The weather outside is far from frightful, which means winter in Greater Palm Springs is oh-so-delightful. Here, stockings are stuffed with sunshine and palm trees decorated with twinkling lights. Be jolly and make merry at these festive events and experiences in Greater Palm Springs. 

 

Holiday Events & SHOWS

Miracle Pop-up at Truss & Twine

When: November 20 - December 30

Experience the enchanting ambiance of Miracle, a festive Christmas-themed cocktail bar that magically appears at Truss & Twine in Palm Springs. Curated by the masterful mixologist Joann Spiegel, the menu features a delightful array of holiday-inspired concoctions, such as The Krampus and Marshmallows & Unicorns. Returning favorites include the beloved Rudolph’s Replacement and the Christmapolitan, a captivating blend of vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, lime, rosemary, and a subtle absinthe mist. Elevate your Monday evenings at Truss & Twine with the added indulgence of fresh oysters from Le Sel’s Oysters.

The Living Desert Wildlights 

When: November 22 - December 30

WildLights is celebrating 31 years of dazzling guests by transforming the Zoo into a sparkling winter wonderland. Come to this festive, annual tradition and marvel at more than a million colorful, sparkling holiday lights.

Tinsel Times in Palm Springs

When: November 26-December 20

Every Wednesday and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Palm Springs retailers will be offering specials, treats, hosting events, and more! There will also be roaming carolers downtown spreading holiday cheer.

DICKENS WRITES A CHRISTMAS CAROL

When: December 1-23

This exciting new adaptation follows author Charles Dickens while he is conceiving and writing a new story called A Christmas Carol. While pondering the plot, he is visited by muses in his head who throw ideas out to him as he forms the story. These muses act out the story, chiming in from time to time with ideas as they write.

Palm Springs Holidays

When: November 24, 2023 - January 6, 2024
Sip cocoa or cocktails under swaying palm trees and twirl through the delightful sounds of the season at special events, nightlife, and lively entertainment. 

Grinchmas Movie Night at Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel

When: December 2-30

Join Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel every Saturday night in December for a special movie presentation.

Indian Wells Winterfest

When: December through January 1
Join the City of Indian Wells for Southern California’s most extraordinary holiday celebration, where Indian Wells residents and visitors gather to embrace a new holiday tradition – Indian Wells Winterfest, now celebrating its second year.

Magic of Lights

When: November 17-December 31
Magic of Lights offers guests the opportunity to drive through a winter wonderland. Featuring more than a mile of spectacular dazzling lights. This is sure to be an event for the whole family with something for everyone from life sized dinosaurs and monster trucks to a holiday Barbie display!

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

When: November 29 - December 23
This retelling of a Christmas classic is perfect for families, young and old, and a great introduction to the magic of theatre for that aspiring performer in your home. 

PALM CANYON THEATRE: ELF THE MUSICAL

When: December 1-17
Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a hilarious journey through New York City in search of his family. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to bring out the Christmas spirit and make everyone embrace their inner elf. 

Teddy Bear Holiday Tea

When: December 2-24 (Saturdays & Sundays in December) 
Experience a selection of finely brewed teas accompanied by a lavish assortment of pastries, finger sandwiches, and sweet confections at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage. Each party will enjoy a teddy bear keepsake.

Holiday Tunes at The Purple Room

When: December 3-23
Step over to The Purple Room this holiday season for a variety of cheery performances. Enjoy separate performances from Branden & James, The Kinsey Sicks and so much more including a Judy Garland Holiday tribute show! 

Scott Wilkie 

When: December 13
Join contemporary jazz pianist Scott Wilkie as he gathers his favorite musicians to present a very special Christmas concert. Scott’s arrangements of holiday classics are inspired by the unique energy of his longtime bandmates — Pat Kelley on guitar, along with bassist Nathan Brown and drummer Jeff Olson. This year marks the 10th annual ‘Joy' concert that spawned a bestselling album and a Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD. 

BARRY MANILOW'S A GIFT OF LOVE VI

When: December 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17
Enjoy one of five Christmas concerts benefitting 20 special charities!

"RING! SWING! SING!" PRESENTED BY THE PALM SPRINGS GAY MEN'S CHORUS

When: December 14, 15, 16, and 17

The Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus brings audiences the “must-see” refreshing and inspiring holiday show of the season. Featuring special guest artists and Palm Springs’ gem, Hope Diamond Deans. New this year, Joe Gregore Duffield, Producer and Director for the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus for 7 years, will choreograph numbers for the show. 

Walk Of The Inns

When: December 14

One night each winter, several distinctive boutique hotels in Palm Springs take part in the Walk of Inns, opening their doors to welcome all visitors. This is a family and dog-friendly event where hoteliers showcase and decorate their properties. Some arrange for music, food, and drinks.

Breakfast With Santa at Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel

When: December 16

Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to town! Treat your loved ones to a festive breakfast at Sunshine Cafe. Indulge in delicious treats and meet the stars of the season.

SANTA PAWS 5K AND ELF DASH

When: December 16
Get into the Christmas Spirit and help support Guide Dogs of the Desert. Join them for another SANTA PAWS 5K & Elf Dash! They'd like to thank the Greater Palm Springs Lions Club for their continuing support of this event as a Presenting Sponsor. We salute their friends at the GPS Lions Club for their continued mission to support the vision needs of our community.

DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2023

When: December 18
A holiday tradition returns to the McCallum Theatre as Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour brings together a magical combination of musicians to celebrate this special season. Celebrated saxophonist Koz will be joined by four special guests performing their hits and jamming on fresh, lively arrangements of season favorites in a high-energy show for the entire family.

CANADIAN BRASS: CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE

When: December 19
A formidable force in the world of chamber music, this quintet has been heralded as the “Kings of Brass.” Canadian Brass rings in the holiday season with a program of festive classics and brass standards. With impeccable musicianship, theatrical flair, and heartwarming humor, Canadian Brass is a favorite of audiences across the globe. Their repertoire is fantastically diverse, with a library of over 600 original arrangements that range from Baroque to Dixieland. This chart-topping, globe-trotting ensemble has been thrilling audiences for 4 decades—don’t miss your chance to see this legendary group live!

Snowtopia

When: December 19-23
Head on down to the Palm Springs Air Museum and enter a winter wonderland. Here, you and your family will be able to meet Santa, enjoy arts & crafts, hot chocolate smore's, and play in 40 tons of real snow!

 

FESTIVE PHOTO-OPS

Photos With Santa

When: November 24 - December 24
Come have your photo taken with Santa from November 24th through December 24th at The Shops at Palm Desert! Mondays are pet-friendly sessions. 

PHOTOS WITH SANTA

When: December 2
Join The Gardens on El Paseo on the bridge by their giant holiday tree for a delightful Photos with Santa experience. The proceeds from this event will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. During your session, you will have a brief visit with Santa Claus and receive one (1) 4x6 photo in a holiday frame. 

Pajama Party With Santa 

When: December 8
Come dressed in your favorite pajamas and have your photo taken with Santa at The Shops at Palm Desert.

 

Past Holiday Events

PENTATONIX: THE MOST WONDERFUL TOUR OF THE YEAR

When: November 14
Kick off the holidays with three-time Grammy® Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling artist Pentatonix, coming to Acrisure Arena on November 14. Their anxiously awaited 2023 North American Christmas tour, Pentatonix The Most Wonderful Tour Of The Year, and a new holiday greatest hits album, The Greatest Christmas Hits, are not to be missed.

ENCHANTED DESERT GLOW: THE SHOPS ON EL PASEO'S ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING

When: November 17
Join The Shops On El Paseo in beautiful Palm Desert, CA, as they kick off the holiday season with their annual 2023 Christmas Tree Lighting event. Get ready to be enchanted by the festive atmosphere, adorned with dazzling Christmas decorations that will transport you into a winter wonderland.

Annual Tree Lighting at La Quinta Resort 

When: November 26
Watch in awe as this beautiful holiday tree lights up the night sky for the first time this season!

DESERT THEATRICALS PRESENTS: ELF THE MUSICAL JR

When: November 18-19
Elf The Musical JR. is a must-produce holiday musical presented by the City of Rancho Mirage. Based on the cherished New Line Cinema hit, Elf JR. features songs by Tony Award-nominees, Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Tony Award-winners, Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin.

THE TEXAS TENORS

When: November 21
It is hard to believe that the Texas Tenors came on the scene in 2009 and made their first symphony appearance one year later with Your Desert Symphony! We are proud to say that they will celebrate their 15th Anniversary with us when they take the stage with an entirely new concert named for the season. "Deep in The Heart of Christmas" will have you singing all night long. This will be a night to cherish forever!

Holidays at La Quinta Resort

When: November 24-December 24
This holiday season at La Quinta Resort, guests can look forward to countless seasonal festivities such as cooking demonstrations, chestnut roasting, holiday movies on the lawn, and breakfast with Santa! For more information, see here.

Lindsey Stirling 

When: November 25
Dash on down to The Show at Agua Caliente for a night of holiday cheer with Lindsey Stirling. Enjoy her immersive arrangements and mesmerizing melodies as she plays through music from her catalog!

Annual Tree Lighting at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

When: November 28
Celebrate the spirit of the season by partaking in the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage. Indulge in light bites, while being serenaded by enchanting melodies by local carolers

ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

When: December 1
On Friday, December 1, 2023, the City of La Quinta will hold its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Civic Center Park to kick off the holiday season. Bring the family for all the festivities plus a visit from Santa, from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is free and all are welcome!

TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION AT THE RIVER

When: December 1
Enjoy the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at The River, with live music from Tuba Christmas, DJ Tommy of Big 106, and more, listen to public speakers from the City and other local businesses, and much more. There will also be a toy drive in partnership with ABC 7 and Riverside County Firefighters "Spark of Love" toy drive.

Jingle Mingle Tree Lighting 

When: December 1

The eagerly awaited Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at Frances Stevens Park in Palm Springs is a significant occasion signaling the commencement of the holiday season. This yearly ritual serves as a festive unifying event, bringing the community together!

TREE LIGHTING AT INDIAN WELLS WINTERFEST

When: December 2
Have your cameras ready as you capture the 32-foot tree lighting at Indian Wells Golf Resort on December 2nd at 6:00 p.m.

Tree Lighting at The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 

When: December 3
Film star Judith Chapman will serve as the celebrity tree lighter for this year's event!

Tower Of Power

When: December 2
Join Spotlight 29 for The Tower of Power Holidays & Hits Tour!

Palm Springs Festival Of Lights

When: December 2
The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade kicked off in the early 1990s along Palm Canyon Drive and has been held every year since on the first Saturday in December — becoming a much-loved holiday tradition in downtown Palm Springs.

Comfort And Joy Concert

When: December 3

Modern Men: Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus is excited to present COMFORT AND JOY. Their December concerts celebrate beautiful, healing, and inspirational music which will bring enjoyment to everyone this holiday season.

MANHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS BY CHIP DAVIS

When: December 2
Mannheim Steamroller is an American neoclassical new-age music ensemble founded and directed by percussionist/composer Chip Davis in 1974. The group is known primarily for its Fresh Aire series of albums, which blend classical music with elements of new age and rock, and for its modern recordings of Christmas music. The group has sold 28 million albums in the U.S. alone.

PAWS 'N CLAUS

When: December 7
Celebrate the joy of the season with your furry friend by getting adorable photos with the always adorable Santa Paws! 

Menorah Lighting Ceremony

When: December 7-15
Gather at the main lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage as they partake in the customary Menorah lighting ceremony.

MERRI-ACHI CHRISTMAS

When: December 8
Merri-Achi Christmas returns to the McCallum Theatre in a colorful and traditional Mexican holiday celebration full of seasonal songs, dance, and festive merriment. One of the nation’s premier ensembles, Mariachi Sol de Mexico de José Hernàndez, is headlining the exciting extravaganza.

Desert Hot Springs Parade Of Lights And Holiday Festival

When: December 9
Get ready for a festive extravaganza that’ll fill your heart with holiday cheer with this annual parade of lights!

Breakfast With Santa

When: December 9
Welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus for a special holiday breakfast at The Shops at Palm Desert. Delicious hot chocolate and breakfast will be served with lots of fun holiday crafts, games & more!

Levi Kreis

When: December 9
Experience an unforgettable evening as Tony Award-winner Levi Kreis presents the 9th annual Home for The Holidays Tour. A seamless blend of jazz, gospel, country, and rockabilly, Levi gives a fresh and unique perspective to a flawless collection of Christmas classics and holiday favorites. From uproarious storytelling to soul-stirring renditions, Kreis will leave you laughing, crying, and filled with the spirit of the season. Don't miss this extraordinary evening from one of Broadway's finest.

NORTH POLE VILLAGE AT SNOWFEST

When: December 9
Snow-Fest captures all the holiday spirit and places it at one event with holiday music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday tree lighting ceremony, food, and a free movie at the Mary Pickford Theatre. “North Pole Village” comes to life in front of City Hall – all lit with holiday lights. It is the ultimate backdrop for family holiday pictures and social media selfies. The “North Pole Village” features twenty holiday-themed storefronts. Free admission and free parking are available.

GLADYS KNIGHT

When: December 9
Gladys Knight is one of the most enduring artists of the past half-century, having racked up multiple No. 1 hits on the pop, gospel, R&B, and adult contemporary charts. Now the seven-time Grammy Award-winner — best known for the classics “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “I Heard it Through the Grapevine,” and “If I Were Your Woman” — is returning with her Christmas celebration to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino’s Special Events Center.

DESERT THEATRICALS PRESENTS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

When: December 9
Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays and they know you're going to love "sitting by the fireplace" as they take you on a nostalgic journey through everyone's favorite Holiday moments! Inspired by the great TV specials of holidays past when celebrities such as Bob Hope, Dean Martin, John Denver, Andy Williams, Sonny & Cher, Stevie Wonder, The Jacksons, and The Carpenters hosted heartfelt and fun song and dance holiday variety shows; this show will bring a sense of nostalgia, family, togetherness and Christmas spirit to all - complete with a sing-along led by Santa himself! Come join their multi-talented entertainers and musicians as they perform your most beloved holiday hits!

Desert Brewfest 

When: December 10

This year Desert Brewfest is bringing everything from live music, and food trucks to lucha libre and Santa Claus! Don't forget to wear your ugly sweaters to impress him!

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