This holiday, take on some new traditions in Greater Palm Springs. Stuff your stocking with sunshine, azure blue skies, glistening pools, palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights and flowing green golf courses. You may be forced to trade in your hot chocolate by the fireplace for a chilling concoction on a misted patio and your new winter coat for a bikini, but, hey, new traditions come with certain trade-offs. However, the holidays in Greater Palm Springs aren't just any day in paradise. Besides the sun, you'll be treated to lots of incredibly unique Greater Palm Springs events to put you in a totally jolly mood. Okay, even some hot chocolate and winter coat moments—if you want to be traditional. Take a look at the “Top 4 Sunny Holiday Happenings in Greater Palm Springs”—we dare you to find them anywhere else!

1. Wilder than a Jaguar: WildLights at The Living Desert

If holiday lights put you in a festive mood, you will get your fix for the entire season at The Living Desert's annual WildLights holiday festival. Known for its exotic desert animals and gardens, the vast desert zoo explodes with nearly a million twinkling lights that form pedestrian arches, gigantic bighorn sheep and more dazzling displays. Entertainment and hot chocolate are always part of the yuletide stroll under the brightest lights of all—the dark desert sky painted with winter stars. WildLights takes place Nov. 23- Dec. 31, from 6 to 9 p.m. on selected dates; there is a small charge.

2. Grab a flashlight: Walk of the Inns

Maybe it's the harmony of strolling carolers who enliven the starlit streets with festive tunes. Or, it might be the radiant glow of Christmas decorations adorning the lobbies and pool areas of vintage inns. Whatever the reason, even the most steadfast Grinch can't help but succumb to the holiday spirit during the annual Walk of the Inns taking place December 10, from 4-7 p.m., in Palm Springs' fascinating historic neighborhoods. Along the way on your self-guided journey, enjoy live music and refreshments while touring intimate properties ranging from romantic 1920's and 30's tile-roofed villas to perennially hip modernist treasures – many lovingly restored to their original splendor.

3. One Huge Tamale: Indio International Tamale Festival

What does a tamale have to do with the holidays? Everything-- in the Southwest where tamales rule over turkey and stuffing. At the Indio International Tamale Festival, Dec. 5-6, you'll find yourself in cornhusk-wrapped nirvana at one of the top 10 “All American Food Festivals” in the nation. In fact, one year festival set a Guinness World Record for the “World's Largest Tamale” that could feed everyone at your holiday meal.

4. White Stuff, Too!: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

To be able to perfect your tan by the pool in the afternoon then travel a mere 10 minutes later in the day to a snowy wonderland is something to brag about. Especially entertaining is the thought of traveling another 10 minutes back to the desert floor to totally chill Greater Palm Springs style in the sun and welcoming warmth. For the holidays, take in a tradition hard to find anywhere else around: the Lighting of the Tree on the mountain top, complete with celebrity dignitary, as well as incredible vistas as your rotating tramcar runs up and down the canyon cliff, reaching an elevation of 8,516 feet. The Tree Lighting takes place on Sunday, Dec. 6 with festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m.

About Greater Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs is Southern California's premier resort, entertainment, golf and tennis destination. This modern oasis of nine distinct cities – Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella – lures Hollywood celebrities, major music headliners, top sports personalities, world-renowned dignitaries and visitors from around the world.  Our “chill culture” experience encompasses adventure, recreation, relaxation, and array of spectacular special events including the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Modernism Week, BNP Paribas Open and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. For more information, go to www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com.