The year-round sun and warmth of Southern California makes it an ideal destination any time of year, but especially the winter months. Pack your bags, gather your friends and family, pump up your Christmas cheer, and set your sights on the area for a Palm Springs Christmas vacation. There are a number of things to do and see, including some filled with holiday cheer that will make you forget there’s no snow on the ground.
Christmas Dinner
There are a number of restaurants around Palm Springs with delicious fare throughout the year. Some will be totally switching gears from their normal menu to offer the Christmas feast. Others will be offering the special meal alongside their regular menu.
If you just can’t stand not preparing the feast yourself, there are several grocery stores near your rental to pick up what you need, and a fully equipped kitchen to handle any size of meal.
Christmas Church Services
If you celebrate the religious meaning of Christmas, don’t worry about missing out while on vacation. There are a number of churches in a variety of denominations holding the special services. Choose your preferred place of worship and contact them to confirm times and places of services.
Desert Adventure Red Jeep Tours
Shake up your Christmas in Palm Springs, CA holiday adventure and let someone else do the driving. Start at Metate Ranch, located in the heart of the San Andreas Fault Zone! The open air guided Jeep tour takes you deep into the world famous fault. There are multiple stops for activities like short nature walks, including a short hike through a “slot canyon” and a natural palm oasis where water bubbles up from the ground all year long. You’ll even learn about the Cahuilla Indians and their early life in the area. The three-hour tour includes fees like land use fees, snacks, bottled water, and admission to the San Andreas Fault.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Take a trip where only vehicles with wings can navigate the path. Palm Springs is home to the world’s largest rotating tram car. The 80-passenger cars make their way along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon from the Valley Station to the Mountain Station – providing an elevation change of nearly 6,000 feet during the 20-minute round-trip ride. At the top there are more breathtaking views, as well as a restaurant and cafe, gift shop, nature exhibits, educational documentary theaters, and over 50 miles of hiking trails in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park Wilderness area.
Escape Room Palm Springs
Escape rooms continue to grow in popularity as the years go by – there seems to be at least one in every town in the U.S. and Palm Springs is no exception. In fact, the largest escape room games in Southern California are located right in Palm Springs. Choose from six rooms varying in degree of difficulty and number of players. Solve the clues and break out of the room within 60 minutes to win. Themes vary throughout the year, but you’ll likely be able to choose from ones like Bank Heist, Vampire’s Lair, Merlin’s Magic School, and others.
Golf
The perpetually good weather of the area makes Palm Springs a golfer’s paradise. When you visit the “Golf Capital of the World” this Christmas, make sure your clubs make the packing list. Book tee times online for some of the best courses in the area. Don’t worry, if your clubs couldn’t make the trip, many courses offer rental gear. Ask when making your tee time and the course will have them ready for your use.
Palm Springs Walk of Stars
A Southern California must-see on many travelers’ lists is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For visitors staying in Palm Springs, you can save the two-hour trip and admire some stars right in Palm Springs. The walk spans Palm Canyon Drive, Tahquitz Canyon Way, and Museum Drive in downtown Palm Springs. See the stars of well-known celebrities like Clark Gable, Bob Hope, Shirley Temple, and Elizabeth Taylor. Even presidents like Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford have been honored with a spot. The first stars were installed in 1992. Ron Nyswaner, known for the 1993 movie Philadelphia and many other projects, was the most recent honoree in 2024.
Hiking
Lace up your hiking boots and head out on an adventure this Christmas. There are miles of trails cutting their way through state and national parks. Hike through canyons and visit landmarks like Cactus to Clouds and others. Make sure to bring your hiking essentials, like plenty of water, sun protection, and trail snacks, as well as your camera. Many trails are also good for biking and horseback tours, so be prepared to share the experience with them.
Christmas Relaxation Close in Palm Springs
When planning your Christmas vacation to Palm Springs and the surrounding area, make sure to book a home that’s close to the action provided by Ryson Vacations. We offer Palm Springs rentals as large as five bedrooms, so you can share the fun and Christmas spirit with all your loved ones. Gather around the entertainment center for your favorite holiday movie or holiday episode of a favorite TV show.
Prepare a delicious home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Lounge indoors in beautiful living spaces, enjoy the view from a balcony or patio, or spend some time relaxing near the pool at select rentals.
Contact us today!
