Christmas Lights and Events in Palm Springs 2024

Located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert of southern California, Palm Springs can still offer loads of Christmas spirit. You can throw snowballs on top of Mount San Jacinto and relax in the sun by the pool wearing just your swimsuit in just one day. Not to mention numerous holiday events, fun activities, and shopping.

Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade (December 7, 2024)

The Festival of Lights Parade takes place each year on the first Saturday in December, drawing to Palm Springs thousands of people. The crowd gathers to see wonderful marching bands, drum squads, drill teams, giant helium balloons, lighted floats, and equestrian units. This year, the parade will be held on Saturday, December 7, along Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs, beginning promptly at 5:45 pm. The parade route starts at Ramon Road and Palm Canyon Drive, continuing north on Palm Canyon to Tachevah Road, covering a distance of approximately 1.5 miles. Each parade entry takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete the route. The event is free and open to the public.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (December 4-January 1, 2025, on select dates)

If you are in Palm Springs during the holidays, taking the Aerial Tramway is a must. Located in Chino Canyon, this is the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world, linking the Coachella Valley and Mount San Jacinto. As there is often snow on the summit in December, don't forget to take your winter clothes and get ready for wintertime fun, like making a snowman or just rolling in the snow. During December, there is an illuminated Christmas Tree at the top of Mountain Station. This year, the tree-lighting ceremony will take place on Sunday, December 8.

A stunning 45-foot tree made up of over 4,000 LED lights will brighten the Coachella Valley and serve as a centerpiece for the season. The holiday choir tradition at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station will begin on December 4, continuing a beloved custom that has lasted for decades. Visitors can enjoy high school choirs performing holiday favorites on select dates through December 15. Santa's Visit is scheduled for December 14. On December 25, guests can join the Special holiday dining in Peaks Restaurant and Pines Cafe.

Tickets are priced as follows: adults can enjoy access for $34.95, while children aged 3 to 10 can enter for $20.95. The winter hours of operation are available from the beginning of September to late May, with the first tram departing at 10 am and the last one heading up at 8 pm from Monday to Friday, followed by the final tram down at 9:30 pm. On weekends and holidays, guests can start their day earlier, as the first tram departs at 8 am, with the same evening schedule.

Wild Lights at the Living Desert (November 26-December 30, 2024, on select nights)

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is quite amazing by itself. But it looks simply spectacular when the desert comes alive with holiday lights. The Zoo becomes a winter wonderland with themed animal encounters, light displays, and holiday music. This year's event features an enhanced light design with three million lights throughout the park, live nightly entertainment, Instagram-worthy festive photo ops, delectable wintertime treats, and more. There is also a decorated G-scale model train with a 3,300-ft track. Visitors can stroll through glowing tunnels, sipping hot cocoa. The little one will be happy to roast some marshmallows by the fire pit and meet Santa on his sleigh. The Wild Lights event is open to the public from 6 to 9 pm, with the last admission at 8:30 pm.

General admission tickets range from $19.95 to $22.95, while members can enjoy a reduced rate of $17.95 to $20.95. For children between the ages of 3 and 17, tickets are priced at $15.95 to $18.95. Admission is free for children under the age of 3.

Light Up El Paseo (November 23, 2024)

El Paseo shopping district in Palm Desert looks beautiful during the holidays when adorned with twinkling lights and decorations. The holiday season kicks off with the annual Tree Lighting celebration, where a magical festive atmosphere awaits. Sparkling decorations transform the surroundings into a winter wonderland, setting the stage for a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be spreading holiday cheer and creating lasting memories for children. The sounds of the season come alive with charming carolers singing timeless holiday tunes, adding to the warmth of the event. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of delicious seasonal treats and explore an array of perfect gift options, all while soaking in the joyous holiday spirit.