Palm Springs Christmas Lights Display Guide

The festive season is just around the corner, and Palm Springs is gearing up to dazzle its residents and visitors with its spectacular Christmas lights display. If you're looking for a fun and magical way to get into the holiday spirit, look no further than Palm Springs. From twinkling palm trees to elaborately decorated homes, the city transforms into a winter wonderland each year. In this article, we'll guide you through the best Palm Springs Christmas lights displays, including the most popular neighborhoods, events, and attractions.

The History of Christmas Lights in Palm Springs

Palm Springs has a long history of festive holiday celebrations, dating back to the 1920s. The city's famous Christmas lights display has evolved over the years, with local residents and businesses competing to create the most elaborate and spectacular displays. Today, the city's holiday lights are a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Best Neighborhoods to See Christmas Lights in Palm Springs

1. Movie Colony: This historic neighborhood is a must-visit during the holiday season. Its picturesque streets are lined with beautifully decorated homes, each one more stunning than the last.
2. Old Las Palmas: This charming neighborhood is known for its festive holiday displays, with many homes featuring elaborate lights and decorations.
3. Andreas Hills: This upscale neighborhood is a great place to see some of the city's most impressive holiday displays, with many homes featuring custom-designed lights and decorations.

Top Events and Attractions

1. WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens: This popular event features over a million lights, as well as live music, animal encounters, and festive food and drink.
2. Holiday Lights Parade: This annual parade takes place in early December and features festively decorated floats, marching bands, and of course, plenty of holiday lights.
3. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: This annual event takes place in downtown Palm Springs and features the lighting of a giant Christmas tree, as well as live music, food, and drink.

Tips for Visiting Palm Springs Christmas Lights Displays

1. Plan ahead: Many of the city's holiday lights displays can be viewed from late November to early January, but the peak viewing period is usually mid-December to Christmas Eve.
2. Take a self-guided tour: Many of the city's neighborhoods offer self-guided tours of their holiday lights displays. Grab a map and take a stroll through the neighborhood to see the lights up close.
3. Attend a holiday event: Palm Springs hosts a range of holiday events throughout the season, from parades to tree lighting ceremonies. Attend one of these events to get into the holiday spirit.

Popular Palm Springs Christmas Lights Displays

In addition to the neighborhoods and events mentioned above, there are several popular Palm Springs Christmas lights displays that are worth checking out. Some of the most popular displays include:

1. The Palm Springs Art Museum's Festival of Lights: This annual event features a festive lights display, as well as live music, food, and drink.
2. The Desert Botanical Garden's Las Noches de las Luminarias: This event features a stunning lights display, as well as live music, food, and drink.
3. The Palm Springs Air Museum's Holiday Lights Display: This event features a festive lights display, as well as a visit from Santa Claus.

Getting Around Palm Springs During the Holiday Season

Getting around Palm Springs during the holiday season can be a bit challenging, especially on weekends and during peak viewing hours. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the city:

1. Use public transportation: Palm Springs has a public transportation system that includes buses and a downtown shuttle. Consider using public transportation to get around the city.
2. Ride-sharing services: Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available in Palm Springs.
3. Parking: Parking can be a challenge in Palm Springs during the holiday season. Consider parking in a designated parking lot or garage.

Accommodations in Palm Springs During the Holiday Season

If you're planning to visit Palm Springs during the holiday season, it's a good idea to book your accommodations well in advance. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Hotels: Palm Springs has a range of hotels to suit all budgets, from budget-friendly options like the Palm Springs Inn to luxury resorts like the Parker Palm Springs.
2. Vacation rentals: Consider renting a vacation home or condo through services like Airbnb or VRBO.
3. Resorts: Palm Springs is home to a range of resorts, including the Omni Rancho Las Palmas and the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.

We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan a fun and festive holiday trip to Palm Springs. Whether you're a local or just visiting, the city's Christmas lights displays are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.