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The lit reindeer beside cactus are the detail I remember from my holiday photos. The rooftop pool sits under grey skies in one frame and a clear mountain view in another. That is the packing problem in miniature: leave room for a canyon walk, a golf morning and dinner, rather than packing only for warm weather and Christmas lights.
Photo credit: J.Crew
Photo credit: Merrell
Photo credit: REI
Go straight to holiday dates, the canyon morning, the golf plan or dinner choices. The photos are from a past visit, not this year’s decorations; the restaurant and activity ideas are researched plans.
Palm Springs holiday guide: start with the right dates
The city’s official holiday season runs November 15, 2026, through January 3, 2027. If the parade is part of your trip, put Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 5:45 p.m. on the calendar. The Festival of Lights Parade FAQ confirms that date and time. A Christmas-week stay will miss the parade, so plan around the actual dates rather than treating every holiday event as a daily attraction.
I would leave one evening without a dinner deadline for a slow Palm Canyon Drive stroll. For more evening plans, browse The Living Desert’s current calendar.
What to wear: Palm Canyon Drive and holiday lights
Start with the white long-sleeve cotton tee. Add the black-and-white town sneakers shown after the canyon section and carry the black nylon tote. Bring a proper warm layer for an evening outdoors; a blazer alone may not be enough.
J.Crew new perfect-fit long-sleeve T-shirt in White
The thicker 100% cotton tee has a slim, waist-length fit and works on its own or under a knit. White gives the plaid blazer a simple base.
Tory Burch Ella Nylon Drawstring Tote in Black
The black nylon drawstring tote is the bag for the drive, hotel and Palm Canyon Drive browsing. Keep water and trail supplies in a separate daypack.
Shop the full collection: buy it here
A relaxed holiday weekend, without doing everything
On arrival day, settle in, walk downtown and save your energy for dinner. On the next morning, choose a canyon hike or a golf round rather than trying to squeeze both in before lunch. Keep the afternoon for Palm Canyon Drive browsing and the holiday lights, with time to rest between plans. A second full day gives the activity you skipped its own morning.
What to wear: arrival and a town afternoon
Pair the white tee with the plaid Mercer blazer. Add the town sneakers shown below. Rewear the same pieces for browsing rather than packing a new outfit for every stop.
Madewell Mercer Relaxed Blazer in Brown Black Plaid Multi
Madewell badges this relaxed two-button blazer as a best seller. Brown Black Plaid Multi works over the white tee with the black dinner trousers. The fabric is 60% recycled wool, 29% polyester, 8% polyamide and 3% other fibers, with a 29 3/4-inch body length. Dry clean.
Choose a canyon morning, not a race to the waterfall
The Indian Canyons are ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Their posted fall-to-spring hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with the last vehicle admitted at 4 p.m. Adult admission is paid. Hours and admission rates can change, and the page warns of busy periods and entry waits. Choose a route that suits the people walking, stay on marked trails and respect the land. No animals are allowed. For the specific walk, I would choose the Andreas Canyon Loop: a short canyon route with the palms and stream as the point of the morning, rather than a generic desert hike. Read the current trail notes and check the canyon conditions before setting out.
What to wear: Andreas Canyon Loop
Build the walking outfit around the Vermillion hiking shoes, Dusty Teal hiking socks, Dark Sand stretch pants and Dyno White technical hoody. Test the whole combination before travel and add a hat and weather-appropriate layer.
Vermillion Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX hiking shoes
Vermillion puts the coral-red trail shoe in its own part of the suitcase. This is Moab Speed 2 GTX, not the Moab 3 in the other desert guide. Try it with hiking socks and break it in before leaving.
Dusty Teal Smartwool Hike Low Ankle socks
The low-ankle merino blend sits beside the coral shoe. Test the height and fit inside that shoe and bring a spare pair; a review score cannot make the sock fit your foot.
Dyno White Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily hoody
Dyno White is the light technical layer for a walk and cool start, not a verified UPF-rated sun hoodie. Keep sunscreen and a hat in the plan.
Dark Sand Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants
Dark Sand gives the hiking outfit a neutral stretch trouser. Choose length and fit for movement with your actual shoes, and add a warmer layer when the forecast needs it.
Photo credit: Klean Kanteen
Photo credit: Peter Millar
Photo credit: Malbon
Tahquitz Canyon is another option, with cultural exhibits at its visitor center and a canyon known for a 60-foot waterfall. Waterfall flow is not something I would promise for a particular visit. Its posted winter hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last hiker starting at 3:30 p.m.; adult admission is paid; check the current rate. Water is required on the trail, no animals are allowed, and children under 18 must be with an adult. The named route is the Tahquitz Canyon Loop, listed at two miles with a 4.7-star average from 6,940 reviews. Reviewers call out the views but also the heat, exposed sections and steps. That makes an early start and an honest check of walking ability more useful than a waterfall promise.
What to wear: Tahquitz Canyon Loop
Use the same tested shoes, socks and trail clothing shown at the Andreas Canyon stop. Carry the Rockwall daypack and Sea Spray bottle, with enough additional water for the route. Apply SPF 50 sunscreen as directed, and use a hat, shade and a sensible start time.
Rockwall REI Co-op Flash 18 daypack
The compact Rockwall pack carries the kit for a shorter canyon morning. Eighteen liters does not guarantee room for every route’s water needs. Choose more support if your load calls for it.
Sea Spray Klean Kanteen 32-ounce TKWide bottle
The insulated Sea Spray TKWide has a Twist Cap and 32-ounce capacity. It is one bottle, not the whole water plan. Bring additional water and do not assume you can refill on the route.
Supergoop PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
The 5.5-ounce face-and-body sunscreen goes in the shared bathroom bag for golf and the canyon morning. Follow the label for application and reapplication. Clothing, shade and a sensible start time still matter.
For either morning, I would pack water, a sun layer, a hat, sunglasses, snacks and a charged phone, then choose the turnaround before setting off. A cool breakfast is not proof the whole walk will stay cool. Trail clothes should work for movement and coverage; dinner clothes can wait at the hotel.
What to wear: lunch back in town after the canyon
Change out of your hiking shoes into black-and-white low-top sneakers for Palm Canyon Drive and a casual meal. Rewear the white tee. The outfit below is for town, not the rocky canyon loop.
Veronica Beard Valentina sneaker in Black and White
Veronica Beard describes the suede-and-canvas Valentina as a best-selling style. A cushioned midsole gives a one-inch lift, with a rubber outsole. The brand recommends a half size down; try them before the trip and use the fit that works for your feet. Keep your tested hiking shoes for the canyon.
Golf: give the round its own morning
Escena Golf Club is a public, 18-hole Nicklaus Design course with mountain views and several tee choices. It is the option I would research for a golf morning followed by a meal at Escena Grill. Choose the tees for your game rather than the longest yardage. GolfPass player reviews average 4.8 stars from more than 1,200 reviews.
What to wear: Escena Golf Club
For the round, pair the black short-sleeve golf polo with the white golf skort and white and navy golf shoes. Add the rainwater quarter-zip golf layer for the first holes. The equipment below is separate from the outfit and optional if your rental supplies it.
A Golf Skort I Own in Two Colors
The three-pocket golf skort is another option for the golf suitcase. I own this in two colors. Pair it with a course-appropriate top and choose your favorite color. get it here.
Black Peter Millar short-sleeve button golf polo
Black starts the golf outfit cleanly. The short-sleeve button polo is a new style, not a pick with years of wear reviews.
White Peter Millar Sally golf skort
The white Sally skort pairs with the black polo without adding another bright color. This two-piece outfit and the cherry-rose dress are alternatives, not extra outfits you need to buy.
White and Navy FootJoy Traditions cap-toe spikeless golf shoes
This cap-toe pair belongs to the golf kit, not the hiking kit.
Rainwater Peter Millar Essential Perth golf layer
The Rainwater Essential Perth covers the first holes and a cool ride home without another dark layer. It is a golf layer, not a coat for a cold desert evening.
Pearl White FootJoy StaSof women’s golf glove
Choose the pearl white golf glove in your hand and size for your own grip. A familiar glove name does not make every size a fit.
White Malbon Tour M golf balls
Choose soft-feeling white golf balls if that is the feel you like, not because a product promises a lower score. Bring enough for the round and keep the equipment purchase separate from the outfit.
Cream and Sage Malbon Amongst The Cypress golf stand bag
The cream and sage golf stand bag is for travelers bringing their own clubs.
Indian Canyons Golf Resort offers North and South courses on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. Its site describes a South clubhouse serving breakfast and lunch, plus rental sets and demo clubs through the golf shops. I would start the comparison with the South Course, with more than 2,100 player reviews.
What to wear: Indian Canyons South Course
The cherry rose quarter-zip golf dress is an alternative to the polo-and-skirt outfit, not a second outfit you need to buy. Reuse the golf shoes and navy layer shown at Escena, choose fit and coverage for your game.
Cherry Rose Tail Suella 34-inch golf dress
Suella is the one-piece alternative, with a quarter-zip collar, double back flounce and matching shorties. Tail measures the 34-inch length in Medium.
For the golf suitcase, start with the course’s dress code, a collared top or suitable golf dress, a layer for the first holes and proper golf shoes. This edit mixes white, navy, cherry rose and dark green across brands. The accessories are optional additions, not a shopping list you need to buy in full.
What to wear: after the round, before dinner
After changing out of golf clothes, wear the white tee with the Natural cable-knit cardigan. Keep the black tote for the clubhouse and hotel, not another golf equipment purchase.
J.Crew cable-knit merino-wool-blend cardigan in Natural
This waist-length, classic-fit cardigan has a double-cable stitch and is 98% merino wool, 1% elastane and 1% other fibers. Natural softens the brown daytime outfit and works over the Espresso dinner dress. It is a small layer for breakfast or an indoor meal, not a warm coat for every desert night.
Where I would eat: choose the night, then the outfit
Photo credit: Tory Burch
Photo credit: Veronica Beard
Photo credit: Madewell
Photo credit: Veronica Beard
Bar Cecil is my pick for the dinner that feels like an occasion. The current menu includes deviled eggs, an onion tart, steak frites and lemon tart; those are the dishes I would look at when making a plan. Its official site says online reservations open 14 days ahead, parties are limited to five or fewer, and bar walk-ins depend on availability. The kitchen closes at 9 p.m. within its 5 to 10 p.m. hours. Set the reminder for the date you want, rather than count on a holiday walk-in. Expect a lively room and real competition for a reservation.
What to wear: Bar Cecil dinner
Change into the espresso midi dress with comfortable dinner shoes you already own. Add the Natural cardigan shown after the golf plan, or the plaid blazer if that fit works. Bring a warmer coat when the forecast calls for it.
Veronica Beard June midi dress in Espresso
The June is a dark-brown, cap-sleeve column dress in midweight stretch crepe, not a silk dress. Ruching shapes the bodice, with a crew neck and center-back slit for movement. The fabric is 97% polyester and 3% elastane; dry clean. This is the dinner change, not a golf dress doing double duty.
Workshop Kitchen is the other dinner I would research, particularly when I want seasonal California cooking in a strong architectural setting. Its current menu lists yellowtail crudo, shaved Brussels sprouts and wood-grilled dishes, with dinner posted from 5 to 10 p.m. A detailed dining review praises the food and setting, which is why it stays on the dinner list rather than filling a restaurant slot.
What to wear: Workshop Kitchen dinner
For a trouser outfit, wear the black Cosmo pants with the white long-sleeve tee and plaid blazer shown earlier. Choose your own comfortable dinner shoes, or the town sneakers for a more casual plan. Carry the black Ella tote if you need its space.
J.Crew Cosmo pant in Black luster charmeuse
The luster charmeuse fabric gives these trousers a soft sheen, but it is 100% viscose, not silk. They have an elastic waist, pockets and a roomy fit through the hip, thigh and leg. The classic inseam is 29 inches. Dry clean. Keep these for dinner rather than a canyon walk.
Leave space for the hotel, too
The holiday photos include both grey skies at the pool and a clear mountain-view rooftop. That is the reminder I need when packing: a palm tree is not a weather forecast. Bring a swimsuit you already like for hotel downtime.
What to wear: hotel downtime
Bring your own swimsuit, an easy cover-up and familiar pool sandals for hotel downtime. Keep a warm layer nearby. No separate hotel shopping outfit is needed.
My Palm Springs holiday packing checklist
- For hiking: tested shoes, hiking socks, sun layer, hat, sunglasses, water, snacks and a daypack.
- For golf: a course-appropriate outfit, golf shoes, a warm layer and the equipment you actually need.
- For town: comfortable sneakers, easy trousers, a top and a travel tote.
- For dinner: one dress or a trouser outfit, a cardigan or wrap and a warmer layer if needed.
- For the hotel: an existing swimsuit, sleepwear, chargers, medication and your booking details.
The useful suitcase is the one that lets the day change shape. Do the canyon walk in real trail clothes, give the golf round its own time, and change for dinner. Keep the holiday evening loose enough to enjoy the lights instead of spending the whole visit rushing between plans.
A Salt-White Dress for the Desert
For a warm evening, the salt-white cotton midi dress is a light, airy option.
Choose the next kind of desert day
If the round is the point of the trip, the golf outfit guide separates course clothes from the rest of the weekend. For a more structured wellness pace, compare the Miraval Arizona weekend. If you would rather spend more time among rocks and western storefronts, use the Joshua Tree guide.
For more course and trail pieces in the same spirit, see this sleeveless golf polo and this wide-brim sun hat with a ponytail hole.
Shop the Post
- J.Crew cable-knit merino-wool-blend cardigan in Natural Shop here
- Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX hiking shoes in Vermillion Shop here
- J.Crew new perfect-fit long-sleeve T-shirt in White Shop here
- Tory Burch Ella Drawstring Tote in Black Shop here
- REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack in Rockwall Shop here
- Madewell Mercer Relaxed Blazer in Brown Black Plaid Multi Shop here
- Smartwool Hike Low Ankle socks in Dusty Teal Shop here
- Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants in Dark Sand Shop here
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily hoody in Dyno White Shop here
- Klean Kanteen TKWide 32-ounce bottle in Sea Spray Shop here
- Supergoop PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Shop here
- Veronica Beard Valentina sneakers in Black and White Shop here
- Peter Millar short-sleeve button golf polo in Black Shop here
- Peter Millar Sally golf skort in White Shop here
- FootJoy Traditions cap-toe spikeless golf shoes in White and Navy Shop here
- Peter Millar Essential Perth golf layer in Rainwater Shop here
- FootJoy StaSof women’s golf glove in Pearl White Shop here
- Malbon Tour M golf balls in White Shop here
- Malbon Amongst The Cypress golf stand bag in Cream Sage Shop here
- Tail Suella 34-inch golf dress in Cherry Rose Shop here
- Veronica Beard June midi dress in Espresso Shop here
- J.Crew Cosmo pant in Black luster charmeuse Shop here
- DÔEN Adalie dress in Salt Shop here
