Top Holiday Events in Greater Palm Springs: Ultimate 2017 Guide
Experience the enchanting holiday magic of Greater Palm Springs, where twinkling lights, festive decorations, and joyful spirits transform the desert oasis. From Indio to Palm Springs, families and visitors alike are invited to immerse themselves in seasonal celebrations.
Discover our expert-curated guide to 2017's premier winter festivities, ensuring a merry and memorable holiday season in this vibrant region.
The Renova Rink at The River
Nov. 21 - Jan. 14
Glide on ice under swaying palm trees at The Renova Rink at The River, open daily through mid-January. Enjoy local entertainment with live bands and DJs scheduled throughout. Highlights include Chanukah Under the Stars on Dec. 17, featuring a giant LED menorah, live performances, and a chance to spin a life-sized dreidel.
RoboLights
Nov. 22, 2017–Jan. 8, 2018, Daily
Start your holidays at RoboLights, the nation's largest residential holiday light display, crafted by Palm Springs artist Kenny Irwin Jr. This sci-fi winter wonderland spans four acres with eccentric robot-themed decorations and installations in the Movie Colony neighborhood (1077 E. Granvia Valmonte). Open daily from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., rain or shine. Free admission; donations appreciated.
WildLights at The Living Desert
Nov. 24–Dec. 24, Selected Nights
Photo courtesy of The Living Desert
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo. Wander a sparkling winter wonderland with over a million lights, luminescent animal lanterns (giraffe, cheetah), and a festive light tunnel synced to holiday music. Meet reindeer (photos and feeding available for purchase), enjoy animal encounters, keeper chats, camel/carousel rides, and G-scale model trains. Evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 members/children/military (ID required), free under 3.
Christmas Nights of Lights Tour
Nov. 24–Dec. 30, Selected Nights
Offered by Palm Springs Celebrity Tours, this unique lights tour showcases hidden holiday gems around town. Enjoy festive sights and sounds on select Friday/Saturday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $30 adults, $15 children (10 and under).
Snow Fest in Cathedral City
Dec. 9
Join the inaugural Snow Fest at Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza and Festival Lawn. The holiday light parade starts at 5:30 p.m. with over 50 floats, followed by the tree lighting with the mayor and Santa. Experience a bubbly winter wonderland, outdoor market, crafts, kids' activities, choir performances, food, hot chocolate, shopping, and Santa visits. Free movie at Mary Pickford Theater at 7 p.m. Free admission; parking at City structure. Benefits Safe House of the Desert.
Santa Fly-In and Winter Fun Land at the Palm Springs Air Museum
Dec. 9 & 10
Santa arrives by airplane at the Palm Springs Air Museum, distributing goody bags under a vintage aircraft wing starting at 11 a.m. Free for kids 12 and under with paying adult. Photos with Santa and Winter Fun Land with real snow for desert snow fun.
Walk of the Inns
Dec. 14
Explore mid-century modern inns, historic properties, and boutique hotels on a free self-guided walking tour from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Start at Palm Springs Art Museum for maps. Participants: Casa Cody, The Rossi, Palm Mountain Resort & Spa, and more. Donate an unwrapped toy for Well in the Desert.
Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus Joyful Traditions at the Palm Springs Art Museum
Dec. 15 - 17
Enjoy holiday classics by the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus: Dec. 15 & 16 at 8 p.m., Dec. 17 at 3 p.m.
Visit with Santa at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Dec. 16
Santa appears at the tramway summit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering free candy canes and kids' photos.
Breakfast with the Animals at The Living Desert: Visit with Santa
Dec. 16
Families meet Santa, craft animal gifts, and greet reindeer at 9 a.m. breakfast (eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc.). Tickets: $33 adults, $28 children via zoo's website.
2017 Santa Paws 5K
Dec. 16
Dress as Santa for this 5K run/walk in Las Palmas neighborhood (9-11 a.m.). Finish with medals, milk, and cookies. Benefits Guide Dogs of the Desert. $35 registration; $5 elf dash for kids 10 and under. Details on event page.
Movies in the Park at the Cathedral City Festival Lawn: The Grinch
Dec. 30
Family movie night with The Grinch at 7 p.m. (68600 E. Palm Canyon Dr.). Bring blankets/chairs; concessions available. Free.
Over The Top Very Merry Holiday Getaway at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
Dec. 24
Luxury Christmas Eve for 6: $15,000/night. Includes limo transfers, $2,000 shopping credit, elf-served dinner, tree, movie screening, breakfast with Santa, photos, and amenities.
Holiday Tree Lightings
Additional ceremonies:
- The River at Rancho Mirage | Nov. 28
- City of Desert Hot Springs | Dec. 1
- City of La Quinta | Dec. 1
- City of Indio | Dec. 2
- City of Coachella | Dec. 6
View more on the Greater Palm Springs events calendar.
