Best Palm Desert Vacation Rentals for this Holiday Season

Why Palm Desert Is a Top Holiday Destination?

Palm Desert brings warm winter sunshine, clear blue skies, and a relaxed desert vibe that feels perfect for the holidays. While the rest of the country is wrapped in coats and early sunsets, this desert oasis is bright, calm, and full of festive charm. Families love the mix of outdoor fun and cozy nighttime experiences. Couples come for quiet escapes, fresh air, and long, peaceful drives through the mountains. Friends enjoy golf days, spa time, and holiday events that fill the season with color.

December weather stays comfortable during the day, which makes it easy to explore shops, gardens, and walking trails. Evenings cool down just enough to enjoy fire pits, stargazing, and warm drinks on the patio of your Palm Desert vacation rental. Holiday markets pop up around town, El Paseo shines with lights, and The Living Desert ZooLights adds a touch of magic with glowing animals and music.

Palm Desert is also easy to reach from Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix, which makes it a great choice for holiday gatherings. You get sunshine, quiet neighborhoods, and plenty of space to relax. It’s the perfect place to slow down and celebrate in comfort before the new year begins.

Our Top Palm Desert Vacation Rentals This Holiday Season

When it comes to enjoying the holidays in comfort, Alice Lodging makes finding the perfect Palm Desert vacation rental easy. From cozy romantic retreats to luxurious estates, our hand-picked properties offer spacious living areas, private pools, and all the amenities you need to celebrate in style. You’ll feel at home while still enjoying the excitement of the desert holiday season.

Romantic Getaway Rentals

Our romantic Palm Desert vacation rentals are perfect for couples looking to escape for the holidays. Enjoy private pools, hot tubs, fire pits, and beautifully decorated interiors that set the mood for a cozy, festive retreat. Many homes feature intimate outdoor spaces for evening dinners, stargazing, or sipping cocoa by the fireplace, ideal for creating memorable holiday moments together.

Luxury Vacation Homes for Holiday Escapes

If you’re looking for a more upscale holiday retreat, our luxury Palm Desert vacation rentals offer the ultimate in comfort and style. Private pools, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and beautifully decorated interiors set the tone for festive gatherings. Imagine sipping cocoa by the fireplace or enjoying a holiday dinner under the stars, all from the comfort of your own rental.

Pet-Friendly Rentals

Holidays are better with your furry friends! Many of our Palm Desert pet-friendly vacation rentals welcome pets, with yards and nearby walking trails to make your four-legged companions feel at home. You don’t need to worry about leaving anyone behind; the entire family, including pets, can enjoy the festive season together.

Rentals for Groups & Friends

Traveling with friends or extended family? Our larger homes offer multiple bedrooms, spacious living areas, and private outdoor spaces where everyone can celebrate together. From brunches on sun-soaked patios to evening gatherings around a fire pit, these properties are ideal for making the holidays both fun and relaxing.

With Alice Lodging, each Palm Desert vacation rental is selected for comfort, convenience, and festive holiday appeal. Booking one of our properties ensures you’ll enjoy the season in style while staying close to the best dining, shopping, and seasonal events in Palm Desert.

What Makes a Holiday-Ready Vacation Rental?

A great Palm Desert vacation rental isn’t just about a place to sleep; it’s about creating a memorable holiday experience. At Alice Lodging, we carefully select properties that are fully equipped to make your holiday stay stress-free, comfortable, and festive. Here’s what sets our holiday-ready rentals apart:

Fully Equipped Kitchens & Dining Spaces

Holiday meals are a big part of the season. Our vacation rentals feature fully stocked kitchens with modern appliances, cookware, and utensils so you can prepare everything from cozy breakfasts to celebratory dinners. Many homes also have spacious dining areas and outdoor dining setups, perfect for festive gatherings.

Cozy Living Areas for Celebrations

Relaxing after a day of holiday shopping or exploring Palm Desert is easy with living areas designed for comfort. From plush sofas to smart TVs, fireplaces, and festive decor, our rentals provide warm and inviting spaces for couples, friends, or families to gather.

Private Outdoor Spaces & Pools

Sunny Palm Desert days are best enjoyed outdoors. Many of our properties feature private pools, hot tubs, fire pits, and spacious patios where you can host small gatherings or enjoy quiet, romantic evenings. Holiday lights, outdoor seating, and heaters ensure these spaces are enjoyable even on cooler winter nights.

Festive Touches & Holiday Amenities

We understand that the holidays are special. That’s why many rentals come decorated for the season, with twinkling lights, holiday decor, or themed amenities. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply the New Year, these small touches make your stay feel magical and memorable.

Comfort & Convenience

From high-speed Wi-Fi and laundry facilities to private parking and pet-friendly options, our rentals are designed to provide ultimate convenience. These thoughtful details allow you to focus on celebrating the season without worrying about logistics or missing any holiday fun in Palm Desert.

Best Things to Do in Palm Desert in December

Palm Desert comes alive during the holiday season, offering visitors a mix of festive events, outdoor adventures, and local experiences that make winter vacations unforgettable. From sparkling light displays to scenic desert hikes, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning a December getaway, these are the best things to do in Palm Desert in December.

Holiday Events & Festivals

December is packed with seasonal celebrations. Stop by local Christmas markets, holiday craft fairs, and tree-lighting ceremonies to soak in the festive spirit. Many resorts and shopping centers host themed events, live music, and interactive experiences perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for holiday cheer.

Outdoor Adventures & Nature Walks

The mild winter weather is ideal for exploring Palm Desert’s natural beauty. Popular spots include the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, where desert flora and fauna are showcased beautifully, and Joshua Tree National Park, just a short drive away, offering stunning hikes, rock climbing, and scenic vistas. Don’t forget your camera for sunrise or sunset shots over the desert landscape.

Golf & Active Leisure

Palm Desert is a golfer’s paradise. December offers crisp, clear days perfect for teeing off at world-class courses like Indian Wells Golf Resort or La Quinta Resort Golf Club. Many courses host holiday tournaments or seasonal events, giving visitors a festive way to stay active.

Local Shopping & Dining Experiences

Take advantage of Palm Desert’s upscale shopping areas, such as El Paseo Shopping District, where you’ll find designer boutiques, artisan shops, and festive holiday displays. Dining options range from cozy cafes to gourmet restaurants offering seasonal menus, perfect for romantic dinners or celebratory feasts.

Nighttime Festivities & Entertainment

As evening falls, enjoy holiday-themed light displays, live music, and cultural performances. Many venues offer New Year’s Eve celebrations with dinner-and-show packages, fireworks, and VIP experiences. It’s a perfect way to cap off a day of exploring Palm Desert in December.

Featured Vacation Rentals for This Holiday Season

Make your Palm Desert holiday getaway unforgettable with Alice Lodging’s hand-picked vacation rentals. Each property is designed to combine comfort, luxury, and convenience, giving you the perfect base to explore the festive season in style. Planning a romantic escape, a small family retreat, or a friend’s getaway, our curated homes provide the ideal setting for your holiday celebrations.