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Check out the Taking the Kids Guide to Holiday Lights for ways you might want to start a new tradition. And you don't necessarily have to be in the country's biggest cities either. Here are six stellar celebrations open by Thanksgiving weekend to get you started:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden hosts New Mexico's "The River of Lights," featuring giant sculptures created by millions of lights in over 400 displays. November 28 to January 4

CHARLESTON, S.C.: The annual "Holiday Festival of Lights," considered one of the top 20 events in the southeast, features millions of lights arranged in 750 displays along a three-mile route. Visitors will also enjoy attractions like the Enchanted Walking Trail, an old-fashioned carousel, gingerbread house displays and more. November 13 to January 3

KANSAS CITY, MO.: Crown Center is home to the Mayor's Christmas Tree, which, at 100 feet, is one of the nation's tallest. The tree is a symbol of the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund, which donates gifts, food and clothing to communities in need. After the holidays, the tree is recycled and transformed into Mayor's Christmas Tree ornaments. Nov. 27 is the tree lighting. There's also Downtown Dazzle, featuring more than 100 different, holiday-themed exhibits, shows, performances and attractions during the first three weekends of December.

PIGEON FORGE, TN: As you drive along in a heated trolley, ask the kids to guess the number of lights (five million) in this resort town's gigantic "Winterfest" and compare that to what's on display at the Dollywood theme park's annual Smoky Mountain lights and concert events (four million). November 10 to December 31.

SPRINGFIELD,MA: New England's most imaginative holiday lighting exhibit brings Seuss Land (this is author Theodor Geisel's hometown), North Pole Village and Jurassic World to the three-mile "Bright Nights" festival, which also offers carriage rides. November 25 to January 3.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA: "Holiday Lights at the Beach" joins Richmond, Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk and Portsmouth with holiday displays and a lineup of events for the state's annual "100 Miles of Lights." But you won't have to leave the boardwalk to enjoy the town's beachfront 40-foot-tall Christmas tree and nautical-themed light displays. Nov 20 to Jan 2.

Just don't expect perfection. The teens may whine that they don't want to come; the little kids will whine they are hungry or want to be carried. But everyone will ooh and aah -- and leave with a smile on their faces -- hopefully.

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)

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