It’s the happiest time of the year! Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, and Christmas will be here before you know it. You might be looking for some festive events to get you in the holiday spirit, but times are tough. Everyone is looking to save a few dollars. Read on for some holiday things to do in the desert that are guaranteed to not put a strain on your wallet.
Gingerbread Lane is One of Many Free Things to Do in the Desert
Enter a world of magical gingerbread delights at Old Town Artisan’s Studio’s Gingerbread Lane in La Quinta. Their 3-acre art campus transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, jolly displays and a marquee 17-foot Christmas tree next to their holiday cottage. Sip on apple cider and munch on gingerbread cookies, decorate cookies and clay ornaments and enjoy performances from local youth organizations throughout the afternoon. There are plenty of photo ops too. Taking place on November 26 and December 3, 10 and 17 from 12:00pm to 6:00 pm. This event is free.
Indian Wells Winterfest Offers a Variety of Holiday Things to Do
Starting with the Tree Lighting on November 18, Winterfest offers a full schedule of holiday things to do through December 30. One of the highlights of this new holiday tradition is the outdoor ice skating rink. Spin around the ice under palm trees and dazzling lights. Reservations are required, and the cost is $20 for adults, $15 for kids plus a $10 skate rental. Free or practically free events include cookie and ornament decorating, smore making and holiday movies.
Merry Movie Nights is One of Many Practically Free Holiday Things to Do
Take in an outdoor holiday movie at Merry Movie Nights at The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert. Happening Saturday evenings from November 26 through December 17, bundle up and bring your blanket or low-back chair for an evening of holiday merriment. Featured movies are Elf, Prep and Landing, The Grinch and Santa Clause 2. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for kids. Children 2 and under are free. Leashed dogs are allowed.
The Festival of Lights Parade is a Free Holiday Thing to Do
Who doesn’t love a parade? Palm Springs is holding its annual Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 3, at 5:45pm. This much-loved holiday affair winds down Palm Canyon Drive through downtown. See marching bands, floats adorned in thousands of colorful lights, performing groups and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Get there early for a great spot to watch the festivities.
Magic of Lights is a New Holiday Thing to Do
Magic of Lights at the Empire Polo Club in Indio is a new holiday-themed event in the valley. Drive through a mile of spectacular light displays where your favorite holiday scenes and characters come to life. Don’t miss Christmas Barbie, the Bigfoot Monster Truck or the giant dinosaurs on your glittering journey. Tickets start at $25 and are for the whole car, not per person, so load up your friends and family. Magic of Lights is taking place November 18 through January 1 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm daily.
What is your favorite holiday thing to do in the desert? Let me know in the comment section below.
Looking for something to do over Thanksgiving? Click here to read my blog 5 Reasons to Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Desert.