Family-Fun Holiday Experiences

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate the season with your loved ones? Greater Palm Springs offers a variety of festive events that will bring some magic to your holiday season. WildLights at The Living Desert  is celebrating 31 years of holiday magic with millions of twinkling lights, a tunnel of lights, a model train, and animal encounters. Head to Magic of Lights, a must-see drive-through event featuring over two million lights and larger-than-life displays like Winter Wonderland and Toyland. Join in on the fun at the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, held the first Saturday in December. This dazzling parade showcases light-covered floats, giant balloons, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, making it a beloved family tradition.

Check out more holiday happenings this winter here.

Outdoor Adventures

Greater Palm Springs is a destination known for more than 300 days on sunshine and blue skies. During the winter season, this Southern California oasis experiences weather averaging in the 70's and 80's, which makes for the perfect time to hit one of the over 100 hiking trails! Grab your water, put on the sunscreen and reach new heights. From the beautiful Indian Canyons, where you can sometimes discover a waterfall, to the The Cross Loop, an amazing place to watch the sunrise or set, there is something for all! Don't pass up the opportunity to try other outdoor adventures, such as a Red Jeep Tour through the San Andreas Fault. There are always outdoor adventures to discover in Greater Palm Springs! 

Magical Hotels & Resorts

The magic awaits at resorts and hotels in Greater Palm Springs this winter. From the decorated and magically lit La Quinta Resort & Spa, where you can find yourself soaking up the winter under the sun in one of their 41 pools, to the family-friendly Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, where you can either play in the water or dine at one of the on-site restaurants. See all the places to stay winter in Greater Palm Springs – check in, chill out and soak up the sun. 

Can't-Miss Winter Events

Jump into the upcoming holiday season and save the date for these signature events this winter in Greater Palm Springs.

Indio International Tamale Festival

Featuring live music, shopping, entertainment, and of course hundreds of tamales to choose from, The International Tamale Festival is a world-famous festival is loved by countless every year. Experience this festival that kicks off the holiday season bringing the entire community together for a weekend of feasting!

Palm Springs International Film Festival 

This January, the Palm Springs International Film Festival will, once again, welcome celebrities, filmmakers and movie enthusiasts to nearly two weeks of screenings, discussions and parties. The Film Festival will also be hosting the Awards Gala, bringing in an incredible crowd of celebrities and icons to this Hollywood style event which is known to raise over $1 million dollars annually. The Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the largest in North America and welcomes over 100,000 attendees each year to screen more than 180 films.  

Modernism Week

This February, Modernist will flock to this Southern California oasis for Modernism Week, a 10-day event highlighting the midcentury modern architecture and design of the desert.  Attendees will enjoy walking tours of historically significant neighborhoods, double-decker bus tours and even an opportunity to step inside unique homes designed by legendary modernists. 

A Stress-Free Airport 

The stress of holiday travel feels worlds away when you land at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), where you'll find open-air walkways and fewer crowds. PSP has been expanding the horizons for all travelers, making flights more accessible to and from Greater Palm Springs. With 12 airlines offering nonstop flights to more than 30 destinations, PSP makes it possible to connect to over 500 cities worldwide. PSP is named as one of the top 10 'Most Stress Free Airports,' offering an open air environment, with dining options and beautifully landscaped areas, so you can soak up every last bit of the sunshine. Start planning your winter getaway and book your flight today – you are getting warmer!