A popular family activity this time of year is checking out holiday light displays, whether it’s driving past your neighbors’ houses, the local village park or loading up the family vehicle and heading to a Christmas village (think Sam’s in Somerset).

Pierce County residents have plenty of local options for holiday cheer right in their own backyards. For one thing, the Pierce County Fairgrounds (364 N. Maple St., Ellsworth) will host an inaugural event, free to the community.

The Friends of the Pierce County Fair, along with many community partners, will host “Light up the Fair” 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9; Saturday, Dec. 10; Friday, Dec. 16; and Saturday, Dec. 17.

Activities will include a magical wonderland oflights, Santa and Mrs. Claus visits, s’mores, games, treats, cookie decorating, petting zoo, caroling and stories by Ellsworth Public Library staff.

The event wouldn’t be possible without generous sponsors, who include Joanne Hines American Family Insurance, Ellsworth Funsters, Purina, Ruby’s Pantry, Showdown in Curdtown, Hiawatha National Bank, Market & Johnson, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Brush Strokes, CCF Bank, Eau Galle Cheese Factory, Maiden Rock Rockets 4-H Club, WESTconsin Credit Union, Security Financial Bank, Hair Designs by Tammy and Bauer Built Tire & Service.

The event is asking visitors to bring food donations for the Pierce County Food Pantry, who is seeing an uptick in service requests this holiday season.

Moving on to River Falls, the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau has partnered with River Falls Municipal Utilities once again for the Light up the Kinni holiday light display contest, which began Dec. 1 and runs through Dec. 25.

Plan your route by visiting the map on the River Falls Area Chamber Facebook page and choose your favorite light display. Then, look up the “Light up the Kinni” album on the chamber’s Facebook page and vote for the People’s Choice award winner by “liking” the photo or video. Judges will determine the first, second and third place winners.

Participating addresses have been divided into two zones.

Red Zone 1: 238 County Road W, 3413 Cambridge Place, 272 Walnut Hill Way, 918 Pine Ridge Terrace, 913 Roosevelt St., 542 Roosevelt St.

Green Zone 2: 1627 Sunwood Court, 1143 State St. #211, 545 Devin Lane, N7951 980th St., W10430 Highway 29, 187 Kinni Court.

For more information, visit tourism.rfchamber.com