Greater Palm Springs is filled with cheer this month with events for all ages, things to do for the whole family, holiday shopping, holiday performances and so much more. Start planning your month, checking off that shopping list, and filling your belly up with delicious food! 

EVENTS

PALM SPRINGS VINTAGE MARKET

DECEMBER 1

Whether you are looking for midcentury modern décor, retro digs or antique finds, shopping in Greater Palm Springs this season is where you need to be–especially with the much-anticipated return of the monthly Palm Springs Vintage Market. This event occurs the first Sunday of the month until May.

EL PASEO ART WALK

DECEMBER 6

The renowned El Paseo Art Walk, a long-standing tradition on El Paseo, is happening on the first Friday of every month, from November through May. There will be exhibit openings, artist receptions and more. Enjoy seeing everything there is to admire from each gallery and entertaining stops along the way.

INDIO INTERNATIONAL TAMALE FESTIVAL

DECEMBER 7 - 8

The 32nd anniversary of the Indio International Tamale Festival is happening this December at Miles Avenue Park. Buy your pass to all of the rides and attractions this year, you do not want to miss the deliciousness of this exciting event.

SANTA PAWS 5K & LIL' ELF DASH

DECEMBER 7

Palm Springs Marathon Runners invites you to join the annual Santa Paws 5K, a dog-loving, fun, run/walk benefitting Guide Dogs of the Desert and local dog rescues. Each participant receives a 5-piece Santa suit that can be worn during the event and is then yours for keeps! This includes a jacket, pants, belt, hat and beard. Registration is limited so don't wait!

IRONMAN 70.3 INDIAN WELLS & LA QUINTA

DECEMBER 8

The Trainual IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells – La Quinta has become popular and won the hearts of many. The new bike course will take athletes through challenging, beautiful flat county roads while they soak up the warm California sun. All IRONMAN events will have a village preceding race day. The village offers a great opportunity for athletes and the public to interact with official IRONMAN Partners and Vendors, and to pick up final race day essentials. 

ART ON MAIN STREET 

DECEMBER 14

Old Town La Quinta is proud to present this event featuring over 100 artists each season showing and selling their paintings, jewelry, mixed media, photography, ceramics, glass, woodwork, textiles, sculptures, and more. The art shows are a local favorite and an Old Town tradition. Come for the art and stay for the day. Parking and admission are free.

FREE THURSDAY NIGHTS AT THE PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM

EVERY THURSDAY

The Palm Springs Art Museum has 28 galleries, two sculpture gardens, a 433-seat theatre, and a popular local bistro. Every Thursday they offer free admission to the public from 5-7 p.m.

PALM SPRINGS VILLAGEFEST

EVERY THURSDAY

Villagefest takes place in downtown Palm Springs where the street is closed to create a relaxed, fun, and festive atmosphere full of food, artists, fashion, and other unique vendors.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

The time has come! Spend your holidays under the sun or festive moonlight in Greater Palm Springs. Add this lineup of events, ice rinks, parades, tree lightings, and activities to your holiday schedule.

• WILDLIGHTS AT THE LIVING DESERT | Select Nights; November 26-December 30
• TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AT THE RIVER | 2024 Date TBD
• CITY OF LA QUINTA ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY | 2024 Date TBD
• MAGIC OF LIGHTS COACHELLA VALLEY | Select Nights: November 19 - December 29
• PALM SPRINGS HOLIDAYS | November 28 - December 21
• HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE  | December 7
• CATHEDRAL CITY SNOWFEST | December 14
• PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY TREE LIGHTING | 2024 Date TBD
• NORTH POLE VILLAGE & MAYOR'S TREE LIGHTING  | 2024 Date TBD
• DESERT HOT SPRINGS PARADE OF LIGHTS & HOLIDAY FESTIVAL |  2024 Date TBD
• SNOWTOPIA AT THE PALM  SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM | December 20 - 22
• HOLIDAY ICE SKATING AT THE BERGER FOUNDATION ICEPLEX | December 1 - 31
• RITZ-CARLTON CHRISTMAS DAY CELEBRATION | December 25

See the full list of the Holiday Happenings in Greater Palm Springs.

HOLIDAY DINING

If you are celebrating something special this month, experience fine dining and taste specially curated dishes by local chefs. December is also filled with perfect weather for dining outdoors at these restaurants with amazing views. 'Tis the season for delicious food and fellowship — plan your reservations for Holiday Dining in Greater Palm Springs.

GREET THE NEW YEAR

Find out how you can Greet the New Year in Greater Palm Springs, a destination that offers a perfect blend of festivities to ring in the new year — from dazzling fireworks and live music under the starry desert sky to an array of special culinary offerings.