For years, RoboLights was one of the most talked-about holiday traditions in Palm Springs — equal parts art installation, neighborhood spectacle, and controlled chaos. It wasn’t polished, it wasn’t quiet, and it definitely wasn’t subtle. And that was kind of the point.

Every December, long after the lights went dark in Palm Springs, people still ask the same questions: What happened to RoboLights? Is it coming back? And how did a backyard art project turn into a citywide debate?

What Was RoboLights?

RoboLights began as a large-scale holiday art installation created by artist Kenny Irwin. Built almost entirely from reclaimed materials, scrap metal, old electronics, mannequins, and discarded household items, RoboLights was a sprawling, ever-evolving display that covered Irwin’s property in central Palm Springs.

It wasn’t a traditional Christmas light display. RoboLights blended robots, aliens, pop culture references, political commentary, and absurd humor into something that felt more like a walk-through art piece than a holiday decoration.

It was loud, bright, strange, and completely unmistakable.

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How RoboLights Became a Holiday Tradition

What started as a personal project quickly drew attention. By the early 2000s, RoboLights had become a seasonal pilgrimage for locals and visitors alike. Crowds grew every year, with thousands of people lining up to walk through the display during the holiday season.

For many, RoboLights represented something uniquely Palm Springs — creative, unconventional, and unapologetically weird. It stood in contrast to more traditional holiday displays and became a reminder that not every Christmas experience had to look the same.

For years, RoboLights was free to attend and open to the public, adding to its grassroots appeal.

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The Challenges of Popularity

As RoboLights grew, so did the challenges. Increased foot traffic, parking congestion, safety concerns, and neighborhood disruption became recurring issues. What had once been a quirky local attraction was now drawing crowds more commonly associated with major events.

The City of Palm Springs eventually became involved, helping to manage traffic, safety, and logistics. Over time, discussions about permits, costs, and responsibility became unavoidable.

While many residents and fans supported RoboLights, others raised concerns about the impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The display had outgrown its original setting.

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The End of RoboLights in Palm Springs

After years of negotiations and growing logistical challenges, RoboLights’ run in Palm Springs came to an end. In 2018, the city reached an agreement to help relocate the installation elsewhere, marking the conclusion of its era in Palm Springs.

The decision sparked mixed reactions. Some were relieved. Others were disappointed. For many, it felt like the end of a strange but beloved chapter in the city’s holiday history.

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Detroit, Desert Hot Springs, and What Came Next

Following its departure from Palm Springs, RoboLights reappeared in Detroit in 2019, continuing its tradition in a new setting. Later, there were efforts to bring RoboLights to Desert Hot Springs, sparking renewed interest from Coachella Valley residents.

While RoboLights has continued in various forms, it has never quite reclaimed the same cultural footprint it had during its Palm Springs years.

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Why People Still Ask About RoboLights

Every holiday season, searches for RoboLights spike again. Articles resurface. Photos circulate. And longtime residents share stories with newcomers who missed it.

RoboLights became more than a display — it became a shared memory. It represented a moment when Palm Springs embraced something messy, creative, and completely its own.

For better or worse, RoboLights left a mark.

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Is RoboLights Coming Back to Palm Springs?

As of now, there are no official plans for RoboLights to return to Palm Springs. Any future appearances would depend on permits, logistics, and agreements with local authorities.

That uncertainty is part of what keeps RoboLights alive in conversation. It exists somewhere between history and possibility — a reminder of what happens when art, community, and popularity collide.

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A Holiday Tradition That Refused to Be Ordinary

RoboLights wasn’t for everyone. And it didn’t try to be. But for many, it captured something rare: a holiday tradition that felt genuinely creative, a little chaotic, and unmistakably local.

Even years later, RoboLights remains one of Palm Springs’ most unusual and unforgettable holiday traditions.

RoboLights FAQ

What was RoboLights?

RoboLights was a large-scale holiday art installation created by artist Kenny Irwin, known for its use of recycled materials, robots, pop culture references, and unconventional holiday themes.

Where was RoboLights located in Palm Springs?

RoboLights was located at Kenny Irwin’s property in central Palm Springs and was open to the public during the holiday season.

Why did RoboLights leave Palm Springs?

As RoboLights grew in popularity, issues related to traffic, safety, and neighborhood impact led to discussions with the city. Eventually, the installation was relocated due to logistical challenges.

Is RoboLights still happening?

RoboLights has appeared in other locations since leaving Palm Springs, including Detroit and Desert Hot Springs, though details and availability vary.

Is RoboLights coming back to Palm Springs?

There are currently no confirmed plans for RoboLights to return to Palm Springs.