Each year, the Richmond Times Dispatch publishes a list of tacky light houses. The lists, which have been published each year for 26 years, contain over 40,000 tacky, yet somehow tasteful houses. Don't get me wrong though, some houses are just down right tacky. But, there is no better way to kick off the start of the holiday season like a good old fashioned tacky light tour. Although the electric bill is worrisome to me, families dedicated to spreading holiday cheer through the decoration of their own home are almost like little elves here on our earth. So, I have decided to leave you with a list of great "tacky light" houses in Richmond. If you have not seen Richmond during the holiday season, it is a spectacular city.

Here are a few of the houses that have topped the Richmond Times Dispatch's list this year. Some have made the list for many years, but some houses have made the list for the very first time.

Downtown Richmond Illumination of the James Center

On December 6th, from 7-8 pm, Santa and light 98 will count down the seconds to light the downtown office buildings. The James Center will also light up Reindeer and the great tree. This grand illumination will be held on tenth and east Cary Street.

1510 Claiborne Street

This house is in the Maymont neighborhood, and has been lighting up for years! The yard has over 40 blow ups.

2503 Pine Grove Drive

Over 30,000 lights decorate this family home. Santa will even be stopping by on select weekends.

1925 Laburnum Ave.

Tune to 89.3, to see these animated lights come to life to the beat of the music. The homeowner was recently inspired by animated lights, and is exited to show off more LED lights than ever for the 2015 holiday!

408 S. Laurel Street.

This house is located in Oregon Hill, to be exact. The house is super fun and bright. The homeowners have been lighting up since 2003, and this year they are proud to have finally made the list! The home grows with lights each year, and the family loves spreading the holiday cheer. This is a very Instagram worthy house in my opinion.

Monument Avenue

During the holidays, the historic houses are truly a spectacular sight. Walking through the holiday streets at night becomes a holiday tradition for many families in Richmond. Take a stroll down Monument this Christmas, you won't regret it!

3307 Kensington Ave.

This Museum District home is definitely tacky. The family is friendly, and are often seen passing out candy canes. The house includes a fifteen foot santa, and about twenty blow-ups. This house has been lit up since Thanksgiving!

Embrace this wonderful holiday season with a tacky light tour. There is no way crazy, big, spectacular lights will not put you in the holiday sprit.