Every December, our family piles into the car, with cookies packed for the ride, in search of the best Christmas lights. We have tried the big ticketed displays, and while they are undeniably impressive, the traffic jams associated with those events make you feel like you’re stuck in a giant maze. Honestly, it takes away from the fun.

Over the past few years, we have taken a different approach by finding great neighborhoods to explore on our own. We queue up a premade playlist, mine always includes Michael Bublé’s versions of the classics, and hit the road. The best houses are not usually the ones with only elegant white lights. The real magic comes from the houses where people are fully invested in spreading holiday cheer. Think giant Costco decorations, lights synced to music, or displays that give off serious Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor energy. These are the folks who are not afraid of looking tacky because they commit wholeheartedly to the cause.

In that spirit, here are the houses that truly leave the Grinch behind, though we must mention one charming exception: at the corner of Mountain Road and High Street in Farmington Village, the Grinch is actually hanging from a window, delightfully surprising anyone who passes by.

Spotlight on Avon
Avon residents have decked their halls for the Holiday Decorating Contest, and now it’s time for the community to vote! From fully lit houses to creative doorways, see all the entries on this map and cast your vote here by December 29. Help pick the winners and see Avon’s brightest displays!

Moosie’s Herd of Hope
📍30 Bahre Corner Rd, Canton
This beloved Canton display started as a small collection of light-up moose and has grown into a full holiday spectacle. In 2020, it featured 28 moose, 2 reindeer, and 15 glowing globes. By 2021, the herd expanded to 40 moose plus deer, globes, and LED features spread over nearly an acre. And by the looks of it, it’s continued to grow. Lights run daily from dusk to at least 9 p.m. through mid January.

West Granby Road Holiday Lights
📍165 West Granby Rd, Granby
John Ridel, affectionately known as the “Christmas Lights Guy,” has been delighting the Granby community for 30 years with an ever growing holiday light display. What began with a few bushes has expanded to thousands of lights, climbing trees, the house, and hand built structures, creating a mile of cords and a truly unforgettable spectacle. When soaring electric costs threatened to end the tradition, the community rallied, donating money and offering help, ensuring the lights will continue to shine for years to come. Perfect for a drive by, this display is a heartwarming reminder of the spirit of giving and community during the holidays.

New Britain
📍Alexander Road between Stanley St and Country Club Rd
Not every house on the street is decked out, but enough of them are to make this stretch well worth the detour, especially if you’re already coming back from Costco or Target. These displays aren’t the biggest or flashiest, but they squeeze every drop of cheer out of the space they’ve got. Expect twinkly lights, inflatables, Santas, and that cozy, old-school neighborhood magic that makes you slow the car down and actually look around. Trust me, take the long way home. It’s worth it.

Lights on Rosewood
📍111 Rosewood Dr, Bristol
This vibrant, synchronized light display is set to music (synced to 98.3 FM), creating a colorful, coordinated show that’s just as fun to watch from the car as on foot. The display also gives back, this year donations support 3 year old Elena Lappostato from Plainville, who is battling neuroblastoma, and non-perishable items are being collected for Brian’s Angels Homeless Outreach. You can Venmo @lights-on-rosewood, with 100% of monetary donations going directly to the Lappostato family. Check their Facebook page for the latest updates.

April & Mark’s Cartoon Christmas Display
📍174 N Washington St, Plainville
This whimsical, character filled display brings classic cartoons and festive favorites to life in lights. New elements are added each year, keeping it bright, playful, and full of holiday cheer, a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. April and Mark also raise awareness for and collect donations for the Plainville Community Food Pantry; last year, they gathered over 1,700 lbs of food and more than $1,000. Check their Facebook page for the latest updates.

Joshua’s Christmas Display
📍15 Hillscrest Rd, Plainville
A heartfelt synchronized light show, tuned to 92.9 FM. This display honors Joshua’s mother, Jill, who passed away in 2011, she loved decorating for Christmas, and Joshua continues the tradition with an array of Santas, gingerbread men, reindeer, and more. Visitors are also encouraged to give back: a donation box at the end of the driveway collects non-perishable food for the Plainville Food Pantry, but they also collect donations as well via venmo @joshuachristmasdisplay. The lights are on every day, 5–9 p.m., for all to enjoy.

Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park (🚗 Worth the Drive)
📍 Hubbard Park, Meriden
This one’s a bit of a drive, but completely free and absolutely worth it. Produced by Meriden Parks and Recreation, the Festival of Silver Lights transforms Hubbard Park into a glowing winter wonderland with over 300,000 lights. Wander past illuminated animals, trees, and storybook style scenes arranged around the lake and winding walkways. The display typically runs through early January and is perfect for anyone who just wants to soak in the holiday magic without spending a dime.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

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