While spending Christmas in California last year, I toured neighborhood light displays near my childhood home. My parents "oohed" and "aahed," then asked for my review.

I couldn't help myself. "The lights in the Chattahoochee Valley are so much better," I said.

Maybe I had a bias. After all, I've written about local light displays almost every year since I arrived in Columbus six years ago.

During that time, my attitude toward holiday decorating has changed. Items I once viewed as yard clutter now reflect a hobby that unites families and energizes spectators.

If you haven't toured local light displays yet, take a drive this weekend. Don't know where to start? Here are some of the spots I've visited year after year during my time here. Many of these homes have neighbors with cool lights, too. They will impress you.

If you think you have the best and brightest local display, be sure to enter our online photo contest. For details, visit ledger-enquirer.com

West Columbus

• 821 and 825 LICHFIELD ROAD

• 925 MOBLEY ROAD

• 436 CHEYENNE ROAD

Central Columbus

• HOMES OFF WEST BRITT DAVID ROAD

• 6043 ASCOT WAY

East Columbus

• 6359 INDEPENDENCE DRIVE

•5784 IRONSTONE DRIVE (accepting donations for Make-A-Wish Foundation)

• 2626 HABERSHAM AVE.

• 3629 DUNHILL DRIVE

• 5322 SHANNA LANE (accepting donations for Soul Saver Rescue, an animal rescue group)

Alabama

• 280 LEE ROAD 942, SMITHS (accepting canned food donations)

• 652 LEE ROAD 960, SMITHS