From WildLights to Design Festivals, Greater Palm Springs Knows How to Celebrate

Warm days, starry nights and a holiday season that glows in every sense. This is winter in Greater Palm Springs. While the rest of California bundles up, this desert oasis is just hitting its stride. From illuminated zoo safaris and drive-through light shows to red carpet film premieres and open-air markets, the season brings a nonstop lineup of culture, color and celebration. Grab your sunglasses (and maybe a light sweater) and see why Greater Palm Springs is anything but ordinary this winter.

 

November: The Spark of the Season

WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens  (Nov. 25–Dec. 30)

There’s something surreal about seeing giraffes framed in twinkling lights beneath a palm-fringed sky. Every year, the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens transforms into a glowing wonderland with more than a million lights, walk-through tunnels and life-sized lanterns of wildlife from around the globe. Sip hot cocoa, roast s’mores and stroll through the illuminated African savanna because holiday cheer looks a little different when it’s 70 degrees and you’re surrounded by giraffes.

 

El Paseo Art Walk (First Fridays, Monthly)

In Palm Desert, art strolls replace snow strolls. The monthly El Paseo Art Walk invites visitors to wander through the destination’s most fashionable stretch, stopping in galleries, boutiques and open studios. The best part? The night doesn’t end there. Settle in for a martini and live jazz at The Nest (in nearby Indian Wells) or oysters and champagne at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood (Palm Desert). It’s art, ambiance and al fresco perfection.

 

December: Flavor, Festivities + Fireworks

Magic of Lights, Empire Polo Club (Nov. 18 – Dec. 31)

You’ve seen the Empire Polo Club lit up for Coachella but wait until you see it dressed for the holidays. Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday experience featuring more than two million dazzling displays from giant nutcrackers to a sparkling Holiday Barbie installation. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and neon plus photos with Santa and themed dress-up nights make it a family favorite.

 

Indio International Tamale Festival (Dec. 6-7)

Few things say “holiday season” like the scent of fresh masa in the air. For more than 30 years, the Indio International Tamale Festival has filled the city’s downtown with music, culture and culinary joy. From traditional red chile pork to pineapple-stuffed sweet tamales, it’s a two-day feast celebrating the Coachella Valley’s Hispanic heritage. Between bites, enjoy Folklorico performances, lucha libre wrestling and a carnival atmosphere that’s pure community magic.

 

Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade (Dec. 6)

Palm Canyon Drive becomes a sparkling runway for this beloved annual tradition. Floats, marching bands and carolers light up downtown Palm Springs as thousands line the streets, cocoa in hand. It’s the kind of small-town charm that feels cinematic, with holiday spirit under a canopy of stars.

 

Palm Springs VillageFest (Thursdays, Weekly)

Every Thursday night, the heart of downtown transforms into an open-air street fair buzzing with food vendors, artisans and live music. During winter, the vibe is especially festive with string lights overhead, the scent of tamales and kettle corn in the air and performers keeping the energy alive long after sunset.

 

The Plaza Theatre Reopening (Dec. 1)

One of Palm Springs’ most iconic landmarks returns to the spotlight. After a major restoration, the Plaza Theatre reopens this winter with a lineup of concerts, classic films and festive performances that honor its glamorous past. Step inside the Art Deco interiors, grab a cocktail nearby and toast to this cultural comeback.

 

Palm Springs Vintage Market (Monthly through May)

Midcentury fans, rejoice. The Vintage Market is a treasure hunt of Eames chairs, retro records and atomic-era barware. It’s equal parts shopping spree and design pilgrimage, celebrating Palm Springs’ signature aesthetic and giving you an excuse to redecorate for the new year.

 

January: Lights, Camera, Desert Glamour

Palm Springs International Film Festival (Jan. 2-12)

This is where Hollywood meets the desert. Every January, A-listers, filmmakers and cinephiles descend upon Palm Springs for screenings, premieres and red carpet buzz. The community spirit is palpable with locals volunteering, theaters glowing late into the night and afterparties buzzing across town. Whether you’re catching an indie gem or spotting stars over dinner at Workshop Kitchen + Bar, the excitement is contagious.

 

The American Express Golf Tournament (Jan. 19-25)

Golf’s elite gather at La Quinta for this sun-drenched PGA Tour event where mountain views and emerald fairways steal the show. Spectators can follow big-name players through the courses, then refuel with cocktails at Twenty6 or dinner at Morgan’s in the Desert (both at La Quinta Resort & Club). It’s as much a social scene as it is a sporting one and the perfect excuse to trade your scarf for a sun hat.

 

Beyond the Events: Eat, Explore, Enjoy

Winter in Greater Palm Springs isn’t just about the festivals, it’s about the lifestyle. Trade fireplaces for fire pits and snow boots for sandals because this is patio season at its finest.

Outdoor Escapes: Hit the trails at Indian Canyons or Joshua Tree National Park, where mild weather makes every hike a breeze. For a different perspective, float above the Coachella Valley in a sunrise hot air balloon or cruise the scenic bike paths through downtown Palm Springs.

Dining Destinations: Seasonal menus shine across the valley this time of year. Settle into a booth at Bar Cecil for steak frites, crisp martinis and a side of Palm Springs flair, or savor farm-to-table flavors at Workshop Kitchen + Bar. Their roasted oyster mushrooms and lamb kefta are local favorites, paired perfectly with creative cocktails like The Elder: a bright blend of elderflower, génépy des Alpes, sparkling wine, grapefruit soda and mint. For patio dining with mountain views, Adobe Grill at the La Quinta Resort and Club hits the mark, while Cork & Fork in Indio serves winter-perfect small plates and a rotating seasonal menu that always surprises. Pet parents can join the fun at Boozehounds (Palm Springs), where the vibe is casual, friendly and dog-approved.

Spa + Resort Life: For those who prefer their winter adventures wrapped in a robe, the local spa scene delivers. Melt into the mineral pools at Azure Palm Hot Springs or indulge in a desert botanical facial at The Spa at Séc-he because self-care counts as sightseeing, right?

 

The Final Glow

In Greater Palm Springs, winter doesn’t mean slowing down, it means shining brighter. From tamales to tournaments, film premieres to flaming sunsets, the season glows with possibility. So grab your calendar (and your SPF) and plan your winter escape under the sun because here the only thing that ever freezes is your margarita.

Plan your Greater Palm Springs winter getaway and see why this season shines brighter than ever.