Thanks to a handful of die-hard Christmas light enthusiasts, Whidbey Islanders may enjoy an evening of free, home-grown entertainment. Pack up the kids, fill a thermos with hot cider, grab some seasonal CDs and embark on a holiday drive.

At the north end of the island, several homes on the corner of Taylor and E. Crescent Harbor roads have pooled their displays to make a magnificent five-acre spread.

From the five-acre display, travel northward on Taylor toward E. Sleeper Road and take a left. Another wonderfully lit yard awaits at 330 E. Sleeper.

Continue westward on Sleeper Road, take the first left onto N. Appian Way, make a right at E. Torrence Lane, then a left at N. Wilson Road to arrive at the impressive scene at the home of Fred Benninghoff, 3418 Wilson Rd.

Within the Oak Harbor city limits, white-light snowflakes line Midway Boulevard. “Santa’s workshop” and a delightful mechanical display adorn the front yard of 546 NW Second Ave. More lights appear at 1270 Kalama Loop and the ever popular, seasonally decorated yard (complete with piped holiday tunes) at 530 Sixth St. All are sure-winners.

Head out of town via Fort Nugent Road to West Beach Road, where the lights of Tilbury Lane conjure the holiday spirit, or travel the east side of the island by way of Highway 20, turn left on Monroe Landing Road and enjoy the Fairhaven family home’s light display at 1315 Monroe Landing Rd.

Don’t forget to stop by Blue Fox Drive-In’s Christmas Village, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, warm up by the bon fire, and ride a holiday train conducted by Frosty the Snowman.

Many Coupeville homes also sparkle with lights and classic nativity displays. Krueger Street contains too many decorated homes to name just one. Don’t forget to smile and wave back to all the cheery wooden snowmen along Coupeville’s Main Street.