Event Dates
From: Thursday, December 3, 2026
To: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Palm Springs Festival of Lights 2026
The Palm Springs Festival of lights is one of the most magical events in this gay capital!
Palm Springs Festival of Lights 2026
The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade brings illuminated floats, giant balloons, marching bands and thousands of spectators to Palm Canyon Drive for one of the city’s biggest Christmas traditions.
- Stay at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, right in Downtown Palm Springs and within walking distance of the parade route and Arenas Road gay bars.
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
- Next Event: Thursday, December 3, 2026.
- 34th annual parade starts at 5.45pm.
- This event is free and no ticket is required.
- The parade travels north along Palm Canyon Drive from Ramon Road to Tachevah Road.
- Expect illuminated floats, marching bands, giant helium balloons, equestrian entries and performing groups.
- Santa traditionally closes the parade.
- Around 80 entries typically participate.
- Arrive at least an hour before the start if you want a good position along Palm Canyon Drive.
- The parade is broadcast live on NBC Palm Springs from 6pm.
- The 2027 parade returns on Saturday 4th December 2027.
- Check out the 10 best hotels in Palm Springs.
The Parade Route
- The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade begins at Palm Canyon Drive and Ramon Road at 5.45pm.
- It travels north through Downtown Palm Springs before finishing at Tachevah Road.
- The route runs for approximately 1.25 miles, passing directly through the heart of downtown.
- For easy access to Arenas Road after the parade, watch from the southern section of Palm Canyon Drive between Ramon Road and Tahquitz Canyon Way.
- The event attracts large crowds, so arrive early and expect road closures around Downtown Palm Springs.
What to Expect
- The parade has been a Palm Springs Christmas tradition since the early 1990s.
- Its signature attractions are the illuminated floats and giant helium balloons, joined by marching bands, drum squads, drill teams, equestrian groups and community organisations.
- Past editions have featured the Budweiser Clydesdales, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Snoopy and other large character balloons. Individual participants change each year, so these should not be treated as confirmed for 2026 until the final parade lineup is released.
- Santa Claus traditionally provides the Christmas finale.
Christmas Weekend in Palm Springs
- Make a weekend of the parade rather than treating it as a single evening trip.
- Downtown Palm Springs is decorated for the holidays throughout December, with seasonal events, entertainment and Christmas displays across the city.
- On Sunday 6th December, the City of Palm Springs hosts Snapshots with Santa at Downtown Park.
- December is one of the best times for exploring Palm Springs on foot, with cooler daytime temperatures and busy evenings around Palm Canyon Drive and Arenas Road.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
Stay Downtown if you’re visiting for the parade. You’ll be able to walk to Palm Canyon Drive and continue to the Arenas Road gay bars after the final float passes.
- Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs – Best for the parade. Contemporary downtown hotel with a rooftop pool and mountain views, steps from Palm Canyon Drive.
- Holiday House Palm Springs – Best boutique stay. Adults-only hotel with a pool and relaxed mid-century style, close to the southern section of the parade route.
- La Serena Villas – Best for a romantic stay. Adults-only villas with a pool, spa and rooftop bar, a short walk from Palm Canyon Drive.
- The Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows – Best for a luxury escape. Adults-only hotel with a pool, spa and stylish bungalows at the northern end of Downtown Palm Springs.
Gay Palm Springs – After the Parade
Arenas Road is just a couple of blocks east of Palm Canyon Drive, making it the obvious destination once the parade finishes.
- Hunters – 302 E Arenas Road. One of the busiest gay bars in Palm Springs, with DJs, dancing, go-go guys and a large patio.
- Chill Bar – 217 E Arenas Road. Gay bar and nightclub with a front lounge, patio and larger dance space at the back.
- Blackbook – 315 E Arenas Road. LGBTQ+ cocktail bar serving burgers, hot chicken and its signature Palm Springs-style nachos. A good choice if you want food with your first drinks.
- QUADZ – 200 S Indian Canyon Drive. Gay video bar known for show tunes, music videos, karaoke and a relaxed crowd.
- Streetbar – 224 E Arenas Road. Long-running gay neighbourhood bar with a casual atmosphere and strong local following.
- Tool Shed – 600 E Sunny Dunes Road. Palm Springs’ long-running leather and Levi gay bar, with a cruisier male crowd and regular themed nights.
Palm Springs Festival of Lights 2027
The parade follows its traditional first-Saturday-in-December schedule.
Edition Date 2026 Saturday 5th December 2027 Saturday 4th December Official Website
Check the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade website for the final parade lineup, road closures and visitor information.
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.
Address: 888, East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
- Resort-style base with a palm-ringed pool, cabanas, and mountain views.
- Modern rooms, comfy beds, and a lobby bar plus poolside service.
- Gym on site; paid parking; easy step to downtown fun.
- LGBTQ-friendly crowd year-round; a relaxed hub for Pride or a sunny weekend. Website
Address: 400 E Tahquitz Canyon WayPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Resort-style Hilton with a large pool deck, cabanas, hot tubs, and mountain views.
- Clean rooms in desert tones; many with balconies or patios; suites for extra space.
- Lobby bar, casual dining, poolside service, solid gym, and friendly crews.
- LGBTQ-welcoming base near the action; easy pick for Pride or a sunny weekend. Website
Address: 227 N Indian Canyon DrPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Adults-only boutique with a pool courtyard, hot tub, and on-site spa.
Cozy rooms with fireplaces in select categories; breakfast included
Free self-parking and a walk-to-everything downtown location.
Queer-friendly base steps from Arenas Road bars and Pride weekend action. Website
Address: 175 S Cahuilla RdPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Historic casitas around citrus gardens with two serene pools
- Design-led rooms; many with patios, kitchenettes, fireplaces, and soaking tubs.
- Light breakfast, bikes, and easy self-parking; a calm, central base.
- LGBTQ-welcoming hideaway, steps from Arenas nightlife yet blissfully quiet. Website
Address: 68369 Sunair RdCathedral City, CA 92234
- Men-only, clothing-optional resort with a big pool, hot tubs, and palm-shaded courtyards. Social by day, cruisy after dark;
- steam/sauna and dedicated play spaces on site.
- Rooms run from basic to suite-style with kitchenettes; renovated options available.
- Consent-led, friendly crowd; built for sun, swims, and easy meet-ups.
- Website
Address: 217 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Pop-forward gay hub with a big bar, a real dance spot, and a breezy patio.
- Frozen favorites and house cocktails with early happy-hour deals.
- Drag showcases, DJ pop nights, and viewing parties keep it playful.
- Welcoming mix of locals and visitors; easy launch point for a full Arenas run.
- Open: Daily 11am-2am
- Website
Address: 302 E Arenas RdPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Generous pours at twin bars, with frozen favorites and early deals.
Video walls, big floor, and a patio to cool off between tracks.
DJs swing from chart pop to throwbacks; drag spotlights pop up.
Friendly queer crowd—great for groups, date nights, or a solo spin. - Open: Monday to Wednesday 11am-11pm,
- Thursday to Sunday 10am-2am,
Address: 315 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Cocktails with range and a deep whiskey list; quick pours at the rail.
- Lounge-plus-patio built for people-watching and pre-game chat.
- Smash burgers, hot chicken, tacos, and vegan picks
- Proudly queer crowd and friendly crews—an easy anchor for an Arenas run.
- Open Daily 12pm-12am
- Website
Address: 68718 E Palm Canyon Dr #203, Cathedral City, CA 92234
- Welcoming lounge with nightly shows.
Karaoke, piano nights, guest singers.
Strong cocktails, fair prices, patio.
Easy central spot in Cat City. - Open: Monday–Friday 2pm–2am, Saturday–Sunday 12pm–2am
- Website
Address: 541 Industrial Pl E, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
- Men-only indoor sex club with card-only entry and late-night sessions.
- Front-desk check-in, lockers, social bar up front, darker play zones
Consent and privacy are core; no cash or substances on site. - Solid pick for cruisers and newcomers wanting a clean, straightforward setup.
- Open: Monday Tuesday closed Wednesday 10am-3pm 9pm-2am
- Tuesday Friday 7pm-3am Saturday Sunday 6pm-3am
- Website
Address: 125 E Tahquitz Canyon Way #102, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Karaoke-first gay lounge with camp anthems and big sing-alongs.
- Compact room, bar-front banter, and hosts who keep it fun.
- Generous pours, frozen favorites, and easy happy-hour deals.
- Queer crowd with welcoming vibes—prime warm-up before the strip’s dance spots.
- Open: Wednesday to Saturday 4pm-1.30am
- Sunday, Monday & Tuesday 8pm-1.30am
- Website
Address: 200 S Indian Canyon DrPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Music-video hub with drag pop-ups, karaoke, and sing-along peaks.
- Wide bar, screens everywhere, and a patio to reset between sets.
- Generous pours and early happy-hour deals keep the tab friendly.
- Proudly queer crowd with visitors in the mix; easy for an Arenas run.
- Open: Daily 2pm-2am, Sunday 1pm-1am
- Website
Address: 301 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
- Easygoing men-leaning bar with fast pours and a friendly rail.
- Patio seats with misters; inside stays social, not club-loud.
- Daily drink specials keep the tab kind.
- Welcoming queer crowd; a smooth launch point on Arenas.
- Open: Daily 11am-2am Saturday & Sunday 6am-2am
- Website
Address: 600 E Sunny Dunes RdPalm Springs, CA 92264
- Leather-led bar with a social patio, pool table, and fast pours.
- Beer busts, underwear or gear themes, and cigar meetups set the rhythm.
- Cold beer and sturdy long drinks at friendly prices.
- Men-forward crowd; easy place to mingle, flirt, and gear up.
- Open: Daily 10am-2am
- Website
Address: 2100 N Palm Canyon DrPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Drag powerhouse with tiki kitsch, two bars, and a real dance floor.
- Resident cast plus guest queens, Latin sessions, and pop-heavy DJ nights.
- Tiki cocktails and frozen crowd-pleasers with quick service.
- Proudly queer crowd with visitors in the mix; prime for birthdays and date nights.
- Open: Daily 5pm-2am (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday)
- Website
Address: 224 E Arenas RdPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Neighborhood gay bar with a long counter and a misted patio.
- Straight-up cocktails, cold beer, and wallet-kind daily specials.
- Pop videos, karaoke nights, and social energy over club noise.
- Local staple with an open, men-leaning crowd
- Open: Daily 10am-2am
Address: 125 E Tahquitz Canyon Way #108, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Drag-forward courtyard party with tasty comfort plates and fruity cocktails.
- Big vocals, camp banter, and tribute nights keep the stage busy.
- Mimosa towers at brunch; fast service when the patio is packed.
- Proudly queer crowd with visitors in tow—great for birthdays and date nights.
- Open: Daily 4pm-9pm Sunday 3pm-7pm
- Website
Address: 67555 E Palm Canyon DrCathedral City, CA 92234
- Martinis, frozen rounds, and happy-hour prices set you up.
- Lounge room with video screens, bar-front chat, and a small stage.
- Karaoke, piano nights, drag bingo, and show-tune blocks keep it lively.
- Queer crowd with visitors in the mix—easy base for couples, friends, and solo drop-ins.
- Open: Friday Saturday 2pm-12am Sunday & Thursday 2pm-11pm
- Monday to Wednesday 2pm-10pm
- Website
Address: 224 N Palm Canyon DrPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Strong martinis, frozen favorites, and friendly prices.
- Compact lounge with a long bar and easy banter.
- Pop-video vibe with karaoke or themed sets in the mix.
- Proudly queer crowd; a relaxed anchor for an Arenas bar run.
- Open Daily 5pm-2am
- Website
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
4 Star, Great Pool
- 4-star, Great pool, downtown location
- Close to the gay district
- Private bathroom, plush bathrobes
- Chic urban oasis with rooftop pool, mountain views.
The Colony Palms
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, downtown, stunning views
- Close to the gay district
- Pillow-top mattresses, Frette linens
- Offers luxury spa, mountain-view pool, and fine dining in a central location.
Andreas Hotel & Spa
3 Star, Great Location
- 3-star, adults only, central location
- Close to the gay district
- Free breakfast, courtyard
- Provides a tranquil adults-only experience with spa services and a central Palm Springs location.
Casa Cody
3 Star, Readers Choice
- 3-star, historic inn, lush gardens
- Close to the gay district
- Air-conditioned, inspired decor
- Historic inn with adobe architecture, serene garden views and close to local attractions.
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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