Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get ready for a holiday adventure in Coachella! Our guide has all the exciting festive events and activities. For those who breathe Coachella air daily and those just sampling it, this guide unlocks seasonal wonders.
Popular events during the holiday season include the enchanting Magic of Lights Coachella Valley, where dazzling light displays illuminate the night. Holiday in the Park offers family-friendly activities and festive entertainment in an inviting atmosphere. And the Winter Fest OC is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a variety of winter-themed attractions and celebrations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Coachella Holiday Light Displays
Magic of Lights Coachella Valley
- What to Expect
- Drive-through holiday lights with life-sized dinosaurs and Holiday Barbie.
- Description
- Magic of Lights Coachella Valley is a drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over a mile of spectacular light displays, including life-sized dinosaurs and a larger-than-life Holiday Barbie display.
- Where
- Palm Springs | More Info : Magic of Lights Coachella Valley
WildLights at The Living Desert
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with over three million lights.
- Description
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens presents WildLights, featuring over three million dazzling lights, live nightly entertainment, and Instagram-worthy photo ops. Guests can stroll through the African Safari section, see iconic animals like rhinos and giraffes, and enjoy festive displays like the Tunnel of Lights and holiday-themed G-Scale model trains. Delectable wintertime treats and a full bar with beer, wine, and specialty cocktails are available for guests 21 and older.
- Where
- Palm Desert | More Info : WildLights at The Living Desert
Holiday Light Parade: Downtown
- What to Expect
- Holiday light parade with local food vendors and handmade gift market.
- Description
- The Holiday Light Parade in Downtown Beaumont features a festive procession of lights, accompanied by local food vendors and a holiday market offering handmade gifts and crafts. Santa and Mrs. Claus make free visits, and ice skating is available on a synthetic rink.
- Where
- Beaumont | More Info : Holiday Light Parade: Downtown
Holiday ‘WildLights’: Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light displays.
- Description
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens presents WildLights, featuring over three million dazzling lights, live nightly entertainment, and festive photo ops. Guests can stroll through the African Safari section, see iconic animals like rhinos and giraffes, and enjoy holiday-themed displays and activities.
- Where
- Palm Desert | More Info : Holiday ‘WildLights’: Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony & Santa: Shops On El Paseo
- What to Expect
- Santa and Mrs. Claus special appearance
- Description
- Join The Shops On El Paseo in Palm Desert, CA, for their annual Tree Lighting celebration. Enjoy dazzling decorations, delightful carolers, and Santa and Mrs. Claus making a special appearance. Immerse yourself in the sounds of the season and indulge in delicious seasonal treats while finding perfect gifts for your loved ones.
- Where
- Palm Desert | More Info : Annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony & Santa: Shops On El Paseo
Coachella Holiday Markets and Shopping
Altis Holiday Craft Fair
- What to Expect
- Local artisans presenting handmade, holiday-themed crafts.
- Description
- The Altis Holiday Craft Fair features local arts and crafts, including holiday-themed items, available for purchase. It is a community event showcasing creativity and unique homemade gifts.
- Where
- Beaumont | More Info : Altis Holiday Craft Fair
Coachella Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Desert Rose Playhouse ‘Christmas With The Crawfords’
- What to Expect
- "Campy and hilarious holiday musical with Joan Crawford and her family."
- Description
- "Desert Rose Playhouse presents 'Christmas With The Crawfords,' a campy and hilarious holiday musical featuring Joan Crawford and her family in a dysfunctional Christmas Eve celebration. The show is based on an actual 1949 interview and includes musical highlights and comedic performances."
- Where
- Palm Springs | More Info : Desert Rose Playhouse ‘Christmas With The Crawfords’
Coachella Other Holiday Activities
Annual Tamale Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of tamale culture, live music, and family-friendly entertainment.
- Description
- The Indio International Tamale Festival is a vibrant celebration of tamale culture, featuring a diverse array of traditional and creative tamale vendors, live music, dancing, and family-friendly entertainment. The event includes a Tamale Trail, live performances, and a Luchador Throwdown, making it a rich cultural experience for all attendees.
- Where
- Indio | More Info : Annual Tamale Festival
Holiday Craft Fair
- What to Expect
- Seasonal arts and crafts with Santa Claus visits.
- Description
- The Holiday Craft Fair at the local community center features seasonal arts and crafts, cookie decorating, and visits from Santa Claus.
- Where
- Indio | More Info : Holiday Craft Fair