How to Spend the Holidays in Palm Springs

Enjoy Sunshine and Natural Beauty on a Winter Getaway to this Premier Desert Resort City

When you think of winter holidays, Palm Springs may not be the first place that comes to mind. But with an average high in December of 70 degrees and January’s high of 71, it’s a perfect destination for those who want to avoid icy roads and freezing temps, and shed their bulky layers. Palm Springs’ winter weather is hard to beat and is a huge part of why Palm Springs is popular year-round.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable holiday, there’s no better place than Palm Springs. With its warm weather, stunning desert landscape, and local culture all year round, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunny holiday season.

While it’s true that nights can get cold, the days are sunny and free of precipitation—and there’s plenty to do in the greater Palm Springs area to make the desert feel like a winter wonderland. Here are some ways for everyone to spend the holidays in Palm Springs and enjoy a SoCal winter!

Read: The 8 Best Palm Springs Vacation Rentals for Winter

For the Family: Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade

12/3, 3:30 – 8:30 p.m. 

Held on the first Saturday of December, the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is a long-standing tradition for locals and tourists alike. The festive affair features a variety of performances, marching bands, Clydesdales, and more. Don’t miss out – 2022 also marks the 30th anniversary of this joyous festival. Drawing an average of 100,000 to downtown Palm Springs, this beloved tradition will surely get you into the holiday spirit. 

For Lovers of Vintage & Mid-Century Modern: Palm Springs Vintage Market 

12/4 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Meet local vendors and shop for unique gifts at the Palm Springs Vintage Market. Mid-century modern, vintage Americana, and other fun retro gems abound at this monthly event in the Palm Springs Cultural Center parking lot. Treasure hunters and design enthusiasts won’t want to miss this bustling outdoor market. 

For Home Chefs and Organic Foodies: Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market

12/3, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

The Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market states that its mission is “to serve as a com­mu­nity gath­er­ing place where local farm­ers and ven­dors can offer fresh agri­cul­tural and related products directly to consumers.” All participating farmers own and operate State Certified Farms, some also being certified organic. Held indoors during the scorching summers, December’s market is open-air, taking advantage of Palm Springs’ mild weather and sunny mornings. If you’re shopping for a holiday dinner, the fresh, California-grown produce on offer is an incredible choice.

For the Thrill-Seekers: Palm Springs Tramway 

Palm Springs is known for its old-school glamor, nearly perfect weather, and scenic views. But did you know that the city also boasts the world’s largest rotating tramcar?

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway travels over two and one-half miles along the spectacular cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the breathtaking wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

During the journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering picturesque 360 views of the valley floor below. The ten-minute ride ends at the Mountain Station, which offers two restaurants (Peaks Restaurant is open on Christmas Day for a uniquely stunning dining experience!), observation decks, a gift shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails. 

Sitting at 8,516 feet of elevation, you may even see a dusting of snow! 

For Outdoor Adventurers: Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park

Winter in Joshua Tree National Park is a magical time to visit. The park’s famously hardy plant life goes into overdrive, as temperatures still hover in the mid-60s and there are fewer people around.

The perfect time to get outdoors, winter is also a great season for solitude seekers—and this otherworldly protected land offers seemingly endless hiking and biking trails, bouldering areas, and gorgeous views at every turn.

Sunny Winter Getaways to Palm Springs

The Palm Springs area is a great place to spend the holidays, whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or want to experience all the excitement of the season. With great weather, world-class shopping and dining, and plenty of activities for every family member, there’s something for everyone.

A wide range of Palm Springs vacation homes and condos are available for rent at Open Air Homes. Choose from a selection of luxury vacation rentals in Greater Palm Springs, ranging from sprawling desert compounds to spacious condos with country club access.

If you’re planning a trip to the sunny desert oasis of Palm Springs, California, this is the time of year to do it! 

Click here to view our available Greater Palm Springs luxury rentals.