Christmas is more than presents and a big family dinner. There's something about this time of year that sets it completely apart from the other 11 months. Of course, that may also just be the Christmas lights.

Holiday decorating is almost as big a tradition in the U.S. as gift-giving is, and it's easy to see why. A creatively-lit house or cozy-looking suburban footpath can instantly transform people from the world of their mundane concerns to one of seasonal magic and enjoyment. In fact, driving around to spot lights, holly, decorations and snowy courtyards is a favorite pastime for many families. If you can't seem to deck the halls hard enough and want to hit the road to see the merriest cities in the country, keep these destinations in mind.

Washington, D.C.
It should really come as no surprise that the nation's capital is a city to reckon with when it comes to spreading holiday cheer. While the townhouses and iconic brownstones of D.C. itself may very well house residents who like to go all out with lights, the real appeal can be found at the Smithsonian. Each year, the National Zoo holds its Zoolights festival – an aptly named celebration that combines the radiant joy of holiday decorating with the fascination of the animal kingdom. Some 500,000 LED lights adorn the zoo, and light the way for visitors who want to take a ride on a solar-powered carousel or visit the nocturnal animal exhibits.

Aspen, Colorado
Santa is hands down the biggest celebrity of the season, but with his famous workshop sitting way up at the North Pole, chances to visit his wintry home aren't exactly frequent. Fortunately, travelers can see the next best thing: Aspen, Colorado. The skiing resort town has an undeniable charm to it that just screams holiday spirit during the winter. Walking along the snow-covered and lantern-lit Cooper Ave. is like taking a step back in time. But don't lose yourself in too much thought, or you may miss out on the many cookie exchanges and public s'mores roasts. When you're finished taking in the crisp Colorado air, you can retire to the Hotel Jerome, which regularly hosts carolers in its lobby.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Christmas and Macy's department stores go together like milk and cookies left out for Santa. But while Macy's has many stores all over the country, you could argue that "the" Macy's is in Philadelphia. Since 1956, Macy's has offered its famous Christmas Light Show to guests, who are treated to a 100,000-LED spectacle that spans four stories. Christmas trees, reindeer, ballerinas and toy soldiers all make appearances as the show walks viewers through a delightful Christmas tale narrated by Julie Andrews. The show ends with a bang – or rather, with the 287-ton Wanamaker Organ playing its rendition of "O Tannenbaum."

Richmond, Virginia
Some people love Christmas lights, while others may find them garish and tasteless. It turns out that many of the residents of Virginia's capital take both stances. Every year, the city hosts its Tacky Lights Festival, which has been running for 26 years. The Richmond Times-Dispatch publishes a list of some of the most elaborately and creatively lit houses in the city, turning the town's residential streets into makeshift sightseeing tours and parade routes. Perhaps the best part is that anyone who wants to can take part in the unofficial "competition" that the festival is based on. But you'd better be ready to compete with the big players – to be eligible for festival inclusion, your display has to boast a minimum of 40,000 bulbs.

Branson, Missouri
Those light-chasers who make it all the way down to Branson, Missouri, will find that their efforts were well worth the trip. The tiny town is host to its annual Old Time Christmas festival at its trademark Silver Dollar City. Not only is there live music and a nightly parade, but visitors can feast their eyes on 1,000 decorated trees covered in a total of 5 million – yes you read that right – bulbs.

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