Things To Do In Palm Springs In December

Okay, so you’re thinking about Palm Springs in December. Smart move. While the rest of the country is buried in snow, this quirky desert town is basically winking at the sun, saying, “I’ve got this.” The air is crisp, but not freezing—perfect for shorts and a light jacket.

Soaking in the Weird and Wonderful Weather

Forget shoveling your driveway. Here, December means high 60s and low 70s. Is that warm? No. Is it glorious? Absolutely. You can hike in the morning and feel the sun on your face without sweating like a popsicle.

It’s the Goldilocks zone of winter escapes. Not too hot, not too cold—just right for sitting outside with a taco and a margarita.

Modernism Week (The Best Geometry Lesson Ever)

If you’ve never seen a house that looks like a spaceship, December is your chance. Modernism Week usually kicks off with a “Fall Preview” in October, but the vibe lingers. You can still take tours of those legendary mid-century homes.

Why is this cool? Because walking through a steel-and-glass house with a shag carpet feels like time-traveling to a Mad Men episode. Plus, the retro architecture makes your Instagram feed look impossibly chic.

The Silent Nightlife (But in a Good Way)

December in Palm Springs isn’t about wild clubs; it’s about lounge culture. Think fire pits, string lights, and a guy playing a guitar so softly you can hear the coyotes howl in the distance. Why rush? The desert teaches you to slow down.

Cocktail bars like Bootlegger Tiki serve tropical drinks that make you forget it’s “winter.” It’s like pretending you’re on a Hawaiian island, but the mountains are dusty and pink at sunset.

Christmas in Palm Springs | Things to Do During the Holidays | Cactus Hugs

Hiking Without the Drama

Summer hiking in Palm Springs is basically a survival challenge. December hiking? It’s a joyride. Try the Indian Canyons—towering palm oases that feel like a secret Jurassic Park. The paths are empty, and the air smells like sage and dirt.

You don’t need to be a mountaineer. Even the easy trails give you views that make you go, “Wait, is this real?” It’s nature’s way of giving you a high-five.

Festival of Lights Parade (aka Glitter Overload)

On the first Saturday of December, the whole town turns into a glowing rainbow. The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is a massive, glittery spectacle. There are horses in tinsel, classic cars, and floats throwing candy.

It’s cheesy. It’s loud. And it’s absolutely impossible to watch without smiling. Kids scream, old couples hold hands, and the palm trees are lit up like they’re auditioning for a Vegas show.

Son Of A Nutcracker, It’s December In Palm Springs! | Palm Springs

Eating Outside (Because You Can)

This is the real reason to visit. In December, every restaurant patio is open. You can eat al fresco without the wind blowing sand in your face. Try El Mirasol for enchiladas under the stars.

Compare that to a snowy February back home—where your pizza delivery is late and your toes are cold just from thinking about the mailbox. Here, dinner feels like a permanent vacation.

A Final Thought: Why Bother?

So why go to Palm Springs in December? Because it’s a reset button. You trade slush for sunshine, chaos for calm, and deadlines for desert silence. It’s a little bit weird, a little bit retro, and entirely your own.

Plus, you get to come home and tell everyone, “I went swimming on Christmas morning.” That’s a pretty good flex, right?