There's always that one special thing that puts you in the holiday mood, the one thing that when it happens, you just know it's that time of year.

Whether it's a favorite Christmas carol, the Black Friday shopping rush or a lighted display, it signals another year of celebration with family and friends. For me, it's Anderson Equipment Company's festive display along Washington Pike in Collier.

Each year, workers there have dutifully set up a holiday scene that puts a smile on my face while coming home each day from work. The company's lighted displays have included Santa's team of reindeer (a set of Caterpillars) leading a sleigh, nativity scenes and this year's exhibit that hosts a family of caroling snowmen accompanied by Santa.

It's that one thing for me that signals the start of the holiday season.

It's always been a family tradition of ours to drive to Oglebay in West Virginia or Hartwood Acres near Allison Park to see the wonderfully lit displays. It was something that we've shared for years, but with budgets getting tighter and gas prices going higher, the long drive in the family car has lost its appeal.

Driving home from work one night, I noticed that the Chartiers Valley is shining brightly with decorations in every neighborhood and rows of lighted houses lining the streets, showing off their holiday splendor. There was this whole new lighted display right here in our own neighborhood all along. 

After a nice drive with Christmas carols playing on the radio, here are a few of my favorite places in the area to visit for holiday displays.

•  Just off of Chartiers Street in Bridgeville, Gregg Avenue and Chestnut Street are the top runners for decorations in the Chartiers Valley area. From beautiful window displays to bright colors hanging from tree branches in front yards, these streets exude the holiday spirit in all its glory with nativities, lights and cheer!

• Near Old St. Luke's Church in Scott Township, the neighborhood there is dressed dup nicely. The winding Old Washington Pike has lighting all the way for Saint Nick and his team of reindeers this season. Lit to the tens, this area has plenty of icicle lights and outside décor to enjoy.

• Finally, I can't resist red Christmas lights and the Kirwin Heights Volunteer Fire Department located at Washington Pike and Vanadium Road has plenty. The building is brightly lined in red lights and even the trees get to enjoy the holiday sparkle.