Night comes early in the waning days of fall and the early days of winter, but at this time of year, when darkness falls, the city lights up with a dazzling array of holiday decorations. In East Long Beach, illuminated arches provide tunnels of colorful lights in a neighborhood trend that’s been growing in that area over the past few years. Meanwhile, for decades now, crowds have faithfully flocked to the canals in Naples, where residents bedeck their houses and boats with Hollywood-grade decorations.

And elsewhere—the city comes alive with brilliant holiday spirit and for a few days we can put aside the problems faced throughout the year and bask in the glow of joy and celebration.