Event Dates
From: Saturday, December 2, 2023
To: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Palm Springs Festival of Lights 2023
The Palm Springs Festival of lights is one of the most magical events in this gay capital!
Palm Springs Festival of Lights 2023
The Palm Springs Festival of Lights takes place each year on the first Saturday in December. It is the perfect way to kick start your Christmas and escape the cold with highs of 21 degrees (70 F) in December.
- Palm Springs is a popular escape in December. Book your trip early. Stay at the Palm Springs Hotel, just 3 minutes drive from downtown with a large pool, hip decor, hot tub and warm welcome.
The Parade Route
- The parade starts at 5.45pm and we recommend you grab your spot on the route early (about an hour before) on Palm Canyon Drive, between Ramon and Tamarisk road – for the best views of the floats.
- The parade is free and the city is full for the weekend. Parking restrictions and road closures are in place so plan your arrival early.
- Around 80 or so floats make their way through the city, including drummer bands, men on horseback and other crazy combinations all hoping to win the competition for best band or best float.
- Over the past 24 years, the parade has featured a host of marching bands, performing groups as well as the Budweiser Clydesdales, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Snoopy and the Gang – and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus!
- More than 100,000 people visit the city for the festival of lights. The parade’s signature floats adorned in thousands of colorful holiday lights and huge Macy’s-style balloons that keeps the crowds coming back for more!
Where to stay in Palm Springs?
The following hotels are close to the parade and to Palm Springs gay bars on Arenas Road :
Andreas Hotel & Spa, Hilton Palm Springs, Alcazar Palm Springs, Casa Cody
Save on Hotels
Hotels Fill up Fast so plan early!
Book now and on pay arrival.
Where we stay!
The Colony Palms is charming & has
a great pool and offers great value
Official Website
For further information and advice on
The Festival of Lights, Website
Gay Map of Palm Springs
Palm Springs has a number of gay bars and clubs most of which are located around Canyon Drive in down town area.
Recommended Hotels in Palm Springs By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Palm Springs that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Kimpton Rowan
Great Pool, 4 Star
- Free WiFi
- Free Parking
- Pets Allowed
- Swimming Pool
- 24-Hour Front Desk
The Colony Palms
4 Star, Great Value
- Free WiFi
- Pets Allowed
- Swimming Pool
- Hot Tub/Jacuzzi
- Spa & Wellness Centre
Andreas Hotel & Spa
3 Star, Great Location
- Swimming Pool
- Tea/Coffee Maker
- Daily Housekeeping
- 24-Hour Front Desk
- Spa & Wellness Centre
Casa Cody
3 Star, Readers Choice
- Hot Tub
- Free Parking
- Pets Allowed
- Swimming Pool
- Spa & Wellness Centre
Video Of Palm Springs Festival of Lights
Video highlights from the Palm Springs Festival of Lights
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Palm Springs
Palm Springs, an oasis in the California desert, has long been an LGBTQ+ haven, drawing visitors with its warm climate, iconic mid-century architecture, and welcoming vibe. Many neighbourhoods have a significant gay presence, but Arenas Road is undeniably the heart of the city’s gay scene.
Downtown | Arenas Road
Photo: Andreas Road is close to some of the best gay resorts in Palm Springs
- Arenas Road, once just a regular street, started its transformation into a gay hotspot in the 1980s and hasn’t looked back since.
- From bars and clubs to restaurants and shops, it’s the pulsating heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene and close to the city’s best hotels and resorts.
- The street also plays host to large open-air events during Halloween and Palm Springs Pride.
- Discover the best things to see and do in the Palm Springs
Tahquitz River Estates
4-minute drive from Arenas Road with a relaxed vibe, superb adults-only resorts and famous pool parties.
Palm Desert
20-minute drive from Arenas Road with several upscale boutiques, art galleries, and beautiful public art.
Cathedral City
A 10-minute drive from Arenas Road and home to the world Famous gay parties at the Barracks complex
Indian Wells
The destination for the desert’s most luxurious resorts and spas, offering top-notch amenities and services.
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