In a state that's cold and snowy for most of the year, you have to learn to embrace winter. That means loving snow, going all out for the holidays and generally finding ways to forget that it's cold and wet and slippery out there. That's why you'll often find folks here in Wisconsin that start their Christmas celebrations before the Thanksgiving leftovers are even finished. We love a good holiday display and we know that we have to get those lights up sooner rather than later. Lucky for us, that means that some pretty spectacular holiday light displays are up for a minimum of six weeks each year, giving us plenty of time to take in the wonder and sparkle. There are great lights displays all over the state, but this trip takes you all over the middle of the state to find some of the twinkliest, prettiest, most over the top light displays in Wisconsin. City displays can be kind of spread out, so we've included some of the coolest private home displays you've ever seen to fill in the gaps and keep your spirits bright.

An editable version of this map is available here.

This trail goes from coast to coast, so be prepared and plan ahead or maybe take the trail in small doses. Either way, some of the best displays in all of Wisconsin are right on this trail and we couldn't bare to leave anything out.

1. Rotary Lights - La Crosse

The first stop is the twinkliest spot in the whole state. With more than three million lights, this display that has walk-through and drive-through portions lights up the night and will leave you in awe. It's the perfect way to start the trip and it's absolute holiday perfection. You won't be able to be a Scrooge in the face on all this holiday cheer.

2. Christmas in the Valley - Eau Claire

These folks have a fabulous personal display set to music. So head here, turn your radio to 93.5 FM and enjoy. It's a fabulous display and you won't believe it's on someone's home. They also raise funds and collect donations to held end homelessness in Eau Claire.

3. EC Lights - Eau Claire

This is no ordinary home lights display - this one goes on for 25 minutes! Again, they're synchronized to music, so tune to 95.7, bring some snacks and enjoy.

4. Irvine Park - Chippewa Falls

Stroll through on foot, drive through in your car or sign up for the holiday lights trolley to experience this sparking sea of colors.

5. Rotary Winter Wonderland in Wildwood Park and Zoo - Marshfield

There are 1.5 million twinkling lights that take over this park to create a massive winter wonderland. They also have sleigh rides, live music and more. Admission is free but donations are collected for food pantries.

6. Lights on Wood - Kronenwetter

Know that this family started out just putting up a couple hundred lights and it's ballooned into more than 20,000 lights in a gorgeous display that includes two heavy-duty laser lights.

7. Ransbottoms - Kronenwetter

These folks string up more than 15,000 lights and create an animated musical light show that is so delightful.

8. Celebration of Lights in Menominee Park - Oshkosh

One of the best drive-through light displays in the state, this one is amplified by its perch on the Fox River. The lights sparkle and shine off the water, making it all the more magical.

9. Botanical Garden of Lights - Green Bay

You'll stroll among more than 300,000 lights here, meet with santa, enjoy some treats, walk through a 60-foot lighted caterpillar and more. This is a delightful walking display you won't want to miss.

Are there other homes or public displays in these area you love to visit? Let us know about it in the comments! Learn more about the awesome displays in La Crosse and Oshkosh and start planning your trip!