Christmas 2011: Best outdoor Christmas lights

It's the holidays, and you know what that means: Time for Christmas lights! I know many families who spend nights driving around their neighborhood, taking in the festive holiday decorations. It's great to drive by and admire the homes from a distance, but things change when you're living next door to the second coming of the Griswolds. With all those lights, it's a wonder some of these homeowners can still use their microwaves.

Holiday decorations on a budget
Best outdoor Christmas decorations 2010

Without further ado, here are some my favorite over-the-top Christmas displays from this year and years past:

San Mateo, Calif.

This home in San Mateo Park, a neighborhood in San Mateo, Calif., is one of the more low-key displays on this list. Still, with all those bright lights and the reindeer prancing on the roof, it's probable Santa won't miss this block.

Ambridge, Pa.

/ Flickr/vladdythephotogeek

Ambridge, Pa.

Named after the American Bridge Company which attracted many residents to this once-booming manufacturing town, Ambridge is home to some beautiful historic homes and buildings. This home, with its nativity scene, light-up train and rooftop star, is a great example of extreme holiday decorating.

Baltimore, Md.

Known as the "Miracle on 34th Street," this light show in Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood draws tourists from the weekend after Thanksgiving until a few days after New Year's. This tradition is now in its 64th year and going strong - if you're in the Baltimore area, head to the 700 block of West 34th street and check it out for yourself.

Richmond, Va.

/ Flickr/Aaronjwebb

Richmond, Va.

Christmas traditions in Richmond pay homage to the city's rich history. Visitors and residents alike can experience Christmas the way it was celebrated in Victorian-era Virginia, but there's plenty to do if you'd prefer something more modern. This home, decked to the extreme in lights and light-up lawn ornaments, is a great example of how modern-day Richmond residents celebrate the season.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Overdone Christmas decorations are not confined to the U.S.: Canada has some homes to add to this list. Like this Toronto home; it's small, but the owners still managed to fit plenty of Christmas lights over every square inch available. The neighbors didn't even bother trying to compete with this house.