Get your glow on

One of our family’s favorite traditions during the holidays takes place when we go visit my in-laws in Evansville. Whether we’re there for Thanksgiving or later for Christmas, we always pile everyone into the minivan and head out to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights.

My 10-year-old sports nut looks for the Santa with the hook shot. My 6-year-old dino lover’s favorite is the dragon coming out of the lake. I like the displays that give a nod to the spiritual significance of the season.

Now in it’s 16th year, Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights benefits Easter Seals of Southwest Indiana. Held at Garvin Park, the light display is a drive-through excursion — ideal for chilly nights.

Cars carrying six people or fewer are charged $7. Vehicles with 7-14 people pay $10. Admission for vehicles with 15 or more people is $25. For the romantics out there, horse-drawn carriage rides are available for an additional fee.

Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights is open now through January 3, 2010. Hours are Sunday-Thursday 5-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 5-10 p.m.

If Evansville is a little too far for you to drive to get your glow on, check out these other great holiday light displays:

Fishers: Located at 126th St. and State Route 37 is Reynold’s Farm Equipment, possibly an unlikely location for a terrific light display. But you won’t have to look twice to see the Reynold’s Christmas Light Display. Seven acres and millions of lights bring countless smiles to visitors who drive through this free display. Go on December 11th and 18th from 6:30-9 p.m. to visit with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies!

Frankfort: Holiday Festival of Lights in TPA Park. Open Friday-Sunday through January 3. This amazing free display offers more than 1 million lights, Santa’s Soup and More concessions, and Santa in the park from 6-9 p.m. from December 5-23.

Indianapolis: Take a spin around downtown’s Monument Circle to see the World’s Largest Christmas Tree, then head to the Indianapolis Zoo for Christmas at the Zoo, from December 4-30. Christmas at the Zoo is a walking excursion, so be sure to bundle up! Admission is free for zoo members. Non-members are $8.50/adults and $6.50 for seniors 62+ and children ages 2-12. Parking is $5.

Marion: Christmas City Walkway of Lights offers 4.5 miles of holiday light displays featuring more than 2.5 million lights. Open now through New Year’s Eve.

Do you have a favorite holiday light display that I didn’t list? Tell us about it!