🌟 Best Holiday Events & Christmas Activities in Greater Palm Springs & the Coachella Valley this December 2025
Discover the best Christmas and holiday events in Greater Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley for December 2025. Winter is here, and the desert air turns crisp as the region lights up with incredible, festive events. December is a spectacular time to experience the holiday cheer, with a perfect blend of family fun, world-class entertainment, and unique local happenings.
Get your calendars ready—here are some of the must-see events to celebrate the season!
✨ Festive & Family Holiday Fun in La Quinta & Palm Springs
December kicks off with traditional holiday celebrations that are fun for all ages:
- City of La Quinta Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
- When: Friday, December 5
- Details: 🎄Join us from 6–8 p.m. at Civic Center Park for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and holiday kickoff. Enjoy a festive evening with snow play, family fun, and a special visit from Santa! Don’t forget your gloves and bundle up to stay cozy. This free event is open to everyone, see you there!
- More Info: City of La Quinta Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
- A Palm Springs Christmas Dinner Theater
- When: Dates vary, click the link below for more information
- Details: 🍽️ For a nostalgic holiday celebration featuring local musicians and performers, check out the dinner theater experience at PS UNDERGROUND.
- More Info: Learn more and book your dinner theater experience
- Santa Magic on El Paseo
- When: Saturday, December 6
- Details: 📸 Capture the perfect memory as Santa Claus himself visits the Shops on El Paseo this weekend!
- More Info: https://thegardensonelpaseo.com/pages/santa-magic
- Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
- When: Saturday, December 6
- Details: 🎅🏼 Attend this cherished Palm Springs holiday tradition with the whole family and celebrate the greatest display of holiday cheer the Coachella Valley has to offer. Keep your eye out of celebrity guest stars atop signature parade floats singing all the Christmas hits as well as Santa and Mrs. Clause making their annual visit to the Desert.
- More Info: Learn more about the celebrity guests and details here
- Santa Paws - Pet Photo Op on El Paseo
- When: Saturday, December, 13
- Details: 🦮Santa Claus comes back to The Shops on El Paseo for an opportunity to meet all your furry friends on the “good” list! Take this opportunity to snap the perfect holiday card photo for your pawed pals.
- More Info: Sign up to have your pet meet Santa
- Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum
- When: Friday, December 19 - Monday, December 22
- Details: ❄️ Snowtopia is landing at the Palm Springs Air Museum! Don't miss this spectacular weekend-long event featuring 60 tons of real snow for the whole family to play in! Get incredible photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Frost the Snowman, and Santa’s helper elves. Holiday shopping and craft-making are also available at this unique Palm Springs Christmas event.
- More Info: Get your tickets for this incredible event
- Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios
- When: Dates vary, click the link below to learn more
- Details: This annual Gingerbread Lane celebration is a free event open to the public of Greater Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. Making multiple appearances throughout the Desert, Santa and Mrs. Clause will be attending this event as well for photo opportunities. Crafting activities will be available for all ages as well as holiday treats like ginger bread cookies, cider, and all your favorite holiday activities!
- More Info: Don’t miss out on the fun, learn more here
- Wildlights at The Living Desert Zoo
- When: Now - Tuesday, December 30
- Details: 🐯 The Living Desert Zoo's annual Wildlights event is a must-see for families this holiday season. Witness the zoo transform with millions of dazzling christmas lights wrapped around animal enclosures and pathways. Secure your tickets now for this unforgettable, family-friendly night in the Greater Palm Springs area!
- More Info: Learn more and secure your tickets here
- Magic of Lights - Drive Through Light Show
- When: Now - Wednesday, December 31
- Details: 🚙 Gather the whole family in the car and immerse yourselves in the dazzling Magic of Lights! Experience one of the Coachella Valley's most spectacular drive-through Christmas light displays at the Indio Polo Grounds for an unforgettable, festive holiday event.
- More Info: Get your tickets to drive through the Magic of Lights
🎶 World-Class Music, Arts & Concerts in the Desert
The stages of the desert are busy all month with big names and beautiful music:
- Palm Springs Symphony - Sleigh Ride & A Joyful Christmas Concert
- When: Sunday, December 7
- Details: 🎻 Enjoy a classic Christmas-themed concert filled with festive music at the Plaza Theatre.
- More Info: Buy tickets and jingle your bells to the sound of the holidays
- "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Cabaret
- When: Friday, December 12
- Details: 🎁 Experience the beloved holiday classic in a fresh, festive cabaret show at the Revolution Stage Company with Michael Orland.
- More Info: Tickets for sale on the Revolution Stage Company website
- Holiday Art on Main Street - Old Town La Quinta
- When: Saturday, December 13
- Details: 🎭 Old Town La Quinta will be setting the stage for holiday cheer and the spirit of Christmas as you enjoy catering by The Grill on Main, Ornament-making activities and a chance to get a head of Santa this season with shopping opportunities galore. With any luck you might just be able to meet Jolly Ol’ St. Nic for a photo-op!
- More Info: Other dates also available, click to learn more
- Barry Manilow's A Gift of Love VI Concert
- When: Tuesday, December 16 - Sunday, December 21
- Details: 🎤 Don't miss this annual holiday concert at the McCallum Theatre, where Barry Manilow performs his hits and holiday favorites to benefit 25 local Coachella Valley charities.
- More Info: Get your tickets now and listen to the legend
- Duran Duran at the Acrisure Arena
- When: Tuesday, December 30
- Details: 📀 With over 80 million records sold, Duran Duran lands in the Coachella Valley to share their masterful fusion of pop, art, technology and fashion with their unique sound. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce the family to peak icons of the 80’s.
- More Info: Don’t miss your opportunity to buy tickets now
🎭 Top Comedy Shows & Unique December Entertainment
Need a good laugh or something a little different? The valley has you covered:
- 1970! Time Capsule - Music Variety Show
- When: Friday, December 5
- Details: 🕺 Head over to Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs for a nostalgic music and variety show celebrating the spirit and songs of 1970.
- More Info: Get tickets and sing along to the hits
- Fortune Feimster Stand-Up Comedy
- When: Saturday, December 6
- Details: 👩🦱 Catch the hilarious writer and comedian live for a stand-up performance at the Plaza Theatre.
- More Info: Tickets available now
- A Palm Springs Christmas Dinner Theater
- When: Dates vary, click the link below for more information
- Details: 🍽️ For a nostalgic holiday celebration featuring local musicians and performers, check out the dinner theater experience at PS UNDERGROUND.
- More Info: Learn more and book your dinner theater experience
🚵 Top Sports Events, Marathons & Active Recreation
- IRONMAN 70.3
- When: Sunday, December 7
- Details: 🏊♀️ This triathalon event is just the right motivator for anyone interested in spectating not only incredible sportsmanship and athleticism, but a true testament of human endurance.
- More Info: See full details and be a spectator on the route
Season always brings about a wealth of activities for all ages and interests with La Quinta at the heart of it all. I hope you enjoy this incredible weather, good company, and all the exciting things coming up this December in Greater Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and prosperous New Year,
Kimberly Oleson
