Holiday train shows are a festive way to kick off the Christmas season with the kids. Long Island offers several interactive spots to see model train magic in action. 

Train-loving kids and adults alike will be mesmerized and delighted by the sights and sounds of these model train shows and the charming mini villages they navigate. Many holiday open houses even host the man of the season–Santa for a jolly visit with the whole family. 

If all this train watching makes your family eager to climb aboard a railroad car, read our roundup of Polar Express and other Santa trains near Long Island and NYC. For even more ways to enjoy the season check out our Guide to Holiday Fun on Long Island.

Find the neighborhoods with the best holiday lights in Greater Boston!

See some amazing Christmas lights and holiday displays in CT!

Check out these neighborhoods near Chicago for the best lights displays in the area.

These neighborhoods go all-in on holiday decorations.

Driving around to see neighborhood Christmas lights is a fun holiday tradition for many families. There's nothing better than loading the family into the car with hot chocolate, turning on holiday music, and taking in all the dazzling Christmas light displays. And the best part is, it's free!

Though DC itself offers gorgeous holiday lights in public places, like Light Yards and ZooLights at the National Zoo, we've found that the best neighborhoods to see Christmas light displays on houses are in the suburbs. Luckily, there are many neighborhoods in Maryland and Northern Virginia that get way into the holiday spirit. Many of them host animated light shows that are synchronized to music played through car radios, so families can stay warm and cozy inside their vehicles.

Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Maryland and Northern Virginia to see over-the-top neighborhood Christmas lights. For more holiday fun, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids.

Atlanta knows Christmas lights and how to show up, and show off, for the holidays! Neighborhood Christmas lights include intricate designs, clever themes, and surging electricity bills. Residential holiday lights include houses that offer walking tours; other houses welcome families to drive by and tune radio frequencies to their synchronized Christmas lights; and some houses are a part of an entire neighborhood that creates a collective attraction! 

In fact, enjoy Christmas lights AND do charitable work—some of the homes mentioned below are part of Cobb EMC's Christmas lights map, where you can vote for your favorite and the top three winners get $500 to donate to the charities of their choice! 

It's time for the most spectacular residential Christmas lights Orlando has to offer! We’re continually amazed by the creativity and passion homeowners pour into their holiday lights. From mesmerizing, choreographed light shows to impressive walk-through light displays perfect for photos, these Orlando Christmas homes deliver holiday magic like no other. Fun fact: One of the houses on this list have even been featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight!

Most homeowners start up their Orlando Christmas light displays Thanksgiving weekend and let it shine bright throughout the season (unless otherwise noted). As you enjoy the festivities, please be courteous to the neighborhoods—visit during designated times, avoid blocking driveways, keep music at a reasonable volume, and respect private properties.