schedules to enjoy some well-deserved laid-back luxury will find everything they’re searching for and more in Palm Springs, California. This sun-soaked destination is inviting to visitors in every season of the year. It’s also a vacation destination that never fails to impress guests with interests of all types, making it easy to add everything from hiking, shopping, swimming, fine dining, or gallery hopping to your itinerary when you’re in town. When you want to make the most of the getaway fun ahead, taking time to pack strategically for the journey is a must. The following travel checklist is a great place to start when you’re wondering what exactly to pack for your next exciting trip to Palm Springs.
Pack with a Few Important Weather Fluctuations in Mind
If you’ve never been to Palm Springs before, it can be easy to assume that mild and sunny weather is to be expected no matter when you arrive. While the sun is something you can certainly count on, there are variations in temperatures here throughout the year that will inevitably affect your final packing list.
While the winter months across Palm Springs are typically mild, late spring through early fall often sees daily highs jumping well past 100 degrees Fahrenheit. During these hot months, even the early evening hours can be intense, so packing the right sun protection and comfortable apparel is a must. It can’t be stressed enough just how important it is to add an SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum sunscreen to your suitcase when heading this way—especially during the warmest months. This is a must-have accessory in your bag or purse when you’re out and about, and you should feel free to apply it frequently and liberally. We would also recommend travelers make sure to have a sun hat readily accessible for a Palm Springs getaway, as well as sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF included too. If you have plans to explore the hiking trails while you’re here, bug spray is always a good addition to the lineup for mornings, afternoons, or evenings immersed in the beauty of your desert surroundings.
Apparel That Allows for Flexibility and Comfort
Palm Springs is a place where you’re encouraged to dress for style and comfort in tandem. Here, lightweight and breathable moisture-wicking blends will prove vital to feeling great from morning to night. Packing flowy apparel and loose shorts paired with airy shirts is always nice when your itinerary takes you from the heat of outdoor adventures to time inside, shopping or dining your way to vacation fun as well. Layers are great for cooler evenings in the wintertime, but plenty of activewear in your suitcase is highly recommended for those early mornings and evenings when you can’t wait to explore places like Indian Canyons by foot or bike for yourself. A pair of comfortable shoes for strolling, hiking boots for the trails, flip flops for pool time, and one nice pair of shoes for evenings out should do the trick when it comes to getting around in impeccable Palm Springs-inspired style.
Accessories You Won’t Want to Overlook
Once you have the above-mentioned essentials in place, it’s time to tailor your packing list for Palm Springs with those fun accessories that can make all the difference in your experience. For example, if you have plans to head here during the warmest times of the year, there’s a good chance you’ll be spending a significant amount of time in the afternoons at the pool. That makes it worth your while to pack an inflatable pool float for yourself, and certainly some fun water accessory options for the little ones as well, if you’re traveling with kids. You’ll also want to add some after-sun care to your suitcase that might come in the form of aloe vera gel or a revitalizing face mask to follow time on the desert trails, where environments can be rather harsh.
The addition of a collapsible cooler to your lineup can give you great options to include a picnic or two into your trip to Palm Springs, which can be easily enjoyed alongside family and friends. Of course, if you’re someone whose passion is landscape photography, having all your gear handy while you’re here is great for those moments when you inevitably stumble across some truly photo-worthy moments in Palm Springs that never fail to impress.
Book an Incredible Palm Springs Getaway Through Ryson Vacations Today
No matter when you manage to find time to enjoy a getaway to Palm Springs this year, having the right accommodations in place upon arrival infuses the luxury, comfort, and convenience into your stay that you deserve to experience. Reach out to Ryson Vacations before your next trip this way to learn more about our inviting and luxurious condos and homes available to book, which keep you close to the local fun and living in exceptional style every step of the way.
Palm Springs is a vacation destination that never fails to impress its guests, no matter what time of year you happen to arrive to make the most of the sun-soaked Southern California fun. If you happen to be an adventurer who can’t imagine a getaway anywhere on the map without the company of your favorite canine companion included, you’ll quickly discover that Palm Springs is also a great place to plan a pet-friendly getaway! The following guide is a wonderful place to start when you’re excited to put together a Palm Springs pet-friendly vacation itinerary this year that works seamlessly for people and pets alike.
Enjoy a Scenic and Pet-Friendly Local Hike
The majority of the year in Palm Springs is defined by sunshine, which makes this an incredible location for hiking your way to vacation fun. When you’re ready to lace up your boots and hit the trails, you’ll want to make sure you add the Mission Creek Preserve to your must-explore list when you’re heading here with your pet at your side. This is a challenging route for experienced hikers that’s also designed for pet-friendly journeys. You’ll have access to 17 miles of trails that showcase stunning desert scenery at every turn, and this is a route that’s great for pairing your exercise with wildlife watching as well. Just be sure your dog remains leashed at all times so you, your crew, and others can enjoy time in nature to the fullest.
Visit a Local Dog Park
If you’re traveling to Palm Springs with a pet in tow who seems to always have a bit of extra energy to burn, one of the many dog parks in town is a great addition to your itinerary. While Sunrise Park is a popular place for people and pets to gather, thanks to spacious areas designed with agility equipment in place and plenty of water fountains too, you can’t go wrong if you head over to City Hall Dog Park either. This park is open from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm daily and is found right behind City Hall at 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Here, your pooch can explore more than 1.6 acres of terrain that’s fenced, packed with picnic areas, fitted with convenient shade structures, and dotted with water fountains too. It’s a leash-free experience for your pet that has separate play areas in place for small and large dogs, giving everyone the peace of mind they deserve.
Pick Up a Tasty Treat at Bones-N-Scones
When all that running has left your pet with an appetite, treat them to some time at Bones-n-Scones. Located at 633 S Palm Canyon Drive #27, Bones-N-Scones is a great local pet boutique in town where you won’t have any trouble finding delicious bites for your pet, fun toys to add to their collection, and even dog pasties to add a decadent touch to your pet-friendly getaway to Palm Springs! Swing by between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm daily to stock up on food, essentials, and those fun extras that will make all the difference in your vacation experience with your dog included.
Fuel Up at 4 Paws Coffee Co.
When the humans in your traveling group could use a revitalizing beverage, making your way to 4 Paws Coffee Co. is always the right choice in Palm Springs. Here, you can order up a delicious espresso drink alongside sandwiches and pastries in a space that’s fully dedicated to dog-centric décor! Those who drop by with their pets are offered pub cups as well, giving everyone something to look forward to during a visit. You’ll find 4 Paws Coffee Co. at 2500 N Palm Canyon Drive within the Racquet Club Center. As an added bonus, this company gives a portion of their proceeds to local animal shelters, making that next cup of coffee something you can truly feel great about investing in.
Take an Afternoon to Explore the Moorten Botanical Garden
A beautiful and pet-friendly place to add to your Palm Springs lineup on your next trip this way is the Moorten Botanical Garden. This stunning and privately owned arboretum is a one-stop resource in Palm Springs for showcasing truly incredible varieties of desert plants, trees, and cacti. It’s just $5 per person to enjoy strolling through this scenic retreat, and dogs can make the most of the fun at no added cost. It’s a wonderful place to take pictures, slow things down, and enjoy quality time with your favorite canine companion at your own preferred pace.
Book Your Palm Springs Pet-Friendly Stay Today
The next time you’re excited to spend time away from the hustle of life in Palm Springs, be sure to book your gorgeous vacation accommodations through the team of property professionals at Ryson Vacations. Our collection of condos and homes keeps you close to the fun while living in style every day of your stay! Reach out today to learn more about our pet-friendly property options and how we can help you tailor the details of your next trip that matter most to you.