Light Shows Bring Festive Mood to the Holidays

Colorful light displays become a perfect family outing or time with your significant other

JIM POWERS Attractions, Watch & Listen - Attractions

 

Nightfall can bring out the best of the holiday season in the Greater Palm Springs area.

The darkness reveals a kaleidoscope of colors unique to Christmas.

And while some of the best light displays may be at home or on your own block, there are some venues available that you can take the whole family or your significant other to and enjoy.

• The Living Desert delivers its 21st season of "Wildlights", which puts the zoo in a whole different light. Literally. This weekend opens "Wildlights" to the public and the light show, and  continues on select dates through December. You have to walk through the tunnel of lights, and some displays are also timed to holiday music.

• The Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa  in Riverside also flips the switch this weekend starting tonight and runs through Jan. 4, 2014. The 21st annual Festival of Lights features more than 4 million lights.

La Quinta Resort officially lights up its 60-foot Christmas tree Nov. 30. Santa and his reindeer will be there, plus free hot chocolate, cider, and Zuzu cookies and activities for the kids.

• Twentynine Palms and Palm Springs each conduct light parades, Dec. 3 and Dec. 7, respectively. Twentynine Palms' 21st annual heads down Adobe starting at 5:15 p.m. The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade celebrates its 22nd season led by grand marshal Suzanne Somers and community grand marshals Barbara and Jerry Keller as they cruise down Palm Canyon Drive starting at 5:45 p.m.

Palm Desert commemorates the holiday season by lighting a 12-foot diameter wreath Dec. 6 in the courtyard and entrance to the City Council chambers. There will also be children's activities, refreshments, and a visit from Santa.

If we're missing one, let us know in the comments section.

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VIDEO: Take a tour of the "Wildlights" display at The Living Desert.