Holidays in the desert hit different. It’s 70 degrees, the palm trees are wrapped in lights, and you can swim in the afternoon and sip cocoa at night. Here are our favorite ways to celebrate near Palm Desert.
WildLights at The Living Desert
This is the big one. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert turns into a glowing holiday walk on select nights from late November through December. Think millions of lights, a 30 foot tree, a holiday model train, Santa photos and s’mores. Recent years ran from about 6 to 9 pm. Buy tickets ahead, since popular nights sell out. It’s about 10 minutes from our homes.
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
Held the first Saturday in December, which this year is December 5, 2026. Lit up floats, marching bands and giant balloons roll down Palm Canyon Drive from Ramon Road to Tachevah Road. Get there early with a blanket or chairs for a good spot. It’s about 30 minutes from Palm Desert.
Santa photos with your dog
The Gardens on El Paseo usually hosts a pet photo day with Santa in early December, often with adoptable pets to meet. Bring your pup, then stroll El Paseo’s lit up shops and grab dinner. It’s a perfect fit for a dog friendly stay. Check The Gardens on El Paseo’s event calendar for this year’s date.
Holiday shows at the McCallum Theatre
The McCallum in Palm Desert brings in holiday concerts every December, from big band Christmas shows to mariachi celebrations. Check their calendar and book early.
Real snow in the desert
Want the full winter experience? Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mount San Jacinto. In winter there’s often real snow at the top, and the views of the valley are amazing. Some years there’s even breakfast with Santa at the Mountain Station.
A few tips
- Book early. Christmas week and New Year’s fill up fast in the desert.
- Pack layers. Days are warm, but nights drop into the 40s.
- Heat the pool. At The House, you can add pool heating for an extra fee. Floating under the stars in December is a must.
Where to stay
Spend the holidays in a home with a pool instead of a hotel room. All of our Palm Desert homes are dog friendly, so the whole family can come. Book direct to skip the Airbnb fees.
- The House: an original midcentury home with a private saltwater pool and jacuzzi. Sleeps 4.
- The Pink Condo: poolside with two queen beds. Sleeps 4.
- The Yellow Condo: a king bed and a balcony, walkable to El Paseo. Sleeps 2.
- The Blue Condo: a midcentury king suite near El Paseo. Sleeps 2.
Bringing your pup? Read our dog friendly Palm Desert guide and our El Paseo guide.
Event dates and hours can change. Please check with each venue before you go.
Top photo: palm trees wrapped in holiday lights. Photo: Downtowngal, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
