Christmas weekend in Palm Springs isn’t the quiet, shuttered holiday some people expect. The lights stay on, the patios stay busy, and the Coachella Valley leans into a very specific brand of desert holiday energy — festive, a little weird, and refreshingly low-stress.

If you’re spending Christmas weekend in Greater Palm Springs, here’s a locally flavored guide to what’s typically happening, what stays open, and where to find the holiday spirit without freezing your face off.

Christmas Lights & Holiday Displays

Holiday lights are still very much a thing across the valley through Christmas weekend. A few favorites:

• Candy Cane Lane (Cathedral City) — A short residential street where neighbors go all-in on decorations and lights. It’s free, walkable, and still buzzing through Christmas and into early January. Read our Candy Cane Lane guide
• WildLights at The Living Desert — A ticketed evening walk through millions of lights, themed displays, and seasonal music. WildLights details and tickets
  
• Magic of Lights (Indio) — A drive-through holiday light experience at the Empire Polo Club, perfect if you want festive without leaving the car.Magic of Lights information
  

Local tip: Early evenings are best, especially on Christmas Eve when crowds tend to thin out a bit.

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Snow in the Desert: Snowtopia at the Air Museum

If “Christmas without snow” feels wrong to you, Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum fixes that. This limited-run holiday event brings real snow, train rides, kids’ activities, and seasonal food to the desert for a few nights right before and around Christmas.

Snowtopia dates and details

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VillageFest Holiday Nights

Palm Springs’ weekly VillageFest often leans into the holidays in December with seasonal vendors, lights, music, and occasional appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. It’s a low-commitment, high-reward way to soak up holiday vibes while wandering Palm Canyon Drive.

VillageFest information

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Santa Runs, Holiday Walks & Quirky Local Traditions

The Coachella Valley doesn’t do cookie-cutter holidays, and Christmas weekend sometimes overlaps with delightfully strange events like Santa runs and themed fun walks.

• Palm Springs Santa Run — A festive fun run where adults dress as Santa and jog (or shuffle) through downtown. Palm Springs Santa Run details
  
• Dog-Friendly Holiday Walks — Many local events and strolls welcome leashed dogs in seasonal gear, because Palm Springs.

Dates vary year to year, but these events tend to cluster around mid-to-late December.

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Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway stays open over Christmas weekend and offers a completely different holiday vibe at the Mountain Station. Cooler temperatures, seasonal décor, and occasional snow make it one of the most unique Christmas experiences in Southern California. 

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway information

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Holiday Cocktails, Lounges & Low-Key Nights

Not every Christmas weekend activity needs a schedule. Palm Springs does “holiday chill” exceptionally well — think festive cocktails at mid-century lounges, fire pits at resort patios, and desert sunsets that somehow feel more dramatic in December.

• Seasonal cocktails and pop-up holiday menus
• Live jazz and lounge music at local bars
• Evening walks downtown with lights and music in the background

Local truth: Sometimes the best Christmas plan here is no plan at all.

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Christmas Weekend, Palm Springs Style

Christmas weekend in Palm Springs is less about rigid traditions and more about choosing your own pace. Whether that means lights, snow, cocktails, a tram ride, or all of the above, the holiday spirit here comes with palm trees and warm nights.

Check official event pages for final schedules, and don’t be surprised if you stumble into something unexpected — that’s kind of the point.

Looking for events to end of the year? Here’s a look at New Year’s Eve in Palm Springs, including parties, dinners, and celebrations happening across the Coachella Valley.

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Christmas Weekend in Palm Springs FAQ

Are things open in Palm Springs on Christmas Day?

Yes. Many attractions, restaurants, resorts, and holiday events remain open on Christmas Day in Palm Springs. Some businesses may have reduced hours, so it’s best to check ahead.

Is Palm Springs busy during Christmas weekend?

Christmas weekend is a popular time to visit Palm Springs, especially with winter travelers. While certain areas can be busy, the overall atmosphere remains relaxed compared to larger cities.

What are the best things to do Christmas weekend in Palm Springs?

Popular options include visiting holiday light displays, walking Candy Cane Lane, riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, attending seasonal events, and enjoying festive cocktails or dinners at local resorts.

Are Christmas weekend activities family-friendly?

Yes. Many holiday events and attractions in the Coachella Valley are family-friendly, including light displays, Snowtopia, and outdoor activities.

Do Christmas lights stay up after Christmas?

Many Christmas light displays and decorations remain up through the end of December and sometimes into early January.

Is Palm Springs a good place to visit during the holidays?

For travelers looking to escape cold weather while still enjoying seasonal events, Palm Springs offers a unique mix of holiday activities, warm days, and festive desert atmosphere.