Embark on a fresh journey as you kick off 2026 in the enchanting embrace of Greater Palm Springs. Immerse yourself in rejuvenation, venture into the vast outdoors, and bask beneath the azure skies. Discover the myriad experiences awaiting you this month in this southern California oasis. Whether you seek tranquility or adventure, there's something for every taste. Begin your new year on a note of well-being and joy with these invigorating adventures.

PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

JANUARY 2- 12

The 37th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival is a premier presenter of world cinema located in Greater Palm Springs. The festival will screen films from all over the world including those that are international feature film Oscar submissions. To learn more about the locations, awards, and other parties surrounding this event, find out what to expect at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Cactus Cup

JANUARY 2-3

Experience the excitement of NCAA DI hockey with the Coachella Valley Cactus Cup at Acrisure Arena! This two-day tournament kicks off on Friday, January 2, with University of Massachusetts Lowell vs Minnesota State University Mankato., followed by St. Cloud State vs Yale. Both games are included with a single ticket. The action continues on Saturday, January 3, with the losers of Friday's matches competing at 3:30 p.m. and the winners battling for the cup at 7:00 p.m. Don’t miss this thrilling weekend of collegiate hockey in the heart of the desert!

THE AMERICAN EXPRESS GOLF TOURNAMENT

JANUARY 19-25

The 66th American Express Golf Tournament will be played at two courses at PGA West and at La Quinta Country Club with over 150 of the world's best players attending. The concert acts remain at a high level with Old Dominion and One Republic performing this year. This tournament is offering new levels of tickets for participants who plan on attending. Ready to tee-up for the courses, concerts, and venues? Discover what the fan experience is like from this year's preview of the American Express Golf Tournament.

THINGS TO DO

Paul Anka: A Man And His Music at McCallum Theatre

JANUARY 2-4

Paul Anka returns to McCallum Theatre with All The Hits: His Way Tour, bringing his incomparable voice and seven decades of chart-topping classics to the stage. Enjoy timeless favorites like “Diana,” “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” and “My Way,” all delivered with the signature style and showmanship that have made him a legend.

PALM SPRINGS VINTAGE MARKET

JANUARY 4

Back for the first time this year, the Palm Springs Vintage Market is ready to showcase vintage finds from furniture to clothing, as well as live entertainment and food. This is a perfect way to spend your Saturday morning in Palm Springs! 

THE MAGIC OF JEN KRAMER: FEMALE MAGICIAN OF THE YEAR

JANUARY 8

Get ready for an unforgettable night of magic as Jen—Las Vegas headliner and 2024 Best of Vegas “Best Magician”—takes the stage. Known from Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Masters of Illusion, and NBC’s TODAY Show, she brings her award-winning sleight-of-hand and irresistible energy to this special event.

One Man, Two Guvnors at Coachella Valley Repertory

JANUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 1

Get ready for a laugh-out-loud ride as One Man, Two Guvnors brings its clever chaos and sharp British humor to the stage. This award-winning farce follows the ever-frazzled Francis Henshall as he tries to serve two bosses at once—leading to outrageous mix-ups, quick-witted banter, and musical moments that keep the energy high. A wildly funny, delightfully improbable comedy you won’t soon forget.

THE PEKING ACROBATS

JANUARY 14

Prepare to be amazed as The Peking Acrobats bring their gravity-defying artistry to the stage. For over 30 years, this world-renowned troupe has dazzled audiences with breathtaking feats—from precision tumbling and trick-cycling to astonishing contortion and high-flying balance acts—often accompanied by live traditional music and vibrant visual effects. This is acrobatic mastery at its most unforgettable.

JAY LENO

JANUARY 17

See one of America’s most iconic entertainers live at the McCallum Theatre as Jay Leno takes the stage. The acclaimed late-night legend, beloved stand-up comedian, best-selling author, and celebrated car aficionado spent two decades at the top as host of The Tonight Show, never losing a single ratings year. Don’t miss this rare chance to experience his quick wit and signature storytelling in person..

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: WILD CATS REVEALED SANDESH KADUR

JANUARY 18

Explore the hidden world of India’s wild cats with BAFTA-winning filmmaker and National Geographic Fellow Sandesh Kadur. From the tiny Pallas’s cat to the elusive clouded leopard, Kadur showcases the country’s remarkable feline diversity across the Himalayas, jungles, and plains. His award-winning documentaries have aired on National Geographic, BBC, Netflix, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet, highlighting wildlife and conservation efforts from cloud forests to orphaned leopards being reintroduced to the wild.

SINGING THE BIRDS

JANUARY 24

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians hosts the annual Singing the Birds: Bird Song and Dance Festival, where bird singers and dancers from tribes across Southern California and the Southwest gather to celebrate and share with the public the region's abundant Native American heritage. Bird singing and dancing is scheduled throughout the day along with a Native American Market and a variety of food vendors. 

Revisiting Creedence at McCallum Theatre

JANUARY 25

Revisiting Creedence brings the iconic sound of CCR back to the stage with unmatched authenticity. Led by powerhouse performers Dan McGuinness and Kurt Griffey—veterans of Creedence Clearwater Revisited—this high-energy show delivers the classic hits you love with the pedigree, musicianship, and spirit that defined a generation. A must-see for any Creedence fan.

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.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

January brings the perfect weather of Greater Palm Springs as you embark on outdoor adventures. With over 100 hiking trails, the region invites trailblazers to explore its diverse landscapes, from serene palm-lined canyons to iconic rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park. Challenge yourself with exhilarating rock-climbing opportunities or seek out hidden waterfalls for a refreshing escape. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, Greater Palm Springs promises an unforgettable journey amid the boundless beauty of the desert

HEALTH & WELLNESS

MINERAL WATER YOGA 

Guided by the esteemed instructor Vanessa Johnson at The Spa at Séc-he , this aqueous practice embraces the art of gentleness, empowering you to nurture your inner strength, achieve poised equilibrium, and expand your range of motion. 

Mind Waves: Morning Meditation

SUNDAYS

Ease into your Sunday with Mind Waves at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club, a guided meditation experience led by Morgan Yakus that blends neuroscience with mindful practice. In this 30–45 minute session, you’ll use visualization and gentle focus to reset your mind, relieve stress, and restore clarity—perfect for anyone looking to quiet their thoughts and start the day feeling calm and centered

Ecstatic Dance

JANUARY 15

Experience Ecstatic Dance at Commune Collective in Palm Springs, a freeform, movement-based journey where music guides your body and spirit. No steps to learn, no talking, no judgments—just pure, joyful movement to help you release, connect, and move fully into the present moment.

BOOK YOUR STAY

Discover enticing getaway offers while securing your accommodations in Greater Palm Springs, where a diverse range of options, from luxurious resorts to charming boutique hotels, ensures a perfect stay tailored to your preferences.

Start planning your winter getaway and book your flight today – you are getting warmer!