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Palm Springs Festival of Lights 2026

The Palm Springs Festival of lights is one of the most magical events in this gay capital!

  • Event Dates

    From: Thursday, December 3, 2026
    To: Sunday, December 6, 2026

  • Key Highlights

    • Marching bands
    • Festival of Lights
    • Men on horseback
    • Performing groups
    • Santa and Mrs. Claus
    • Snoopy and the Gang
    • Budweiser Clydesdales
    • Mickey and Minnie Mouse
    • More than 100,000 people

Palm Springs Festival of Lights 2026

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.

The Festival

  • Next Edition: Thursday 3rd December to Sunday 6th December.
  • What began as a parade has now transformed into a 4-day weekend festival, celebrating the start of the Christmas season in Palm Springs, complete with a village festival, seasonal breakfast meet-ups, Christmas Tree lighting and more.
  • The main parade takes place on the Saturday of the weekend.
  • Full program to be confirmed.

The Parade Route

  • Next edition: Saturday 5th December, 2026 – 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!

Other Events

  • Next Edition: Thursday 3rd December to Sunday 6th December – A host of events take place in the days leading up to the festival.
  • Use the following as a guide. Full program to be confirmed:
  • Events include the Villagefest in Downtown Palm Springs, kicking off on Thursday.
  • Don't miss Breakfast with Santa, a delightful breakfast event for families on Saturday.
  • Events end on Sunday with the Holiday Banner Awards & Tree Lighting Ceremony, awards presentation and tree lighting at Frances Stevens Park, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • End your weekend with a snapshot with Santa, take photos and make memories at Downtown Park, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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

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,  
  • Facebook

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
  • Facebook

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

Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel
Booking.com
  • 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

Booking.com
  • 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

Andreas Hotel & Spa
Booking.com
  • 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

Casa Cody
Booking.com
  • 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

The Colony Hotel

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

Downtown Palm Springs
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

Tahquitz River Estates Palm Springs

4-minute drive from Arenas Road with a relaxed vibe,  superb adults-only resorts and famous pool parties.

Palm Desert

Palm Desert Palm Springs
20-minute drive from Arenas Road with several upscale boutiques, art galleries, and beautiful public art.

Cathedral City

Cathedral City Palm Springs

A 10-minute drive from Arenas Road and home to the world Famous gay parties at the Barracks complex

Indian Wells

Indian Wells Palm Springs
The destination for the desert's most luxurious resorts and spas, offering top-notch amenities and services.

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