Rally is researching the season
Christmas with kids in Indio
In Indio, Christmas comes with palm trees and warm evenings. The city lights its tree downtown in early December, then follows with a tamale festival and a free holiday concert.
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Parent & Me - Christmas Event
When: Fri, Dec 4, 12 to 2 pm
Where: Indio Gymnastics & Performing Arts (GPAC), Lobby Metro 8, Indio
Cost: See registration page
The story of Christmas in Indio
A downtown tree lighting and a tamale weekend
The City of Indio's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is the heart of the season. Held in downtown Indio at Bliss Avenue and Towne Street, it brings families together with food trucks, toy giveaways, a free kids' zone and photos with Santa. The mayor has called it one of Indio's most cherished holiday traditions. The next day the Indio International Tamale Festival opens at Miles Avenue Park for two days of family activities, making it a full weekend of celebration.
Christmas last year in Indio
In 2025 the tree lighting took place on Friday, December 5, from 5 to 10 p.m., with free admission, a bike raffle for a new bicycle and complimentary Santa photos. The Tamale Festival followed on December 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On December 13 the city hosted a free holiday concert at Center Stage with the band Radio Ready, Santa hats for guests and burgers for the first 100 visitors. Magic of Lights added a bike night ride and an ugly sweater contest.
Fun facts about Christmas in Indio
Christmas in Indio can be warm: on an evening in early December 2025 the temperature was in the low 70s under a clear sky. The Christmas trees sold at Santa's Wonderland came from Oregon and ranged from tabletop size up to 15 feet, with free delivery within Indio. At the city's concert, the giveaway was an Indio-themed Santa hat, and organizers suggested bringing lawn chairs to relax on the grass.
Trains and Christmas near Indio
Indio kids who love trains have to travel a bit, but there are two big stops to choose from. The Southern California Railway Museum in Perris has the West's largest collection of locomotives, streetcars and rail artifacts, with free admission and parking Tuesday to Sunday and train and trolley rides every weekend. RailGiants in Pomona lets families climb into the cabs of giant locomotives one weekend a month, and admission is free.
- Southern California Railway Museum: The West's largest collection of locomotives, streetcars and rail artifacts, with rides every weekend.
- RailGiants Train Museum: Free one weekend a month, with giant locomotives kids can climb into.
Traditions today
- Indio Tree Lighting Ceremony: A free downtown celebration with a kids' zone, Santa photos, toy giveaways and a bike raffle.
- Indio International Tamale Festival: A two-day festival at Miles Avenue Park with family activities, held right after the tree lighting.
- Free Holiday Concert: A community concert at Center Stage downtown with Christmas favorites and Santa hats.
- Magic of Lights: A holiday lights attraction with a bicycle night ride, an ugly sweater contest and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Parent & Me Christmas Event: A toddler party with crafts, cookie decorating and a photo with Santa from the Desert Recreation District.
A fact for kids
In Indio, Christmas can feel like summer somewhere else. One December night in 2025 it was in the low 70s, and the trees at the tree lot were shipped in from Oregon.
Questions about Christmas in Indio
What is the Indio Tree Lighting Ceremony?
It is the City of Indio's annual holiday celebration in downtown Indio, at Bliss Avenue and Towne Street. In 2025 it was free for all ages and included food trucks, toy giveaways, a free kids' zone, photos with Santa and a bike raffle. The mayor called it one of Indio's most cherished holiday traditions.
When was the 2025 Indio tree lighting?
The 2025 ceremony was held on Friday, December 5, from 5 to 10 p.m. in downtown Indio. The city's release described it as an annual event but did not give a first year. Our Indio Christmas events guide on this page has the details for the 2026 season.
What did kids get at the 2025 tree lighting?
Kids found a free kids' zone, complimentary photos with Santa, toy giveaways and a chance to win a new bicycle in a bike raffle. Food trucks were on site for families, and admission was free. The event ran five hours, from 5 to 10 p.m.
What is the Indio International Tamale Festival?
It is a two-day festival at Miles Avenue Park, held right after the tree lighting. In 2025 it ran December 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with family activities. The city presented it as part of the weekend celebration.
Is there a Christmas concert in Indio?
Yes. In 2025 the city hosted a free holiday concert at Center Stage in downtown Indio on December 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. The band Radio Ready played Christmas favorites, the city handed out Indio-themed Santa hats and the first 100 guests got a free burger. Organizers suggested bringing lawn chairs.
What is Magic of Lights in Indio?
Magic of Lights is a holiday light attraction in Indio that, in 2025, offered a bicycle night ride and an ugly sweater contest, and welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus. Check the event's own page for current dates and ticket details, and see our Indio Christmas events guide on this page for what we confirmed.
Where do Indio families buy Christmas trees?
In December 2025, Santa's Wonderland in Indio sold Douglas and Noble firs brought in from Oregon, from tabletop size up to 15 feet. Smaller trees started around $45 and the largest commercial-sized firs cost about $750. The lot offered free delivery within Indio.
Is it warm in Indio at Christmas?
Often, yes. On an evening in early December 2025 the sky was clear and temperatures were in the low 70s, according to local news, so a bike night ride and outdoor concert were comfortable. Evenings can still cool off after dark, so pack a light jacket for little ones.
Are there Christmas events for toddlers in Indio?
Yes. The Desert Recreation District lists a Parent & Me Christmas Event on Friday, December 4, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. for ages 1 to 2 at Indio Gymnastics & Performing Arts. It includes games, Christmas crafts, cookie decorating and a photo with Santa, and registration is online.
Where is the Indio tree lighting held?
The tree lighting takes place in downtown Indio, at the corner of Bliss Avenue and Towne Street. In 2025 the city offered food trucks and a kids' zone there. The evening runs five hours, so families can arrive early and bring a stroller for little ones.
Is there a train museum near Indio?
The Southern California Railway Museum in Perris is the largest on our list nearby, with the West's largest collection of locomotives, streetcars and rail artifacts. Admission and parking are free Tuesday to Sunday, and train and trolley rides run every weekend. Check the museum before you go for current days and ride times.
Can kids climb into a real locomotive near Indio?
At RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, kids can climb into the cabs of giant locomotives such as UP 4-12-2 No. 9000 and a Centennial diesel. It is free one weekend a month at the LA County Fairgrounds, so check its schedule first. Pomona is a longer drive from Indio.
How can I explain Christmas traditions in Indio to my toddler?
Keep it simple and point to something your child can see. Talk about the tree lighting downtown, the bike night ride or a plate of tamales, then let them spot the lights, music or Santa for themselves. One favorite tradition told in a few short sentences is plenty for a little one.
Where can I find this year's Christmas events in Indio?
Our Indio Christmas events guide on this page lists the holiday events we confirmed for the 2026 season, with dates, times and prices. Dates and times can change from year to year, so check the host's own page before you leave, especially for outdoor events that depend on weather.
What should kids wear to outdoor holiday events in Indio?
Indio is warm in early December, with evenings in the low 70s in 2025, so most kids do well in a light sweater or jacket. Desert nights can cool quickly after sunset, so bring an extra layer for evening events. Comfortable shoes help on downtown sidewalks, and a blanket makes lawn seating easier.
Are there free holiday things for families in Indio?
Yes. The Indio Tree Lighting Ceremony was free in 2025, with a free kids' zone, photos with Santa and toy giveaways, and the city's holiday concert at Center Stage was free too. Our Indio Christmas events guide on this page marks which 2026 events are free.
How can I make a tree lighting easier with a toddler?
Plan around your child's energy. The 2025 Indio tree lighting ran from 5 to 10 p.m., so there was no need to rush. Bring a stroller or wagon, pack snacks and an extra layer, and head home when your little one has had enough. Even a short visit to see the lights counts.
How can we start our own Christmas tradition inspired by Indio?
Pick one local outing and repeat it every year, like the same parade, light display or tree lighting. Take a photo in the same spot, let your child choose a favorite part and write it down. After a few years you will have a family story that grows along with them.
What can a family do on Indio's tree lighting weekend?
In 2025 the weekend started with the free tree lighting on Friday, December 5, from 5 to 10 p.m. in downtown Indio. The Indio International Tamale Festival followed on December 6 and 7 at Miles Avenue Park, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with family activities. Check the city's page for the current schedule.
Where can kids see Santa in Indio?
In 2025 children could take complimentary photos with Santa at the downtown tree lighting. Magic of Lights welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the Desert Recreation District's Parent & Me Christmas Event for toddlers includes a photo with Santa. Check each host's page for current dates, since schedules change from year to year.
Sources
- City of Indio to host annual tree lighting ceremony on December 5, Coachella Valley Weekly
- Indio Tree Lighting Ceremony and Tamale Festival press release, City of Indio
- Indio to host free holiday concert at Center Stage on Dec. 13, NBC Palm Springs
- Holiday fun in Indio: night ride, ugly sweater contest, Christmas tree shopping, NBC Palm Springs
- Parent & Me - Christmas Event, Desert Recreation District (ACTIVEkids)
- Southern California Railway Museum, Rally Takes the Train
- RailGiants Train Museum, Rally Takes the Train