In a year that has been sadly short on joy and wonder, holiday lights might just be the most visible sign of the holiday season that can raise your spirits.

Luckily, Golden has no shortage of eye-popping displays that are sure to make you appreciate this most wonderful time of the year, whether your tastes run toward over-the-top spectacles complete with their own soundtrack or the comfort of more classic elements.

In the spirit of making the season (read: more time enjoying, less time looking) here is a guide to some of our favorite displays around Golden. This list starts on the north side of town and moves south and makes for a great tour.

19153 West 60th Lane

This show consists of a barrage of bright and colorful changing lights set to one of three alternating playlists consisting mostly of classic and modern Christmas songs. Though the display is mostly classically Christmas, the Tuesday playlist also includes the REM hit Find the River, which plays while water visuals are projected onto the garage. The show runs from 5-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5-10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

5609 Orion Circle

Lighted reindeer, fox and dog figures are the highlights of this display, which also features a lawn surrounded by a row of festive candles. Next door, Santa can be seen prepping his reindeer for flight on the lawn.

603 Wyoming St.

Snowmen and Santas look out from the brightly lit lawn, while snowflakes are projected onto the garage. Santa will have no problem finding the chimney here thanks to the large, brightly-lit wreath adorning it.

480 Mesa View Way

A massive blow-up Santa welcomes crowds to this shimmering musical extravaganza, which has long been a destination for those seeking the best lights Golden has to offer. From the playlist of Christmas classics to the massive trees strewn with lights to the star atop the tree behind the house, this is a display that would make Clark Griswald proud. Although 480 Mesa View is the undisputed star, the neighboring houses also offer a number of interesting displays of their own, including several garage projections.

433 Canyon Point Circle

Located in the same neighborhood as 480 Mesa View Way, the Golden Hayride, which has been decked out for the holidays, is parked in the driveway. There also several rainbow-colored light fixtures and large lit up ornaments on the lawn.

Downtown Golden

After a long and difficult year, there's something extra special about the first glimpse of the familiar site of Washington Avenue aglow in white. Don't forget to check out the massive tree covered in rainbow lights outside the visitor's center (it almost feels like Golden's own little mini Rockefeller Center). Then walk west along the Clear Creek trail from Washington Avenue for more lights, including the bridge covered in green, purple and gold lights.

900 10th St.

Once you've seen the tree at the visitor's center, head down 10th St. to see Santa and a whole team of reindeer in the yard along with a garden of candy canes and several other fun fixtures.

17110 9th Ave.

A roof outlined in colored lights, a walkway strewn with candy canes and a train light figure are just a few of the highlights here.

1460 Normandy Road

Tune your radio dial to the station listed on the large sign and take in this sprawling display, which encompasses two houses. From nutcrackers and penguins to angels, there are figures everywhere you look in this one. Most impressive is Santa in his reindeer-guided slay that sits suspended above.