It’s easy to have a sparkling holiday season, if you know where to look. Christmas lights shows are planned throughout the Birmingham metro area, and several of them start to glow in mid-November. Here are five glittering events you won’t want to miss, all in the Magic City or within easy driving distance.

LIGHTS OF NOEL

What to expect: Drive-thru holiday light show with synchronized music.

When: Daily, now through Jan. 1. Hours 5 p.m.-12 a.m.

Where: Birmingham Race Course, 1000 John Rogers Drive, Birmingham. (Entrance to the light show is at Winners Way. Do not enter casino parking lots, follow signs.)