One of America's favorite holiday pasttimes is piling in the car, driving around and looking at lights. Holiday lights have become serious business, with displays reaching mind-boggling levels in detail and volume. In the spirit of the season, many displays not only offer viewer enjoyment but also raise money for charities. In you're in the area, check out one of these awesome displays:

Wayne County Lightfest

• Where: Off I-275; Westland, Mich.
• When: 7-10 p.m.; Nov. 20 - Jan. 1; Closed Dec. 25
• Cost: $5/car
Find out more: (734) 261-1990

Scenes with sleighs, Santa's flight school and a giant poinsettia are some of the 40 lighted scenes you'll enjoy as you ride along Hines Drive. The 4-1/2 mile display ends with a concession and gift shop. Santa is there for pictures, too! Bring a toy on Toy Night Tuesdays (Dec. 2, 9, 16) to be donated to a local charity group. Monetary proceeds benefit the Friends of Wayne County Parks Fund.

Capital Holiday Lights in the Park

• Where: Off I-787, Albany, N.Y.
• When: 6-9 p.m. Sun.-Thurs.; 6-10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.; Nov. 24 - Dec. 31
• Cost: $10/car; $50/bus
• Find out more: (518) 446-4000, ext. 8400

Enjoy over 100 lakeside displays in Albany's historic Washington Park. At the end of the mile-and-a-half exhibit is an enormous North Pole train display. Go from there to the Lake House for refreshments and a visit with Santa (through Dec. 23). Proceeds benefit Albany Police Athletic League juvenile crime prevention programs.

Winter Lights

• Where: Off I-270, Gaithersburg, Md.
• When: 6-9 p.m. Sun.-Thurs.; 6-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Nov. 28 - Jan. 3; Closed Dec. 25
• Cost: $10/car; $25/15-passenger van; $50/bus
• Find out more: (301) 258-6350

Over 300 displays wind through three-and-one-half miles of Seneca Creek State Park. Drive through a lighted archway to see the Victorian Village, Winter Woods, North Pole and Teddy Bear Land. Over 60 displays are animated. Proceeds benefit local charities.

Jolly Holiday Lights

• Where: Off I-235, Des Moines, Iowa
• When: 5:30-10 p.m.; Nov. 21 - Jan. 1
• Cost: $8/car; $40/bus
• Find out more: (800) 797-WISH

Wildlights

• Where: Off I-70, Denver, Colo.
• When: 5:30-9 p.m.; Nov. 28 - Dec. 31
• Cost: $4-7/person; group discount for 10 or more
• Find out more: (303) 376-4800

Get out of your car and walk through the Denver Zoo's 90 animated animal light sculptures. Experience leaping lions and life-sized elephants taking a bath. Warming stations offer hot chocolate and holiday treats. The admission fee goes toward the zoo.

Gift of Lights

• Where: Off I-215, Las Vegas, Nev.
• When: 5-10 p.m. Fri.-Sun.; 5-9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; Nov. 14 - Jan. 4
• Cost: $10-$12/car; $1/bus passenger
• Find out more: (702) 451-1641

This spectacular mile-and-a-half exhibit features over 100 animated and sparkling displays and an ice skating rink. Bring a bag of gently used items for Goodwill to get $2 off per car. Donations benefit the Clark County Scholarship Fund.