Best Things to Do in Greater Palm Springs in January

A new year brings new reasons to visit Greater Palm Springs. January is one of the most exciting times to experience the desert, with sunny days, refreshing evenings, and a calendar filled with major events, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. From the Palm Springs International Film Festival and world-class golf to live performances, art festivals, and classic car gatherings, there is plenty happening across the valley.

It’s also a wonderful time to enjoy everything the region has to offer. Explore the local arts and dining scene, spend an afternoon on the golf course, or simply soak up the beautiful winter sunshine. If you are looking for things to do in Greater Palm Springs or planning a California getaway this January, these upcoming events are a great place to start.

Best January Events in Greater Palm Springs

El Paseo Cruise Night

Jan 2, 2027

Palm Desert, CA

El Paseo Cruise Night showcases incredible classic, custom, and exotic vehicles. Car enthusiasts gather along Palm Desert’s premier shopping district to admire stunning automobiles and enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere.

Palm Springs Film Festival

Jan 7-18, 2027

Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs International Film Festival

Best Things to Do in Greater Palm Springs in January

Best January Events in Greater Palm Springs

El Paseo Cruise Night

Jan 2, 2027

Palm Desert, CA

Palm Springs Film Festival

Jan 7-18, 2027

Palm Springs, CA

A premier international showcase celebrating cinematic excellence, highlighting Oscar-contending foreign films and independent features while honoring exceptional talent at its star-studded annual film awards gala in California.

Jake Shimabukuro

Jan 15, 2027

Palm Desert, CA

Experience ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro live in concert. Renowned for his lightning-fast fingerwork and genre-defying arrangements, the dynamic artist brings an unforgettable evening of groundbreaking musical innovation to the desert stage.

Laura Benanti Live

Jan 16, 2027

Palm Desert, CA

Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares is an unfiltered, 65-minute one-woman musical comedy show. The Tony Award-winning actress uses sharp storytelling and original songs to explore her life and career hilariously.

American Express PGA Tour

Jan 21-24, 2027

La Quinta, CA

The American Express PGA Tour tournament brings elite golfers to California’s Coachella Valley for a unique Pro-Am format across iconic La Quinta courses, featuring high-stakes golf and live concerts.

Annual Southwest Arts Festival

Jan 29-31, 2027

Palm Desert, CA

The Southwest Arts Festival features a vibrant display of traditional, contemporary, and abstract fine art, pottery, glasswork, and jewelry alongside live entertainment at its new Acrisure Arena venue.

Featured Palm Springs and Palm Desert Vacation Rentals

January brings some of Greater Palm Springs’ most anticipated events, from film premieres and professional golf to live entertainment, art festivals, and automotive gatherings. With so much happening and beautiful winter weather to enjoy between outings, it’s easy to turn an event-filled weekend into a memorable desert escape.

At Alice Lodging, find a stay that makes your January getaway even better. Traveling with family or friends? Our large group getaways offer plenty of room to spend time together. For an elevated escape, explore our luxury vacation rentals, or enjoy the winter sunshine with a private pool retreat. Couples looking for some time away can also browse our romantic retreats.

However you choose to welcome the new year, make Greater Palm Springs part of your January plans and discover everything the desert has waiting for you.