For some, the arrival of winter and the cold and snow it brings with it is something to look forward to each year. For others, it’s the sure sign of the season to head out of town and set their sights on sunnier horizons. When you find yourself falling into the latter category, and you’re looking for a place to enjoy a winter stay that’s warm, sunny, and endlessly inviting, Palm Springs, California checks every box on that list. No matter how long you have despair in the name of getaway fun, heading to Palm Springs in the wintertime is always a great option. Whether you’re in town to soak up the sunshine, or you’re looking to make the most of festive holiday entertainment, the following winter events in Palm Springs are sure to make your getaway truly magical.
Check Out the Festival of Lights Parade
A great winter event that’s always highly anticipated in Palm Springs is the annual Festival of Lights Parade. This family-friendly gathering is typically hosted toward the beginning of December, and often kicks off around 6:00 PM along Palm Canyon Drive, right in the heart of Palm Springs. You’ll want to show up early to make sure you get a great spot and the best views. When you do, you’ll find that the effort was worth your while! This winter parade is known and loved by locals and visitors alike for its vibrant performances, highlighted marching bands, and special attendees like Mickey and Minnie who are sure to thrill the littlest ones in your traveling crew. From the floats and the music to the fantastic fare, the Festival of Lights Parade is one you simply won’t want to miss this year.
Wintertime Holiday Dining with a Bird’s Eye View
No matter when you make your way to Palm Springs in the name of vacation fun, a trip up the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is essential. It’s earned the title of the world’s largest rotating tram car and the views you’ll enjoy as you travel the two and a half miles up the cliffs overlooking the Chino Canyon are nothing less than breathtaking. The tram transports passengers to the higher elevation wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park and it’s here that over the holidays, you can pair your ride with a delicious winter dish at the Pines Café. This one-of-a-kind eatery is traditionally open until 8:00 pm on weekdays and until 8:30 pm on the weekends. The setting is cafeteria style, and you’ll find everything from salads and wraps to sandwiches within easy reach. This casual dining experience is open to visitors on Christmas Day when you can purchase a ride and dine ticket and enjoy a meal here between 11:00 am and 8:00 pm.
Experience the Winter Light Show and Santa Fly-In for Yourself in Palm Springs
When a little holiday magic would go a long way toward your winter fun in Palm Springs, adding a stop at the Palm Springs Air Museum this time of year is always the right choice. In mid-December, the Palm Springs Air Museum hosts the annual Winter Light Show and Santa Fly-In which brings families out in droves to enjoy seeing the museum transformed into a “winter wonderland,” right in the heart of sunny California. During the event, 60 tons of authentic snow are dropped around the museum between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm and Santa makes an appearance too for a meet-and-greet with little ones. There’s a holiday train to enjoy, s’mores to cook over outdoor firepits, and food trucks set up for any other cravings that might come calling as you explore. This is a wonderful opportunity for seasonal photos and there are plenty of cookies and hot chocolate to go around. After you watch Santa fly in with the snow, you can head over to the craft and holiday shopping area set up inside the Miles Hangar.
Attend the Wild Lights Holiday Festival
Your winter getaway to Palm Springs puts you within easy reach of the annual Wild Lights Holiday Festival over at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. Hosted on select nights between November and December, this event typically runs from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm and is a chance to explore displays that combine millions of twinkling holiday lights with animal-inspired lanterns too. The illuminating result is sure to inspire, and you won’t want to miss admiring the 30-foot holiday tree that works as a centerpiece of the event. From the tunnel of lights to stroll through to the s’mores stations and holiday carousel, Wild Lights might just end up being the highlight of your winter trip.
Book Your Winter Getaway to Palm Springs Today
When a winter getaway to Palm Springs is calling your name, the team at Ryson Vacations has the accommodations you need to infuse luxury, comfort, and style into every day of your stay. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning!