It's that time of year again- time to enjoy all the holiday light displays around town.  They are magical and really bring that holiday feeling to life. Here are some of the best holiday displays in the Midlands:

Harborside Festival of Lights at Lake Carolina 100 Lake Carolina Boulevard (803) 736-5253 Visit one of the best lit neighborhoods around as Harborside at Lake Carolina sparkles with thousands of twinkling holiday lights. Trees, houses and rows of white luminaries welcome visitors each year as residents take pride in making their neighborhood glow with the holiday spirit. Open December 1 - January 4.  

Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park 5605 Bush River Road (803) 731-5208 Holiday Lights on the River features over 300 themed, animated light displays on a two-mile loop of Saluda Shoals Park! Drive through and enjoy the synchonized music over your car radio, then stop at the nature center to roast marshmallows and visit with Santa during the Nights of Wonder. New this year, check out the The Wetland Wonderland Walking Trail and the Winter Wonder Ride! Nov. 25th through December 31st.  Admission- Cars: $10   15-Passenger Vans: $20     Buses:  $3.  Other fees for activities.

Lights Before Christmas Riverbanks Zoo 500 Wildlife Parkway (803) 779-8717 Come experience nearly one million twinkling lights, countless animated images, dazzling music in motion lights spectacular, nightly visits with Santa through Christmas Eve, a Tinkerdoodle Christmas in 3D, warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire, plus hot cocoa, marshmallows and other festive foods available for purchase! Open November 21 - January 3. 6:00-9:00pm. Closed November 26, December 24, 25 and 31.

Elgin Lights, Tractors and Train Display 2433 Charlie Horse Circle Elgin, SC Meet a family who really enjoy Christmas! Come visit the two barns that are decorated with antique toy trains, tractors, farm tools and many more antiques; take a hay ride pulled by a genuine antique tractor through the woods on a road that was specifically created for this event with more than 30,000 lights, some of which are synced with holiday music! This family display is free to drive through  but 100% of all donations go to Camp Kemo so be as generous as you can. Open December 15-24. 6-9 pm.

Hope Ferry Road Just off Hwy 378, Lexington SC Unbelievable!  Thats what you'll say when you draw near this amazing spectacle. 3 neighbors with generous yards decorate every inch with colorful wood characters and lights and set the whole thing to music. Be kind to the people behind you and pull off the road for a closer look, but stay outside of the fencing for safety. This is one spot that will make Christmas memories for your children. no fees.

Crepe Myrtle Circle Crepe Myrtle Circle, Lexington SC Drive through this lovely circle where the houses are all decorated with white lights. You might even see Santa while you are there! This lovely looped road of southern-style homes is a fun and festive example of neighbors working together to create a really fantastic display for the public. No admission or fees but depending on the day and time you choose, it can be crowded.

West Metro Parade of Lights 12th Ave Cayce, Sunday December 5, 2010.  Sure, you could watch it on TV, but where's the fun in that? Dress for the weather, bring your hot chocolate and grab some hot doughnuts from Krispy Kreme, then settle in for the event of the holiday season... the Parade of Lights! All the floats and most of the people are festooned in holiday lights setting the mood for the season. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and get your spot early! The parade starts at 5:30. No fees.

The Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade  The 57th Annual Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, December 4th, 2010, on Gervais Street in downtown Columbia. The theme "12 Days of Christmas" will feature dozens of floats, marching bands, drill teams, and live performances. The parade will begin at 9:45 a.m. at Gervais and Bull Streets and proceed west on Gervais, pass in front of the State House, and continue into the Vista to Park Street.