5 Reasons to Love the Holidays In Palm Springs

With 300 days of sunshine and average winter temperatures in the 70s, to say that Palm Springs is a fantastic holiday destination would be a Sonoran-sized understatement—aka, a massive one. The fact is that Palm Springs stands apart as a radiant oasis of adventure, art, and culture. 

With its historic charm intertwined with modern luxury, the city becomes a sun-soaked winter wonderland during the holidays. With majestic mountain backdrops, twinkling lights adorning mid-century modern homes, and streets filled with the scent of blooming citrus, Palm Springs is the sanctuary for those looking to escape the winter blues. Elevate your festive spirit, bask in this desert paradise, and uncover why holidays in Palm Springs are so magical. 

Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, here are five reasons to love the holidays in Southern California’s one-and-only Palm Springs.

Festive Local Holiday Events

Palm Springs lights up from November into the New Year (literally in some cases) with a lineup of truly awesome holiday events. A few of our favorite holidays in Palm Springs include:

WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

Celebrate the holiday magic with millions of twinkling lights, luminous animals, and the enchanting tunnel of lights. Running on select nights until December 30th, this event has etched itself into the fabric of Palm Springs' holiday traditions—having been around for just over three decades!

Photo courtesy of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Indian Wells Winterfest

Ice skating, anyone? What about a cocktail in an Igloo Bubble Bar? Indian Wells Winterfest is a holiday celebration held in—wait for it—Indian Wells from December through January. Decked out in festive lights and décor and offering live music, kid-friendly activities, and food and drinks, this festival is a great place to experience holidays in Palm Springs and to create new traditions and lasting memories with family and friends.

Image courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

Palm Springs International Film Festival 

Established in 1989, PSIFF has been a popular Palm Springs event for over thirty years. It’s now one of North America's largest and most well-respected film festivals. The Palm Springs International Film Festival offers cinematic delights and a truly unique cultural experience in one of California's most iconic desert cities in a setting characterized by its mid-century modern architecture and stunning mountain backdrops.

Image courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

Renowned Culinary Experiences

Renowned for its eclectic and epicurean dining scene, Palm Springs comes alive during the holidays with culinary experiences catering to every palate. Here are a few standout establishments that consistently impress and have become synonymous with Palm Springs' vibrant dining scene:

El Mirasol

In a word, El Mirasol is an icon. A Palm Springs staple since 1985, this colorful cocina is a sought-after destination for authentic Mexican cuisine, where traditional flavors are celebrated with a modern twist. The enchiladas are a must. So, too, are the famed margaritas, which come in various flavors and are frequently raved about.

Farm

Magical setting? Check. Award-winning food? Double check. Unforgettable experience? Triple check. Farm is a must-experience restaurant in Palm Springs, simple as that.

Clandestino

An intimate setting where innovative dishes meet impeccable service makes Clandestino a memorable dining experience.

King’s Highway

Old-school diner vibes meet hipster enclave at the King’s Highway desert diner in the Ace Hotel. Once finished chowing down on beer-battered onion rings and melt-in-your-mouth burgers, get the Date Shake. It’s a Palm Springs classic.

Unique Palm Springs Culture

Palm Springs isn't just a desert oasis renowned for its sunny disposition. It's also a hub of cultural, architectural, and natural brilliance. 

Palm Springs Art Museum

Come for the art, and stay for the art. The Palm Springs Art Museum is a true cultural gem. Boasting a diverse collection that spans contemporary art, Native American pieces, and frequently rotating exhibits, it offers visitors a rich tapestry of artful expression. It’s truly a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and creative minds alike.

Modernism Week

Although technically in February, the buzz around Modernism Week begins during the holiday season. This event allows visitors and locals to celebrate the iconic mid-century modern architecture and design Palm Springs is famously known for.

Moorten Botanical Garden

Step into a desert wonderland like no other and surround yourself with a vast collection of cacti and desert plants from around the world. It’s a refreshing and unique twist to the traditional greenery one might expect during the holidays, offering a genuine Palm Springs experience.

Swanky Cocktail Bars

As the winter sun wanes at 5 p.m., Palm Springs becomes a beacon for “five o’clock somewhere” enthusiasts. Raise your glass and explore a lively cocktail scene where mixologists craft inventive libations for your drinking pleasure during the holidays in Palm Springs. 

Tailor Shop

Tailor-made cocktails at Tailor Shop—what’s not to love? This place is elegance personified. If you want to feel fancy, go here.

Bootlegger Tiki

There are tiki bars, and then there’s Bootlegger Tiki bar. This place is a true original. Located in the same space as the original Don the Beachcomber restaurant that opened in 1953, Bootlegger upholds the tiki tradition in kitschy, colorful, sugary, and spicy style. 

Truss and Wine

Cocktails with a side—no, scratch that, a massive dollop—of history, that’s what Truss and Wine is all about. Frankly, it’s a concept that’s easy to get wrong. But T&W gets it, oh so right. If you’re looking for “a cocktail bar that celebrates the history of cocktails in America from the Golden Ages through today’s modern classics, this is the place for you. 

Homes for Every Holiday Gathering

People might say they’re visiting Palm Springs for the weather or the nature. Maybe even the eclectic dining scene or quirky bars. But the real reason? The homes! Arguably, no other place in America carves out such a uniquely defined architectural nook as Palm Springs. 

Which means, if you’re going to visit during the holidays in Palm Springs, you should ensure the place where you stay stays on theme! Thankfully, there are tons of incredible options to choose from. From gorgeous pet-friendly retreats to vacation homes with chef’s kitchens, choosing the right home for your holiday getaway is one of the most important parts of any Palm Springs experience. 

Make your holiday escape unforgettable with ACME House Company!

ABOUT ACME HOUSE COMPANY: Acme manages Luxury Vacation Rental Homes & Condos in Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, catering to those looking to travel to the world-renowned destination for the season, week-long stays and extended weekends. Fabulous pool homes for when you and your peeps want some together time. Visit Acme’s Website to explore more Palm Springs Vacation Rentals.

Published by Matthew Bruce
Friday, October 27, 2023