Best Outdoor Christmas Decorations

It's that magical time of year when it becomes apparent which of your neighbors has too much time and too much money on their hands - they're the ones competing for the Best Outdoor Christmas Decorations Display Award.
The blinking, flashing, every color of the rainbow light displays seem to get larger and more creative every year.

Remember when the Griswolds' house in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation seemed extreme?

That was only 1989, yet today that house with "250 strands of lights, 100 individual bulbs per strand, for a grand total of 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights" seems to pale in comparison to some of today's homes (especially the ones with Christmas music synced to changing lights).

If you're not a fan of the annual light show, you probably feel like a Grinch when cars slow to a standstill in front of the glowing monstrosities on your street, but I think they're fun and beautiful.

Here are some of the best outdoor Christmas decorations this year. Enjoy them from inside, at your toasty computer:

Home of Alex Goodwind, United Kingdom

Columbus Zoo, Ohio

From Flickr user cdubya1971. She says it's "a fantastic display of holiday lights at the Columbus Zoo."
To get a photo like hers, visit when crowds are light or try going "after a rain or snow for cool reflections during these long exposures. I'd recommend going early or late in the day, also never use a flash and of course!"

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

This multicolored winter wonderland was captured by Flickr user kcezary. It's the second year he's taken a photo of the house because "the owner keeps on adding new decorations and the house looks more spectacular than ever!" Photographer kcezary even heard rumors the homeowner spent almost $10,000 for electricity bills last winter.

Houston, Texas

Around 2,300 miles south of the Canadian winter light show is this one in the heart of Texas.

Captured by Flickr user dr_marvel it just goes to show you don't need snow to get into the holiday spirit.

Wallingford, Pennsylvania

Santa in his sleigh on the "NOEL"-adornded roof, reindeer in a fluorescent forest and even a nativity scene...this Pennsylvania home covers all of the Christmas bases. I think I also spot a snowman and an electric train for the more secular crowd.

Wilmington, Delaware

From Flickr user ramkumar999, this house mixes new technology and old school outdoor Christmas decorations. The iconic Santa and reindeer sleigh (with Rudolph at the lead) are taking off from the rood, covered with colored icicle lights. Look hard enough and you can spot a blow-up snowman, a more recent adornment.

Who has got the brightest lights in your neighborhood? Send us links to pictures and we'll put them up!

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Ilyce Glink

Ilyce R. Glink is an award-winning, nationally-syndicated columnist, best-selling book author and founder of Best Money Moves, an employee benefit program that helps reduce financial stress. She also owns ThinkGlink.com, where readers can find real estate and personal finance resources.

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