When the Christmas lights start going up around Los Angeles, you know the festive holiday season has arrived! Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, or Kwanzaa, there is a timeless joy in taking a spin around the neighborhood to look at the local holiday light displays. 

Every year, my family makes multiple trips to all the best Christmas lights across Los Angeles. Our kids put on their Christmas jammies, our to-go cups get filled with hot cocoa (or take a quick detour through to Starbucks), and bring along candy canes or Christmas cookies. Pop on a Christmas classics playlist, and you're ready for an evening immersed in (free) holiday lights magic. Including the famous Christmas lights displays like Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena and Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo (we like our Lanes in Los Angeles!), we've rounded up the best holiday lights on houses across the City of Angels that dazzle. 

Can't get enough Christmas lights? Check out our picks for LA's best holiday light shows and drive-through Christmas lights events, which you'll find in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Los Angeles Families. 

Philly zoos, farms, and public spaces all boast dazzling Christmas lights. But in many neighborhoods, families will find Christmas lights on houses that rival the best professional displays. Entire city blocks, suburban streets, and private homes throughout the region give commercial holiday lights a run for their money, and we've found the best houses to stop by for a fun family outing.

So for a quick post-dinner trip or an extended local tour, read on to find the brightest Christmas lights on houses near you. We've got loads more holiday cheer in our Guide to the Best Christmas Events in Philly.

OK... so Bismarck, North Dakota is probably not among the first places you think of when looking for a family-friendly destination, but this capital city has a lot going for it. Aside from the state Capitol (which you can visit for free), Bismarck, ND boasts a fabulous zoo and a free history museum. It also has that warm Midwestern appeal and those great accents, similar to what you'd find in Fargo, another great North Dakota town.

My kids and I had a blast exploring Bismarck! Read on for our top 20 things to do in Bismarck, ND with kids, including great restaurants and places to stay. Also, check out our Midwest Travel Guide for more great cities to visit with kids.

You don’t have to travel to the North Pole to take pictures with Santa Claus! St. Nick is all over Atlanta to usher in this magical holiday season with photo ops, meet and greets, and breakfasts with your little ones. Dress your kids in cute holiday outfits and take pictures with Santa for lasting memories. Capture candid photos with Santa at tree lightings, holiday festivals, or mealtimes; or reserve a professional photo shoot at a local mall. In some instances, you can even bring Fido for a Santa photo!