Events

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate with extended hours September 5 – 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. On Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, the first tram up will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up will be at 9:00 p.m. and the last tram down will be at 10:30 p.m. On Monday, September 7, the first tram up will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up will be at 8:00 p.m. and the last tram down will be at 9:30 p.m.

Spend the holiday weekend enjoying the crisp mountain air with an easy hike at Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Or, for a more strenuous journey, join the Mt. San Jacinto Natural History Association on Sunday, September 6 for an all-day guided hike to Mt. San Jacinto Summit. For additional information and to register, please visit: https://www.msjnha.org/events

For a culinary experience above the clouds, guests can dine in Pines Café, a cafeteria-style restaurant with dining options for the whole family, or make reservations at the chef-curated Peaks Restaurant. For an after-meal drink, guests can stop by the Lookout Lounge and sip a specialty cocktail with views of the valley floor from 8,516 feet.

Explore our website for more ideas on how to spend a day at the Tramway.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will close for annual preventative maintenance beginning Tuesday, September 8, through Sunday, October 4 with a tentative reopening date of Monday, October 5 at 10:00 a.m. The last day to ride the Tram before the annual maintenance closure is Monday, September 7.

“During this year’s shutdown, we will be repainting tramcar cabin interiors and rebuilding the carriage on cabin two, which supports the cabin as it rides on the track ropes,” says Vice President of Tramway Systems Chris Bartsch. “Annual state-permit testing will be conducted, and our Switzerland-based technicians will be performing annual service to the controls system.”

Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols adds, “Each year, the Tramway’s annual preventative maintenance closure gives our maintenance team the dedicated time needed to complete important projects that cannot be performed during regular business hours. This work helps ensure the continued safety, reliability, and enjoyment of the Tramway for all our guests. We hope you’ll visit us in the days leading up to the closure, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in October.”

Complimentary Tram Admission in August for Qualifying First Responders

During the entire month of August, all qualified first responders receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in celebration of “First Responders Days.” In addition, up to four of their guests receive 25% off regular Tram fares.

“The Tramway is delighted to continue this annual tradition, in appreciation for the dedication and service of those who serve our communities,” said Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols. “We look forward to welcoming our first responders to a day with friends and family, exploring the natural beauty of our alpine wilderness.”

The “First Responders Days” promotion can be redeemed with valid first responder photo ID at the ticket booth of the Tramway’s Valley Station from August 1 – 31, 2026. Qualifying personnel include fire and police personnel, California Highway Patrol, County Sheriff Officers, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and more.

See below for the full list of qualifying first responders.

Stay Cool with Unlimited Tram Rides May 1 through August 31

Starting May 1, ticket sales begin for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Summer Pass—an ideal way to escape the summer heat. Passholders can take advantage of the cooler mountain climate, as temperatures at the top of the Tramway are typically 30-40 degrees lower than the valley floor.

Summer Passes are valid May 1 through August 31, 2026, and include unlimited Tram admissions for the passholder, a 10% discount on additional Tram admissions  (limit 4), a 10% discount at Peaks Restaurant and Pines Café, and free parking. Summer Passes are $85 for adults and seniors, and $45 for children ages 3-10. Beginning May 1, guests may purchase their Summer Pass online at https://pstramway.com/tickets/ or in-person at the Tramway’s Valley Station.

Beyond the breathtaking views from the Tramway’s Mountain Station, passholders can enjoy over 50 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and campgrounds in the 14,000-acre pristine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

At the Mountain Station, guests can also browse the gift shop, explore the natural history museum, and watch two documentary films about the Tramway and the surrounding State Park. For a fine dining experience with spectacular views, Peaks Restaurant is the perfect choice. Cocktails are also available in the Lookout Lounge. Searching for kid-friendly dining? Pines Café, a cafeteria-style restaurant, offers something for the entire family to enjoy.

Lance Bass, one-fifth of renowned vocal group NSYNC, will serve as the celebrity tree lighter at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 7, 2025. KESQ Chief Meteorologist and “Eye on the Desert” Host Patrick Evans will again emcee this year’s event at the Tramway’s Mountain Station. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with the Palm Springs High School Madrigal Choir performing holiday favorites. Following their performance, Bass will light the Tram’s landmark 45-foot tree comprised of over 4,000 LED lights, which can be seen throughout the Coachella Valley.

From small-town Mississippi to global pop icon, Lance Bass has spent over 25 years entertaining the world: singing, producing, and hosting. As a member of NSYNC, he helped define 2000s pop music, selling over 70 million records, earning multiple major awards, and releasing one of the fastest-selling albums in history, “No Strings Attached.” In 2023, the group reunited with “Better Place,” which debuted at #1 on iTunes.

Beyond the stage, Bass has produced films, hosted hit shows and podcasts, and co-owns one of the top entertainment venues in West Hollywood. In 2021, he and husband Michael Turchin, welcomed twins Violet and Alexander, inspiring his first of many children’s books, “Trick or Treat on Scary Street,” which also became a New York Times Best Seller.

A passionate LGBTQ+ advocate and philanthropist, Bass is also a voice in the diabetes awareness space and a board member of the Environmental Media Association. Whether raising awareness, raising twins, or raising eyebrows on TikTok, Bass continues to evolve with purpose, creativity, and heart.

The tree lighting ceremony is open to the public and is included with regular Tram admission.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate special holiday hours January 17 – 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The first tram up each day will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up will be at 8:00 p.m., and the last tram down will be at 9:30 p.m.

 Tram admission is $34.95 for adults, $31.95 for seniors (65+), and $18.95 for children ages 3-10.

 Special discounts and packages are available after 4:00 p.m. Twilight tickets are $31.95 for adults and seniors, and $15.95 for children ages 3-10. Ride ‘n’ Dine tickets, which include tram fare and dinner at Pines Café, a cafeteria-style restaurant, are $41.00 for adults and seniors, and $27.50 for children ages 3-10.

The “Sounds of the Holidays” concert series commences December 3 at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station. Continuing a decades-long tradition, visitors can enjoy Yuletide carols and holiday hits performed by high school choirs on select dates through December 14.

For the 2025 season, the Tramway is proud to present the following line-up:

• Wednesday, December 3 – La Quinta High School Chamber Singers
• Thursday, December 4 – Cathedral City High School Lions’ Pride Chamber Singers
• Sunday, December 7 – Palm Springs High School Madrigal Choir
• Wednesday, December 10 – Shadow Hills High School Chamber Singers
• Thursday, December 11 – Coachella Valley High School Concert Choir
• Sunday, December 14 – Quartz Hill High School Chamber Singers and A Cappella Choir

Showtimes are 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on the Pines Café Stage and are included with regular Tram admission. Food and beverage will be available for purchase at Pines Café and The Lookout Lounge. (Note: The December 7 choral performance is outside on the Desert View Terrace at 5:30 p.m. kicking off the Tramway’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. That evening, there will also be a 7:30 p.m. performance inside on the Pines Café Stage).

To purchase tickets, please visit www.pstramway.com or call 760-325-1449 for more information.

Guess who’s coming to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway? This December, families can enjoy two unique opportunities to visit Santa in an alpine winter wonderland.

• Santa will be stopping by the Mountain Station’s Pines Café on Saturday, December 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Children can share their Christmas lists with Santa himself, pose for photos, and receive a free candy cane. Santa’s visit is included in general tram fare admission. Tram tickets are $34.95 for adults, $31.95 for seniors, and $18.95 for children (ages 3 – 10).
• “Breakfast with Santa” will be held on Saturday, December 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Pines Café. Join and Mrs. Claus for a special holiday breakfast and festive crafts. “Breakfast with Santa” tickets are $55 for adults and seniors, and $42 for children (ages 3 – 10). Tram fare is included. Advanced tickets are required and can be purchased by visiting www.pstramway.com/tickets or by calling (760) 325-1449. Seating is “family style” (tables may be shared with other guests).

Celebrate the holiday season at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. For more information, please visit www.pstramway.com.

Special Hours and Holiday Dining

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will offer special holiday hours December 20 through January 4. The first tram up each day will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up will be at 8:00 p.m., and the last tram down will be at 9:30 p.m.

On December 25 and January 1, Ride ’n’ Dine tickets—which include Tram admission and a holiday meal at Pines Café (a cafeteria-style restaurant)—are available for purchase from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Meal service begins at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $41 for adults and seniors, and $27.50 for children (ages 3-10). The holiday menu includes a choice of honey-glazed ham, oven-roasted turkey, or vegetarian lasagna, and a selection of side dishes. A fountain beverage, coffee, or tea is included. Regular Ride ‘n’ Dine menu served on New Year’s Day.

Peaks Restaurant will serve a special prix fixe holiday dining menu on December 25, featuring a selection of roasted duck, pan-seared salmon, or filet mignon, accompanied by a seasonal appetizer and side dishes. For dessert, there is a choice of salted caramel cheesecake or chocolate caramel crunch. Christmas Day dining in Peaks Restaurant begins at 11:00 a.m. and is $89 for adults and seniors, and $39 for children (ages 3 – 10). Tram fare is not included. Reservations are recommended.

For more information or to view the full menus, please visit www.pstramway.com/dining/ or call 760-325-4537 for Peaks Restaurant reservations.