10 great places to have a bright Christmas

USA TODAY, December, 2003 by Shawn Sell

Wild lights make bright holiday nights. From the 600,000-bulb extravaganza of homeowner Rich Faucher in New Castle, Del., to Southern California's Newport Beach Boat Parade with its 150 lighted ships, "Americans love putting electric incandescence up against cold winter nights," says David Seidman , author of Holiday Lights! (Storey Publishing, $16.95). He shares with USA TODAY's Shawn Sell some dazzling displays.

Mission Inn

Riverside, Calif.

"More than 2 million lights decorate this historic landmark of a hotel. The season's first lighting is a local event that draws tourists from quite a distance. About 40 miles to the southwest, in Costa Mesa, the Trinity Broadcasting Network puts on a display so bright that it has inspired public protests." 909-784-0300;...