The holiday season is all about connection, joy, and creating special memories. A holiday lights contest is the perfect way to spread cheer while encouraging friendly competition and bringing neighbors together. Whether you’re aiming for a one-time event or looking to start a yearly tradition, this guide will help you plan, promote, and execute a contest that will make your community shine.
Steps to Organizing a Holiday Lights Display Contest, from Idea to Reality
Step 1: Get Neighbors Excited and Onboard
Every great event starts with excitement. Begin by talking to a few neighbors to see if there’s interest in participating in the contest. Community platforms like Nextdoor, Facebook groups, or a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) meeting are great places to test the waters and build momentum. Present it as a fun and inclusive way to celebrate the holidays, even for those who don’t decorate—after all, everyone can enjoy viewing and voting!
Form a Small Planning Committee
To keep everything organized, recruit a few enthusiastic volunteers to help coordinate the event. Divide responsibilities, such as:
- Promotions: Create flyers and post online updates.
- Voting Coordination: Decide how the judging will work and monitor votes.
- Prizes: Gather ideas for awards and seek out local business sponsors for gift cards or small donations.
Early on, you’ll want to set a communication plan. For example, decide if most announcements will go out by email, flyers, or social media. Consistent communication ensures everyone is on the same page, especially with deadlines and voting rules.
Step 2: Establish Clear Rules and Set a Schedule
Having a structured timeline and clear rules ensures participants know what to expect and helps things run smoothly. Here’s a sample timeline you can adapt:
- Sign-Up Deadline: Open registration by a certain date to allow time for planning.
- Decorating Deadline: Choose a date by which all lights should be up and ready for viewing.
- Viewing Period: Allow at least one week for neighbors to visit and enjoy the displays.
- Voting Window: Set the final day for votes to be cast.
- Winner Announcement: Plan a fun awards reveal or online post on a specific date.
Create Fair and Fun Contest Rules
When drafting your contest rules, keep them fair and easy to follow. Here are some points to include:
- Who Can Participate: Open the contest to all residents, including homeowners, renters, apartments, and local businesses.
- Decoration Guidelines: Ask participants to keep decorations visible from the street and avoid displays that block sidewalks or cause safety hazards.
- Quiet Hours: Encourage lights off by 10 PM to respect neighbors’ rest.
It’s a good idea to send reminders about electrical safety and windproofing decorations, especially in areas prone to winter storms. Also, clarify that inappropriate displays (offensive images or loud sound effects) will result in disqualification.
Step 3: Add Creative Categories and Attractive Prizes
Adding unique categories keeps things interesting and encourages more participation. Some ideas include:
- Best Traditional Display: For classic holiday themes, like Santa and reindeer.
- Most Creative Theme: Recognizing the most original and imaginative designs.
- Best Use of Lights: For homes with the most eye-catching lighting effects.
- Kids’ Choice Award: Where children can vote for their favorite.
- Greenest Display: Honoring energy-efficient or eco-friendly designs.
Prize Ideas to Make the Contest Special
Awards don’t need to be expensive to be meaningful. A combination of local gift cards, handmade trophies, or certificates can go a long way. Another great prize option is placing a “Winner” yard sign at each winning home—it not only acknowledges their effort but encourages participation in future years.
Reach out to local businesses for sponsorship. Coffee shops, restaurants, or hardware stores may be willing to provide small prizes or discounts in exchange for a shout-out in event promotions.
Step 4: Make Voting Simple and Fair
The voting process is a critical part of any successful holiday lights contest. Here’s how to make it easy and accessible:
- Online Voting: Use Google Forms or SurveyMonkey and share the voting link through email or social media.
- Paper Ballots: Deliver ballots door-to-door, with a collection box at a community spot like a clubhouse or coffee shop.
- Judging Panel: Choose a few community members to act as judges and give them clear criteria for evaluating displays.
Regardless of your method, limit voting to one vote per household to keep the contest fair. Encourage everyone to participate, even those who didn’t decorate, by promoting it as a fun way to explore the neighborhood.
Consider organizing a walk-through night or drive-by event, where residents can view all the decorated homes together. Hot chocolate stands or cookie stations can add a festive touch during these events.
Step 5: Promote the Contest and Engage the Community
Promotion is key to getting as many participants and voters as possible. Use a mix of digital and offline strategies to spread the word:
- Flyers: Post at community centers, coffee shops, or hand them out door-to-door.
- Social Media Updates: Share updates and reminders on neighborhood Facebook pages and Nextdoor.
- Local Newsletters: See if your HOA or local organizations can feature the contest in their newsletter or bulletin.
Involve local businesses by asking if they’d sponsor the contest or provide small prizes. As a bonus, offer to promote their support in your flyers or posts.
Step 6: Encourage Everyone to Join In
Make sure the contest is inclusive and accessible to everyone. Offer budget-friendly decorating tips to neighbors or organize a swap meet where participants can exchange old decorations.
If someone needs help with setting up lights, encourage neighbors to team up and assist. This adds to the spirit of community and ensures everyone has a chance to participate.
Consider including non-traditional spaces like apartment balconies or senior homes. Even small displays can contribute to the festive atmosphere.
Step 7: Prepare for the Viewing Period
As the decorating deadline approaches, ensure the event runs smoothly by organizing a viewing plan:
- Create a Display Map: Use Google Maps to mark participating homes and share the link with neighbors. Offer printed maps at community hubs for those who prefer paper.
- Plan Group Walks or Drive-By Nights: Schedule times when neighbors can tour the decorated homes together. Hot cocoa and holiday music will add to the festive atmosphere.
Remind participants to light up walkways for safety and keep decorations secure in case of wind or snow.
Step 8: Collect Votes and Announce the Winners
Send reminders as the voting deadline nears, ensuring that everyone has a chance to cast their vote. If using online voting, monitor submissions to prevent duplicate votes and maintain transparency.
When the votes are tallied, celebrate the winners! You can host a small awards ceremony with refreshments, or announce the winners online through social media and email. Be sure to post photos of the winning displays to inspire others.
Step 9: Wrap Up and Plan for the Future
After the event, gather feedback from participants to learn what went well and where you could improve. A simple survey can provide valuable insights for next year.
Document the contest highlights with photos and save any promotional materials to streamline planning in the future. Consider making the contest an annual tradition and forming a small committee to help with planning next year’s event.
Extra Ideas to Make the Contest Memorable
- Host a Charity Drive: Collect food or toys during the viewing events to give back to the community.
- Add Themed Nights: Create fun themes like “Pajama Night” or “Ugly Sweater Night” to boost engagement.
- Safety First: Remind participants to avoid overloaded outlets and secure decorations properly.
A holiday lights contest is a fantastic way to foster community spirit, celebrate creativity, and make the holiday season unforgettable. By following these steps, you’ll organize an event that brings joy, strengthens connections, and lights up your neighborhood for years to come.
At Mary’s Holiday Lights, we’re here to help make your contest a success. Whether you need decorating tips, light rentals, or professional installation, we’ve got you covered. Let’s make this the best holiday season yet!
Holiday Lights Display Contest FAQs
1. How early should I start planning a holiday lights contest?
It’s best to start 6-8 weeks before the event to allow enough time for promotion, sign-ups, and decorating.
2. What are some affordable prize ideas?
Gift cards, handmade trophies, and winner yard signs are fun and budget-friendly options.
3. How do I prevent voting fraud in the contest?
Use online forms with one vote per household or monitor paper ballots carefully to ensure fairness.
4. Can businesses participate in the contest?
Absolutely! Businesses can join the fun by decorating their storefronts or sponsoring prizes.
5. What’s the best way to involve kids in the contest?
Offer a “Kids’ Choice Award” and involve children in judging or decorating efforts with their families.