Stop and look at the Christmas lights in Portland

Posted Nov. 30, 2012, at 6:10 a.m.

Robert F. Bukaty

At Longfellow Square a tree wrapped in blue lights frames a statue of the poet Thursday morning, Nov. 29, 2012, in Portland. Buy Photo

Robert F. Bukaty

When viewed from below a cluster of colorful light balls evoke fireworks on Fore Street at dawn Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, in Portland.

Robert F. Bukaty

A Christmas tree made up of several strings of lights glows atop the B&M Baked Beans factory overlooking I-295 on Tuesday evening, Nov. 27, 2012, in Portland. Buy Photo

Robert F. Bukaty

Holiday lights shine through the night on a quiet Congress Street early Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, in Portland. Buy Photo

Robert F. Bukaty

An automobile leaves a light trail marking its route around the traffic circle in front of the Regency Hotel on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, in Portland. Buy Photo

Robert F. Bukaty

A storefront reflects the lights on display at the Maine College of Art on Congress Street on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, in Portland. Buy Photo

Robert F. Bukaty

Trees wrapped with red lights and and adorned with blue ornaments glow in Tommy's Park in Portland on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012. Buy Photo

Robert F. Bukaty

Holiday lights add festive color to the brick buildings on Commercial Street on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, in Portland. Buy Photo

PORTLAND, Maine — It’s hard not be a distracted driver in Portland these days, now that the city’s dazzling holiday lights are on display. In fact, there are so many illuminated ornaments hanging along Congress Street that it can be easy for a motorist to miss the traffic signals.

The best advice might be to park the car and take in the festive sights by foot. While the giant Christmas tree in Monument Square gets all the publicity, make sure to check out the blue trees in Longfellow Square, the red trees in Tommy’s Park, and all the decorated shop windows along the way.