Desert Holidays: Warm Gatherings, Cool Nights

A Thanksgiving to Remember

Picture this: golden afternoon light spilling across your private patio, friends and family laughing around the table, and palm trees swaying gently in the background. Thanksgiving in the desert is all about slowing down and savoring time together.

Cook your holiday meal in a fully stocked villa kitchen, or skip the prep and dine at Lavender Bistro, or Morgan’s in the Desert— all offering festive dining that captures the spirit of the season.

Many guests choose to dine outdoors, surrounded by views that remind you why the Coachella Valley is called a hidden paradise. The days are warm enough for a pool dip, and the evenings are just cool enough for sweaters and wine by the firepit.
Christmas in the Sunshine

From the twinkling lights of Old Town La Quinta to the annual La Quinta Resort Tree Lighting Ceremony, Christmas here glows a little differently. Instead of shovelling snow, you’ll stroll through palm-lined paths strung with lights and listen to carolers under the stars.

Start your morning with a round of golf or a spa visit, then gather around the fireplace in your villa as the sun sets behind the Santa Rosa Mountains. Families love the relaxed rhythm of the holidays here — festive, but never rushed. It’s a place where you can actually enjoy the moment.
New Year, New Memories

The holidays roll effortlessly into celebration season. Whether you’re watching fireworks from your balcony or counting down with a champagne toast at one of La Quinta’s resort bars, ringing in the new year in the desert sets the tone for a peaceful and inspiring start.

January is one of the most beautiful months in La Quinta — crisp mornings, perfect afternoons, and endless sunshine. If you’re the resolution type, there’s no better place to reset and recharge.
Where to Stay

California Vacation Villas offers a wide range of homes that make every holiday feel personal. Choose from cozy one-bedroom spa villas for romantic escapes to spacious three-bedroom retreats ideal for family gatherings. Each property is unique, but all come with resort-style pools, full kitchens, and private patios perfect for your holiday meal or morning coffee.

Need inspiration? Check out our Legacy Villas townhomes— the perfect backdrop for your Thanksgiving dinner or your New Year’s champagne toast.
A Season to Remember

So this year, trade in the snow boots for sandals and let the desert redefine what the holidays can feel like. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply soaking up the season’s slower pace — La Quinta is ready to welcome you with open arms and endless sunshine.

Desert Holidays: Warm Gatherings, Cool Nights

California Vacation Villas