The Palm Springs Christmas parade brings the desert to life each December with sparkling holiday magic!
At APEK Rentals, we are excited to offer our guests the best view of this wonderful holiday event. This year, we made the ultimate guide to help you enjoy it even more.
Table of Contents
- Everything You Need to Know About the Palm Springs Christmas Parade
- Tips for Enjoying the Parade from APEK Rentals
- Wrapping Up Your Palm Springs Christmas Parade Experience
- Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About the Palm Springs Christmas Parade
The Palm Springs Christmas parade, officially known as the Festival of Lights Parade, transforms the desert into a winter wonderland every first Saturday in December.
This beloved holiday tradition has been lighting up downtown Palm Springs since the early 1990s, drawing over 100,000 spectators annually.
1. The Parade Route and Timing
The parade starts at 5:45 pm and travels along Palm Canyon Drive from Ramon Road to Tachevah Road. This 1.25-mile route showcases the best of holiday spirit with twinkling lights creating a magical night-time spectacle against the stunning backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Best Viewing: Prime spots fill up hours before the parade begins
Location: Palm Canyon Drive between Ramon Road and Tachevah Road
Start Time: 5:45 PM sharp
Parking: Arrive early as road closures and parking restrictions are in effect
2. Spectacular Parade Highlights
This isn’t your ordinary Christmas parade! The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade features incredible displays that rival major city parades. You’ll see magnificent illuminated floats decorated with thousands of colorful holiday lights, creating a dazzling display that lights up the desert night.
The parade showcases giant Macy’s-style balloons floating above the crowd, bringing larger-than-life inflatable characters to downtown Palm Springs.
Special Features:
- Grand Marshals: Past years have featured celebrities like Nancy Sinatra
- Signature Floats: Creative designs with thousands of twinkling lights
- Budweiser Clydesdales: These majestic horses have been parade favorites
- Disney Characters: Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Snoopy and the Gang often appear
- Santa Claus: Old Saint Nick himself makes a special appearance!
3. Community Spirit and Local Performers
The parade celebrates amazing community spirit with local participating groups. Talented marching bands from across the Coachella Valley bring festive energy, while performing groups showcase the region’s incredible talent. Volunteers work tirelessly to make this family-friendly event possible.
The parade featured bands from schools across Southern California, in previous years included:
- Palm Springs High School Spirit of the Sands Marching Band
- Coachella Valley Mighty Marching Arabs
- Desert Hot Springs High School
- Rancho Mirage High School Rattler Regiment
4. Live Broadcast Coverage
Can’t make it in person? The parade receives live broadcast coverage from NBC Palm Springs and Univision Palm Springs, reaching over 300,000 households. This wide coverage helps families across the region enjoy the holiday tradition from home.
5. Awards and Recognition
The Palm Springs Christmas parade has earned national recognition, being voted one of the Top Ten Holiday Parades in the country by AOL. It’s consistently rated as one of the best local events in the Coachella Valley, making it a must-see holiday tradition.
Tips for Enjoying the Christmas Parade from APEK Rentals
As your local vacation rental experts, we’ve helped countless guests experience this magical holiday event. Here are our insider tips for making the most of your Palm Springs Christmas parade experience:
Arrive Early for the Best Spots
Crowds start gathering hours before the 5:45 pm start time. We recommend arriving by 3:00 pm to secure a prime viewing spot along Palm Canyon Drive.
Dress for Desert December Weather
Even in the desert, December evenings can get chilly. Bring layers to stay comfortable throughout the evening. Our Palm Springs vacation rentals provide the perfect base to freshen up before heading out.
Bring Chairs or Blankets
Make your evening comfortable by bringing portable chairs or blankets to claim your viewing spot. Many families turn this into a delightful evening picnic!
Consider Public Transportation
With parking restrictions and road closures, consider carpooling or using alternative transportation.
Explore Local Dining and Shopping
Make a full evening of it! Before the parade, explore the local dining scene or browse the unique boutiques along Palm Canyon Drive. Our guests love discovering the midcentury modern charm of downtown Palm Springs.
More Tips for the Christmas Parade in Palm Springs
Wrapping Up Your Palm Springs Christmas Parade Experience
The Palm Springs Christmas parade offers an unforgettable way to celebrate the holiday season in our beautiful desert oasis. From the spectacular illuminated floats and giant helium balloons to the festive marching bands and special guest appearances, this magical event captures the true spirit of the holidays.
Ready to experience the Palm Springs Christmas parade from the comfort of our luxury vacation rentals? Book your stay today and create unforgettable holiday memories in the desert!
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Palm Springs Christmas parade?
The Palm Springs Christmas parade starts at 5:45 pm on the first Saturday in December. The parade travels along Palm Canyon Drive from Ramon Road to Tachevah Road, featuring twinkling lights, marching bands, giant holiday balloons, and a special visit from Santa Claus!
What happened at the Palm Springs Christmas parade?
The Palm Springs Christmas parade is a spectacular annual event that amazes spectators with its incredible displays. You’ll witness stunning illuminated floats, talented marching bands, giant Macy’s-style balloons, and special performances. The parade also features motorcycle demonstrations and crowd-pleasing entertainment that creates lasting holiday memories.
Do they still do the Christmas parade?
Yes! The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade continues as a beloved annual tradition every first Saturday in December. This spectacular event has been lighting up downtown Palm Springs since the early 1990s and remains one of the most popular holiday celebrations in the Coachella Valley.
Are there other holiday events during my Palm Springs visit?
Absolutely! Palm Springs offers many Christmas celebrations throughout December, including holiday markets, tree lighting ceremonies, and special seasonal shows. Our vacation rental team can help you plan the perfect holiday getaway with access to all the festive activities.
