By JONATHON TOLBERT 

The Mirror reporter

The words “holiday season” often bring to mind last minute shopping, stress and family drama. It is time to flip the script this holiday season by planning a night centered around the light shows.  Though the weather is cold and unforgiving the light show creates and atmosphere that is warm and friendly.

For the 20^th year, Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Garden of Lights will be open to the public in Green Bay. It is a walk through show that is just under a mile (0.85) and typically takes 30 to45 minutes for the walking tour. A horse-drawn wagon tour is available but does cost $14 versus $9.

Tickets are available for purchase now, $9 for adults (13 and up), $5 for children (3-12) and children 2 and under get in free.

The light show is open from five until nine on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Its busiest time is early Saturday. It will end Dec. 30 and be closed on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.

For a light show spent in the comfort of a car, Oshkosh is a safe bet. Oshkosh does not have a garden for people to view the lights. The lights are spread through the park and participants drive through it.

The Lights in Lincoln Park, located in Manitowoc, combines the zoo and holiday lights. It is open from 5 until 8 pm Wednesdays through Saturday but consider a visit on a Friday to see Santa, grab cookies and hot chocolate at his cabin.

The Rotary Winter Wonderland in Marshfield is an option that is a little closer to home. The light show is active seven days a weeks starting Nov. 25 and ending Dec. 31 from 5 until 9 pm.

There are many other light shows in Wisconsin. http://northeastwiactivities.com/must-see-holiday-lights/ lists everything which was discussed in this article and more.

Light shows are the perfect embodiment of the holiday spirit. It is the perfect get away from the holiday stresses while still being in the holiday spirit.