Take The 2018 Tour Of Holiday Lights In Northern Virginia

VIRGINIA—We asked, you answered. Patch asked readers to point out the Clark Griswold of your neighborhood who puts up zillions of holiday lights and figures drawing visitors from surrounding areas. From synchronized light shows to handmade Christmas decor, these Northern Virginia homes have displays definitely worth a drive-by.

Do you know of another spot in town worth visiting? Keep sending our suggestions, and we'll share them through Christmas. Scroll down to the end of the article for tips on submissions.

Here's the rundown on homes readers have suggested, so far:

Collingwood Lights, 1601 Collingwood Road, Alexandria: Ever since his wife scolded him for not putting up Christmas decorations, Bill Vaughan has put up one of the most elaborate displays in the region. Every year he makes pieces for the display by hand. This year, Collingwood Lights won ABC's Great Christmas Light Flight during the season premiere. The display will be open through Jan. 7, but check the guestbook at www.collingwoodlights.com for weather-related washouts.

210 Jefferson Street, Alexandria: This Old Town Alexandria home is decked out in a Nutcracker theme and includes a whistling train. Alexandria resident Brook Ambos of the display, "My wonderful neighbor does a fantastic job with lights. She adds that kids show up all the time to see the display.

Reagon Court Christmas Lights 5552 Reagon Court, Dale City: This synchronized light show is a local favorite. Shows happen daily 5 p.m.-1o p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday through the first weekend in the new year. Nonperishable food donations are collected for the ACTS of Prince William food bank. Visit www.reagonctlights.com for more information.

Johnston Christmas Wonderland, 4501 Evansdale Road, Dale City: The Johnston family's decked out yard is open every night from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. until New Year's Eve. Follow the display's Facebook page for updates.

Polar Acres, 510 East Broad Street, Falls Church: John Lanouette fills up the yard with his handcrafted sculptures, lights and other decor, making for a magical walk-through display. Visit his Facebook page here.

3516 Cornell Road, Fairfax: Stephanie and Chris McCarthy have put up displays for 15 years, but this is the first year for this home. There are over 60 inflatables, a 20-foot Santa, nativity and hand-painted Peanuts characters and Grinch. The display is on from 4:30 p.m.-10:30 daily through Jan. 6. The display is only off in cases of heavy wind or rain. A food bin outside the home is collecting donations for charity.

Edwards Landing Lights, Woods Edge Drive, Leesburg: This winter wonderland has a 30-minute light show synchronized to music from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. daily through Christmas. Tune to 98.1 FM while watching the lights. A donation box next to the "Tune To 98.1 FM" sign will accept donations for the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. The residents urge visitors to be respectful of neighbors and traffic rules. Visit the display's Facebook page for rules to follow.

13614 Weinstein Ct, Centreville: Tune into the radio when you pull up to this display. The display is on until 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends. A non-perishable donation box is collecting for a local food pantry. Submitted by Geraldine Brown.

9804 Kirktree Court, Fairfax: A reader describes the festive home as a "beautifully hand decorated real ginger bread house."

43281 Wayside Circle, Ashburn: You'll find all kinds of Christmas characters in the yard of this Ashburn home.

11841 Parliament Drive, Woodbridge: Laura Mills says of her neighbor's display: "this place is amazing and totally worth the drive!" The lights are on daily until 10 p.m. through New Year's Day.

Other addresses from readers:

5301 Smoke House Court, Fort Belvoir (ungated community): Angie Arroyo and her husband made displays of the Grinch and his dog Max by hand. "We are big fans of the Grinch books and movies and hope the display is helping to brighten the spirits of all who see it!" she says.

We're adding to the Northern Virginia tour of holiday light displays. If your winter wonderland is worth a drive-by, send an email to Emily.Leayman@patch.com.

Please note the following information with your submission:

• Include the exact address of the lawn display.
• If you have specific dates and hours for the display, let us know. We don't want people ringing your doorbell or bothering your neighbors in the middle of the night.
• Please don't submit a Christmas-decorated home you recall from years ago. That person may no longer be decorating the house, and we don't want people wasting gas.
• Does the display have a name? Be sure to include it.
• Tell us about any special effects, such as singing trees, stuffed reindeer, live actors, etc.
• Does the display have a Facebook page or website? Be sure to include the links.
• Is the display collecting donations for a charity? Let us know.
• Please submit your own photos. We're going to assume that Patch has permission to use every photo that is submitted for this feature.

Main image: 210 Jefferson Street, Alexandria by Brook Ambos