Christmas light viewing is a seriously unappreciated sport. Those who make it their focus and practice it when the sky is dotted with twinkling, multicolored lights know this fact. These man-made shimmer-fests have all the qualities of a typical sport. Participants plan ahead, leave their toasty homes (sorry, but you can't see these shows from Google Earth) and feel the satisfaction of reaching the ultimate goal: witnessing the most illuminated structures in the Rogue Valley.

Where are the best shining examples of luminous exuberance? For some, it's the house with enough voltage to make the sun jealous. For others, it's the one less ablaze but with funny figurines, such as penguins doing frontflips in the yard.

It's up to the audience to decide.

Here are some spots not to miss, for one good reason or another:

• Crowson Road in Ashland has houses that shine like beacons
• The Greystone Court cul-de-sac in Medford showcases white lights and homeowners collect food donations for ACCESS food share
• 3537 Cherry Lane in Medford and surrounding large homes have an abundance of lights sometimes accompanied by recorded music
• 1150 S. Stage Road in Medford has more than 100,000 lights sparkling to the beat of holiday hits from dusk to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1. Santa will hand out goodies and collect cash donations for the Jackson County Animal Shelter and Griffin Creek Elementary School library from 6:30 to 8 p.m. daily until Dec. 24.

Feel free to drive around Southern Oregon to hunt for more displays or refer to the Medford Mail Tribune's Holiday Lights guide atmailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=HOLIDAYLIGHTS

Amelia Covert Zeve, 13, is an Ashland-based writer and wilderness enthusiast who attends Ashland Middle School. Contact her at ameliacovertzeve@gmail.com.