Bring on the Holiday Cheer in La Quinta & Greater Palm Springs

Photo courtesy La Quinta Resort & Club

Feeling a little stressed? We’ve got the perfect antidote to the frenetic pace of the holiday season: Escape to PGA WEST® in La Quinta for a relaxing holiday golf getaway. Here at PGA WEST, we’re all about celebrating the season at a slower pace. Play a few rounds of golf on our iconic PGA WEST championship golf courses; enjoy seasonal cocktails and exceptional dining at PGA WEST amid spectacular views, as well as hassle-free shopping in the Golf Shop and nearby stores and boutiques at La Quinta Resort & Club and Old Town La Quinta. Below, a quick look at a few of our favorite winter holiday activities/attractions near PGA WEST.

What: City of La Quinta Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: Friday, December 1, 6-8 p.m.

Why Go: The City of La Quinta officially kicks off the December holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony amid the gorgeous setting of La Quinta Civic Center Park. Santa will be there, and the festivities are free and open to all.

Christmas caroling at La Quinta Resort & Club

What: La Quinta Resort & Club Holiday Events
When: Through January 1, 2024

Why Go: For nearly a century, this famed La Quinta California luxury resort has drawn multiple generations to celebrate the holiday season. It’s said that frequent guest Frank Capra—a director, producer and screenwriter—actually penned the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life from the inner sanctum of his private La Quinta Resort & Club casita. La Quinta Resort & Club ushers in the holiday season with a variety of fun-filled activities. These include cooking demonstrations, holiday movies on the lawn, breakfast with Santa, Spa La Quinta holiday specials, and Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners. Celebrate the holidays this December at La Quinta Resort & Club.

What: Magic of Lights® at Empire Polo Club in Indio
When: Through December 31, 2023

Why Go: The Magic of Lights® drive-through holiday lights spectacular illuminates Indio’s Empire Polo Club through December 31st. This dazzling holiday event features favorite holiday scenes and larger than life displays with LED technology and digital animation. All ages will enjoy this multisensory holiday wonderland. Highlights include the 32-foot-tall animated Waving Christmas Barbie®, Prehistoric Christmas, and much more. Purchase a Magic of Lights® vehicle pass here.

An enduring holiday tradition at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

What: WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
When: Through December 30, 2023

Why Go: A desert yuletide classic, this 1,800-acre preserve transforms its vast grounds into a veritable winter wonderland complete with thousands of twinkling lights and larger-than-life animated displays. Be sure to board the tram that winds around the park for an awesome kaleidoscopic experience. All ages will appreciate a host of fun holiday-themed activities including carousel rides, Tunnel of Lights, entertaining animal shows, and, of course, a visit with Santa. Get warm and toasty with s’mores and hot chocolate by a roaring fire. WildLights is held on select evenings through the holidays; be sure to check the schedule before you go. WildLights at The Living Desert details and tickets.

What: Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta
When: December 2, 9 and 16

Why Go: For three Saturdays in December, Old Town Artisan Studios transforms its welcoming three-acre campus into Gingerbread Lane, a free family-friendly event that is open to the public. Festivities taking place at the fifth annual event include cookie decorating and clay ornament painting, refreshments, and scheduled holiday music and dance performances. Discover Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios.

What: Indian Wells Winterfest
When: December 2 through January 1, 2024

Why Go: Now in its second year, Indian Wells Winterfest at the Indian Wells Golf Resort has something for everyone! This extended celebration takes place evenings throughout December and includes a variety of holiday-inspired festivities—themed roller skating to music, Tuesday night holiday movie screenings, and Shots in the Night Golf are simply a few of the exciting experiences that await area visitors and residents. Indian Wells Winterfest.

The Club at PGA WEST® and The Citrus Club host a variety of fun and festive holiday events for Members throughout the holiday season. Members can visit their Club websites for information and reservations, or download both Clubs’ easy-to-use mobile apps available on the App Store for iPhone and Google Play for Android users.

Discover more holiday activities and attractions in Greater Palm Springs!

The Living Desert photo courtesy VisitGreaterPalmSprings.com