The annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade takes place in early December and features dozens of illuminated floats, equestrians, marching bands, cars, and celebrities. The parade has Budweiser Clydesdales, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Snoopy and the Gang. The main highlights are Macy's-style balloons and Santa with his reindeer. The event attracts more than 100,000 spectators every year. The parade moves along Palm Canyon Drive, starting from Ramon Road at 5:45 pm and finishing at Tachevah Drive.
While the parade itself is traditionally scheduled for the first Saturday in December and remains the top draw of Palm Springs Festival of Lights, the program of events spans a long weekend. Arrive by 6 pm on Thursday and you'll experience Jingle All the Way Kickoff at Villagefest. Friday offers Jingle Mingle in the Park, which commences at 4:30 pm and culminates with the City of Palm Springs Tree Lighting show at 5:15 pm. The festivities wrap up on Sunday with Come Jingle with Santa! event, which starts from 12 noon and runs till 2 pm. You can find more details on the event's official website (see External Resources).
The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade was first held in the early 1990s. It became popular thanks to its signature floats decorated with thousands of colourful holiday lights. The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade was voted one of the best events in the Coachella Valley and the Top Ten Holiday Parades in the country in the AOL survey.
