The Palm Springs area has 12 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Magic of Lights Coachella Valley in Indio on November 20 to Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest in Palm Springs, which runs through December 31. 6 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in California, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 12 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Palm Springs for 2026, in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Indio
- First: Magic of Lights Coachella Valley, Indio, November 20. Runs latest: Magic of Lights Coachella Valley, Indio, through January 2
- Free: Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest, City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, Cathedral City SnowFest, City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and Festival, Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios and Snowed in at the Library
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our California Christmas train rides page.
Palm Springs Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 12 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Indio
- Season
- November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027
- Free events
- 6
- Kinds of events
- Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday lights, Santa visit and tree lighting
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Palm Springs Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Magic of Lights Coachella Valley in Indio on November 20; the last runs to December 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Magic of Lights Coachella ValleyIndio · Nov 20 to Jan 2
- WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and GardensPalm Desert · Nov 24 to Dec 30
- Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFestPalm Springs · Dec 3 to Dec 31
- City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting CeremonyPalm Springs · Dec 4
- City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights ParadePalm Springs · Dec 5
- Santa Magic at The Gardens on El PaseoPalm Desert · Dec 5
- Cathedral City SnowFestCathedral City · Dec 12
- City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and FestivalDesert Hot Springs · Dec 12
- Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan StudiosLa Quinta · Dec 12 to Dec 19
- The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas BalletPalm Desert · Dec 16
- Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air MuseumPalm Springs · Dec 18 to Dec 21
- Snowed in at the LibraryLa Quinta · Dec 19
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Palm Springs? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Palm Springs
4 confirmed events for kids in Palm Springs, soonest first.
Palm Springs: Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest
Santa and Mrs. ClausFreePalm Springs VillageFest · Palm Springs
- Host
- Palm Springs VillageFest (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Palm Springs VillageFest, North Palm Canyon Drive at West Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92264
- When
- Thu December 3, Thu December 10, Thu December 17, Thu December 24 and Thu December 31, 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
VillageFest becomes a festive outdoor holiday market along Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. Called Jingle All the Way, the market is held on Thursdays, December 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, and admission is free. The tourism board describes a stroll beneath twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts and live music.
For children, the highlight is cookies with Mrs. Claus, and visitors may also spot Santa. The market sits at the intersection of North Palm Canyon Drive and West Tahquitz Canyon Way. Start times are not listed on the tourism page, so check with Palm Springs VillageFest for the evening schedule. Because the market repeats weekly, families can pick the Thursday that fits their holiday plans, including the Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dates.
Parent tip: Check the VillageFest schedule for the evening start time before you go.
See dates and details from Palm Springs VillageFest (opens in a new tab)Palm Springs: City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree lightingCity of Palm Springs · Palm Springs
- Host
- City of Palm Springs (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Frances Stevens Park, 555 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026, 5:15 pm
- Cost
- Free cookies and cocoa; admission not listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Palm Springs holds its annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Frances Stevens Park on Friday, December 4. The city's 22 foot tree comes to life at 5:15 pm, surrounded by festive cheer.
Children can meet Santa Claus, and the event offers free cookies and cocoa along with fun arts and crafts for the little ones. The park is on North Palm Canyon Drive. The listing does not give an admission fee, and it does not name an end time, so plan on an early evening stop. Palm Springs evenings cool down quickly in December, so bring a light jacket for children. The Festival of Lights Parade is the next evening on Palm Canyon Drive, which makes the first weekend of December a good time for a Palm Springs holiday trip.
Parent tip: Arrive before 5:15 pm to meet Santa and join the crafts, and bring a jacket for after sunset.
See dates and details from City of Palm Springs (opens in a new tab)Palm Springs: City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeCity of Palm Springs · Palm Springs
- Host
- City of Palm Springs (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Palm Canyon Drive (from Ramon Road), North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:45 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade has been held on the first Saturday of December since the early 1990s, and it returns on December 5. The parade kicks off at 5:45 pm along Palm Canyon Drive, starting at Ramon Road, and the event is free.
Spectators can expect twinkling lights, lively marching bands, giant Macy's style balloons and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Over the years the parade has featured the Budweiser Clydesdales, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Snoopy and the gang, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. The tourism board says the parade brings an estimated 100,000 people downtown each year, so plan for crowds and parking. NBC Palm Springs also broadcasts the parade live from 6 pm for anyone who would rather watch from home.
Parent tip: Expect big crowds and limited parking downtown, so arrive early to claim a viewing spot along Palm Canyon Drive.
See dates and details from City of Palm Springs (opens in a new tab)Palm Springs: Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum
Santa and Mrs. ClausPalm Springs Air Museum · Palm Springs
- Host
- Palm Springs Air Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 North Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- When
- Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20 and Mon December 21, 2026, 6 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Ticketed; kids 5 and under free; train ride, s'mores and food sold separately
- Ages
- All ages; toddler area for ages 5 and under
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
At Snowtopia, the Palm Springs Air Museum becomes a winter wonderland for all ages. Santa Claus arrives along with 50 tons of real snow on the tarmac, which makes room for snow play, time to meet Santa, and photos with Frosty the Snowman, elves and Mrs. Claus. Apart from the Snowtopia event areas, the museum is closed.
The Miles Hangar has crafts and gift shopping, and a different indoor play zone offers bounce houses for toddlers up to age 5. A genuine holiday train ride costs extra, as do the outdoor fire pits for making s'mores and the Chick-fil-A and food truck meals. Kids aged 5 and younger enter free. According to the museum, event hours are 6 to 9 pm, and the tourism board shows December 18 through 21. The museum website sells tickets.
Parent tip: Layers help in the real snow. Set aside money for the train, s'mores and food, since each is bought on its own.
See dates and details from Palm Springs Air Museum (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Palm Desert
3 confirmed events for kids in Palm Desert, soonest first.
Palm Desert: WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Holiday lightsThe Living Desert Zoo and Gardens · Palm Desert
- Host
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (near Palm Springs)
- When
- Tue November 24, Wed November 25, Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Thu December 10, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Thu December 17, Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22, Wed December 23, Thu December 24, Sat December 26, Sun December 27, Mon December 28, Tue December 29 and Wed December 30, 2026, 6 to 9 pm
- Cost
- About $20 to $25 per ticket; Santa photos free
- Ages
- All ages (Dec 17 is adults only)
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
WildLights returns for its 34th year at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, on select nights from November 24 to December 30, 6 to 9 pm, with last admission at 8:30 pm. Guests wander the African Safari pathways past millions of lights, a Tunnel of Lights, a Giant Present, a 30 foot Christmas tree and a G scale model train decked out for the season. Rhinos, giraffes, zebras and African painted dogs may be seen along the way.
Families can take free photos with Santa through December 24 and with the Grinch from December 26 to 30. Toast marshmallows at the s'mores station or have dinner at the Bighorn Cafe. Daytime visitors must leave by 5 pm, and WildLights guests enter from 6 pm. Special nights include Jingle Pups on December 10 and an adults only night on December 17.
Parent tip: Advance reservations are recommended because capacity is limited. Skip December 17, which is adults only.
See dates and details from The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (opens in a new tab)Palm Desert: Santa Magic at The Gardens on El Paseo
Santa visitThe Gardens on El Paseo · Palm Desert
- Host
- The Gardens on El Paseo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Gardens on El Paseo, 73545 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (near Palm Springs)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 2 pm
- Cost
- Lawn festivities free; photo with Santa $25
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa Magic returns to The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert on Saturday, December 5. Two parts run from 9 am to 2 pm. Holiday festivities are held on the Center Lawn in front of Saks Fifth Avenue and are free to the public, with the sights of snowfall at the top of every hour.
Photos with Santa take place on the bridge between Louis Vuitton and Tiffany and Co. Tickets cost $25 for the photo, and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. Tickets go live on November 1. The Gardens on El Paseo is at 73545 El Paseo. The tourism board also mentions bounce houses and snow shows as part of the lawn activities, which gives children room to play while parents shop or relax nearby.
Parent tip: Buy photo tickets ahead of time since sales opened November 1, and plan around the top of the hour for the snowfall.
See dates and details from The Gardens on El Paseo (opens in a new tab)Palm Desert: The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Holiday showMcCallum Theatre · Palm Desert
- Host
- McCallum Theatre (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (near Palm Springs)
- When
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026
- Cost
- Tickets from $59
- Ages
- Family show
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert presents Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet on Wednesday, December 16. The production is described as the largest Nutcracker in North America, with world class international dancers, gravity defying acrobatics, magnificent costumes and towering puppets, all set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score.
The tourism listing calls it a celebration of the season that the whole family will treasure. Tickets start at $59. The listing does not state the start time or an age recommendation, so check the McCallum Theatre website for the curtain time before buying tickets. The theatre is at 73000 Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert. For families with young children, a visual show with puppets and acrobatics can help hold attention through a longer performance.
Parent tip: Check the McCallum Theatre site for the curtain time and any age guidance before buying tickets.
See dates and details from McCallum Theatre (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in La Quinta
2 confirmed events for kids in La Quinta, soonest first.
La Quinta: Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios
Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeOld Town Artisan Studios · La Quinta
- Host
- Old Town Artisan Studios (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Old Town Artisan Studios, 78046 Calle Barcelona, La Quinta, CA 92253 (near Palm Springs)
- When
- Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Gingerbread Lane is an annual free family event at Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta. It is held on Saturdays, December 12 and December 19, at 78046 Calle Barcelona. The tourism board describes bright decorations, art making activities, music and a massive Christmas tree.
Santa and Mrs. Claus make appearances, which gives children a chance to say hello and share their wish lists. The event page does not list start and end times, so check with Old Town Artisan Studios before you go. The studios are in La Quinta's Old Town area, a short walk from restaurants and shops, so the trip can easily become a half day outing. Because the same event repeats on two Saturdays, families can choose whichever date fits their schedule.
Parent tip: Times are not listed, so confirm hours with Old Town Artisan Studios before you go.
See dates and details from Old Town Artisan Studios (opens in a new tab)La Quinta: Snowed in at the Library
Santa visitFreeRiverside County Library System, La Quinta Library · La Quinta
- Host
- Riverside County Library System, La Quinta Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- La Quinta Library, 78275 Calle Estado, La Quinta, CA 92253 (near Palm Springs)
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10:30 am to 1 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The La Quinta Library invites families to Snowed in at the Library on Saturday, December 19, from 10:30 am to 1 pm. The library tells a playful story: the staff are snowed in on the day of Santa's visit, so will Santa still be able to join them? A noise from the chimney reveals that Santa has arrived.
Santa and library staff host a day of festive fun for all ages. The calendar lists the event as a family program and a children's program. It does not list a registration requirement or a price, and library programs are generally free. The library is at 78275 Calle Estado in La Quinta, and it shares the neighborhood with the Old Town Artisan Studios Gingerbread Lane event, which also runs on December 19, so families can plan both stops on the same Saturday.
Parent tip: Come anytime between 10:30 am and 1 pm, and pair the visit with Gingerbread Lane on the same day.
See dates and details from Riverside County Library System, La Quinta Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Cathedral City
1 confirmed event for kids in Cathedral City, soonest first.
Cathedral City: Cathedral City SnowFest
Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeCity of Cathedral City · Cathedral City
- Host
- City of Cathedral City (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Downtown Cathedral City, 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City, CA 92234 (near Palm Springs)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
SnowFest 2026 takes over Downtown Cathedral City on Saturday, December 12, with an afternoon and evening of holiday fun featuring 12 tons of real snow. Activities include photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Mayor and Santa tree lighting ceremony, an Elf Workshop and an ugly sweater contest for the kids.
The Snow-Fest Express, a trackless train, is part of the fun and offers rides around the festival area. The tourism listing marks admission as free. It does not list exact hours, so check with the City of Cathedral City for the schedule. Because the snow is real, children should wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring a change of socks, since the desert sun can melt the snow into puddles. The event is in the downtown area off Avenida Lalo Guerrero.
Parent tip: Bring a change of clothes or dry socks for the snow play, and confirm hours with the city.
See dates and details from City of Cathedral City (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Desert Hot Springs
1 confirmed event for kids in Desert Hot Springs, soonest first.
Desert Hot Springs: City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and Festival
Holiday paradeFreeCity of Desert Hot Springs · Desert Hot Springs
- Host
- City of Desert Hot Springs (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- City of Desert Hot Springs, 11999 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 (near Palm Springs)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Desert Hot Springs hosts its annual Holiday Parade and Festival on Saturday, December 12. The day features the holiday parade, followed by a family friendly festival with entertainment, activities, vendors and plenty of holiday fun.
The event page highlights the parade, live entertainment, family activities, food and vendors, and holiday festivities. Admission is free and open to the public, and the city invites families, friends and neighbors to celebrate the season. The listing gives the city's Palm Drive address, but it does not list start times or the parade route, so check the City of Desert Hot Springs for the schedule before you go. Desert Hot Springs is about a 20 minute drive north of downtown Palm Springs.
Parent tip: Times and the parade route are not posted on the tourism page, so check with the city before heading out.
See dates and details from City of Desert Hot Springs (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Indio
1 confirmed event for kids in Indio, soonest first.
Indio: Magic of Lights Coachella Valley
Holiday lightsMagic of Lights · Indio
- Host
- Magic of Lights (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Empire Polo Club, 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201 (near Palm Springs)
- When
- Friday, November 20, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (nightly; Sun to Thu until 9 pm, Fri and Sat until 10 pm), 5:30 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Per vehicle: $26.99 for November visits, $29.99 Santa Saver, $89.99 season pass
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Magic of Lights Coachella Valley is a drive through holiday lights experience at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, open nightly from November 20 to January 2. Hours are 5:30 to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10 pm Friday and Saturday. Guests wind through a path of favorite holiday scenes and characters made with LED technology and digital animations from the comfort of their own car.
The price is per vehicle. A special November only price of $26.99 applies to visits through November 30, a Santa Saver ticket at $29.99 could be bought before November 19 and used any time this season, and an $89.99 season pass allows unlimited visits. At the end of the drive, families can get out at the Holiday Village for hot chocolate, photos with Santa, s'mores, trees that change color with music and activities for kids. Tickets are sold through the event page.
Parent tip: Buy tickets online ahead of time, and note that the $26.99 price applies only to November visits.
See dates and details from Magic of Lights (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our California Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Stockton, Modesto, Santa Barbara, Oxnard and Santa Rosa. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonPalm Springs Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Palm Springs in 2026?
We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Palm Springs for 2026 on each host’s own page: Magic of Lights Coachella Valley in Indio (November 20), WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert (November 24), Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest in Palm Springs (December 3), City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Palm Springs (December 4), City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade in Palm Springs (December 5), Santa Magic at The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert (December 5), Cathedral City SnowFest in Cathedral City (December 12), City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and Festival in Desert Hot Springs (December 12), Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta (December 12), The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet in Palm Desert (December 16), Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs (December 18) and Snowed in at the Library in La Quinta (December 19). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Palm Springs, California?
For families in and around Palm Springs, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest (Thursdays, Dec 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, free); City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Fri, Dec 4, tree lighting at 5:15 pm, free cookies and cocoa; admission not listed); City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade (Sat, Dec 5, 5:45 pm, free); Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum (Fri to Mon, Dec 18 to 21, 6 to 9 pm, ticketed; kids 5 and under free; train ride, s'mores and food sold separately). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Palm Springs section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Palm Desert, California?
For families in and around Palm Desert, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (Select nights, Nov 24 to Dec 30, 6 to 9 pm, about $20 to $25 per ticket; santa photos free); Santa Magic at The Gardens on El Paseo (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 2 pm, lawn festivities free; photo with santa $25); The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (Wed, Dec 16, tickets from $59). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Palm Desert section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in La Quinta, California?
For families in and around La Quinta, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios (Sat, Dec 12 and Sat, Dec 19, free); Snowed in at the Library (Sat, Dec 19, 10:30 am to 1 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the La Quinta section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Cathedral City, California?
For families in and around Cathedral City, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Cathedral City SnowFest (Sat, Dec 12, afternoon and evening, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Cathedral City section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Desert Hot Springs, California?
For families in and around Desert Hot Springs, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and Festival (Sat, Dec 12 (times not listed), free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Desert Hot Springs section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Indio, California?
For families in and around Indio, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Magic of Lights Coachella Valley (Nightly, Nov 20 to Jan 2, from 5:30 pm, per vehicle: $26.99 for november visits, $29.99 santa saver, $89.99 season pass). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Indio section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Palm Springs?
Yes. 6 of the 12 events here are free: Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest in Palm Springs, City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade in Palm Springs, Cathedral City SnowFest in Cathedral City, City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and Festival in Desert Hot Springs, Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta and Snowed in at the Library in La Quinta. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Palm Springs this December?
Santa appears at Magic of Lights Coachella Valley in Indio (November 20), WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert (November 24), Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest in Palm Springs (December 3), City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Palm Springs (December 4), City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade in Palm Springs (December 5), Santa Magic at The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert (December 5), Cathedral City SnowFest in Cathedral City (December 12), Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta (December 12), Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs (December 18) and Snowed in at the Library in La Quinta (December 19). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Which Palm Springs Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs (All ages; toddler area for ages 5 and under).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Palm Springs on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Magic of Lights Coachella Valley in Indio (through January 2), WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert (through December 30) and Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest in Palm Springs (through December 31).
How much is Magic of Lights Coachella Valley in Indio?
Per vehicle: $26.99 for November visits, $29.99 Santa Saver, $89.99 season pass. Magic of Lights Coachella Valley is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (nightly; Sun to Thu until 9 pm, Fri and Sat until 10 pm), 5:30 to 9 pm at Empire Polo Club. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert?
About $20 to $25 per ticket; Santa photos free. WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is on Tue November 24, Wed November 25, Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Thu December 10, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Thu December 17, Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22, Wed December 23, Thu December 24, Sat December 26, Sun December 27, Mon December 28, Tue December 29 and Wed December 30, 2026, 6 to 9 pm at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest in Palm Springs?
Free. Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest is on Thu December 3, Thu December 10, Thu December 17, Thu December 24 and Thu December 31, 2026 at Palm Springs VillageFest. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Palm Springs?
Free cookies and cocoa; admission not listed. City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 5:15 pm at Frances Stevens Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade in Palm Springs?
Free. City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:45 pm at Palm Canyon Drive (from Ramon Road). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Santa Magic at The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert?
Lawn festivities free; photo with Santa $25. Santa Magic at The Gardens on El Paseo is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 2 pm at The Gardens on El Paseo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Cathedral City SnowFest in Cathedral City?
Free. Cathedral City SnowFest is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Downtown Cathedral City. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and Festival in Desert Hot Springs?
Free. City of Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade and Festival is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at City of Desert Hot Springs. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta?
Free. Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios is on Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026 at Old Town Artisan Studios. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet in Palm Desert?
Tickets from $59. The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026 at McCallum Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs?
Ticketed; kids 5 and under free; train ride, s'mores and food sold separately. Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum is on Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20 and Mon December 21, 2026, 6 to 9 pm at Palm Springs Air Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Snowed in at the Library in La Quinta?
Free. Snowed in at the Library is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10:30 am to 1 pm at La Quinta Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Palm Springs?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Palm Springs Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
