During our search for America's Most Fun Neighborhoods last summer, many readers told us how their communities light up with good cheer at this time of year. We've gathered the brightest notions, including a luminaria "runway" and a twinkling flotilla of boats. These unique traditions demonstrate a law of the season: When folks come together to decorate, they can't help but celebrate as well. Read on, beginning with this special way to launch the season, and get inspired to light up your corner of the world.

BRIGHT IDEA: LAUNCHING THE SEASON WITH A BANG

Where:   Orem, Utah
How It Happens:   Dalliene Jessop and her friendly neighbors take the concept of holiday togetherness literally, with a synchronized house-lighting that ushers in the season. Right after Thanksgiving, neighborhood residents get to work stringing up their holiday lights. Then, on the first Monday in December, they gather for an alfresco celebration. With holiday music playing in the background, they enjoy cookies and cocoa and collect cash donations for a local charity. As darkness descends, one member of each family hurries home to man the outlets. At the designated signal -- the ignition of a whistling firecracker saved from the annual Fourth of July celebration -- all the homes in the neighborhood come alight. Says Dalliene, "For all the kids in the cul-de-sac, it's when Christmas really begins."