Tips for Planning Excursions to See Christmas Lights

When I was a child, one of the highlights of the Christmas season was traveling to a bigger city 30 miles away to see the downtown Christmas lights. Today, much of the excitement of such trips once generated has been channeled into drive-through light shows that charge admission. But families with minimal means, or those tired of the the paid light show experience, can still enjoy the excitement of an out-of-town excursion to experience the holiday lights.

Here are some tips for traveling out of town to see Christmas lights:

A Night Out Not Far From Home

* If you're planning a night's entertainment in a city not far from home, do some research first to find out which nearby locales have spectacular Christmas lights displays.

* Municipal light displays can be enjoyable, but don't overlook neighborhood displays. These are a little harder to find but are usually written up in local newspapers as the holiday season gets underway. Also check for mentions of neighborhood home holiday-decorating contests- these usually produce creative and enthusiastic displays.

* Consider combining the trip to see the lights with a simple holiday activity like ice skating, stopping for hot chocolate and pastries, or Christmas shopping.

* Bring cameras. Most digital cameras have fireworks settings that are perfect for photographing nighttime light displays.

Travel Centered Around Christmas Light Shows

* If holiday light displays are a particular passion and not merely casual entertainment, you might choose a winter vacation destination based on holiday light shows. There are numerous online resources for finding out about holiday light displays. Top Events USA's Christmas page is one source of information on Christmas displays throughout the nation.

* Each year, websites publish "best' lists for holiday light shows, usually in November. This year, Main St. recommended Kansas City and Chicago's Magnificent Mile as two destinations for free light shows.

* Looking for quirky? The Garabedian family in Baychester, N.Y., puts on a free light display with a twist. The family of dressmakers includes moving mannequins in glamorous gowns and an elaborate nativity, Mommy Poppins reports.

* McAdenville, N.C., transforms into Christmas Town USA every holiday season, a tradition since 1956. In addition to thousands of twinkling lights, the display features colorful fountains and Old Man Winter blowing snowflakes. This event is free of charge.

*This is the 64^th year that rowhouse residents of Baltimore, Md.'s 34^th Street have decorated for the holiday season. The display is free. The Hosier family puts out guestbooks visitors may sign, leaving a record of their visit.