Light is an essential element for any photo, so for our December Photo Challenge, we asked you to turn a source of light into a main component of your image. The resulting entries offered a wonderful variety of lights, including cozy store fronts, exploding trees, and the always gorgeous Northern Lights. After much consideration, here are the top picks from our judges for the December challenge.

Don’t forget that the January Photo Challenge is going on right now. The theme is Black&White. Get your entries in my February 1st to be considered. As a special incentive this month, KelbyTraining is awarding free copies of Matt Kloskowski’s The Photoshop Elements 10 Book for Digital Photographers to each Top Pick in the January challenge. So get shooting!

Judges were intrigued by the pattern of light and contrasting textures in this abstract photo by Patricia Satkofsky.

We like way the colors and geometry combine to illuminate the plane against a pitch black background in Micki Bowne’s photo.

 With the lovely bokeh effect in Susan Horn’s image, it’s easy to imagine that this dedicated little nutcracker is out braving a cold night to watch over the presents.

The suspended stars create an interesting composition in this photo by Frank Binder.

We love the composition of this image by Anton Prestele and the way the sun’s rays direct your eyes towards the droll little cherub.

The beautiful wash of color to the right and the little sparkles in the snowman add a touch of magic to this sweetly nostalgic image by Pamela Headridge.

Winner: Nothing says “lights” quite like the Vegas Strip. We love the visual chaos of streaking car lights, uplit buildings and giant signs in this night shot by Steven Digirolamo.

Congratulations to everyone!