Deck the House Holiday Lights Competition

Deck the House! Holiday Lights Competition

Posted on 11/06/2026

Hometown Holiday Lights presents:
Deck the House! Holiday Lights Competition

We're excited to announce the third annual Deck the House Holiday Lights Competition - a festive showdown to see who can light up the neighborhood with the most dazzling display!

Whether your style is classic and cozy or bold and over-the-top, we want to see it!

HOW TO ENTER

Registration is FREE and open to residential properties within the City of Monroe.

Participants may submit up to five photos showcasing their decorated property. All decorations must be located on private property and safely visible from a vehicle. Decorations are not permitted in the street or on City-owned property.

Registration Period: November 23 - December 6, 2026

LET THE COMMUNITY DECIDE

Once registration closes, it's time for the community to vote.

Each participating property will receive a yard sign featuring a QR code that neighbors and visitors can scan to cast their votes.

Photos, videos and addresses of participating properties will also be available on the contest voting page, making it easy to explore the displays and choose your favorites.

Public Voting Period: December 14-27, 2026

TAKE THE TOUR

Following registration, all participating properties will be featured on an interactive Holiday Light Tour Map, available on the City's website and social media pages.

PRIZES AND RECOGNITION

The community's top three favorites will receive:

1st Place – The Griswold Award: Trophy and $300 gift card
2nd Place: $150 gift card and City recognition certificate
3rd Place: $75 gift card and City recognition certificate

Winners Announced: December 28, 2026

Winners will be recognized on the City's website and social media pages and invited to attend a City Council meeting to accept their awards.

The first-place winner will also have the honor of joining the Mayor to "Flip the Switch" at the 2027 Hometown Holiday Tree Lighting!

READY TO LIGHT UP MONROE?

Registration is free, and everyone is welcome to join the fun! Be sure to review the full contest rules and guidelines linked below before entering.

The contest is open to residential properties within the City of Monroe.

Let's make this season merry and bright for everyone!

FAQ's

Who is eligible to participate in the contest?

The contest is open to those whose residential property is in the City of Monroe city limits. View a map of the city limits. Entries are limited to street facing residential properties. Contest displays must be visible from the curbside.
Only individual houses may enter; no group submissions.

Do I need to register my display and what is the last date to register?

Yes, if you would like your home to participate in the contest and be voted on by the public. Registration opens November 23, 2026. You must register by December 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM via the city’s official website: www.monroemi.gov. Also, your house will be eligible to win an award.

How do I register for the contest?

Registration opens Monday, November 23, through our online portal, linked on the city’s official website: www.monroemi.gov. All participants must register by December 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Mail entries will not be accepted.

What type of decorative display can I create?

Here’s your chance to explore your creative side! A display must be a residential house decorated with lights and other props. Since the public is coming to you, there are endless opportunities for unique and creative light displays. Have your lights on as soon as it’s dark!

Decorations should be family-friendly and suitable for public viewing. Please be sensitive to the faith and belief of others and realize we have many younger residents participating and in the audience. No political displays/elements.

Noise, music, or sound elements are permitted but must follow city noise ordinances. Please be considerate to your neighbors in planning your holiday displays.

What kind of decorations can I use?

Participants can use any combination of holiday lights (LEDs, incandescent, etc.), inflatables, and other holiday-themed decorations. Noise, music, or sound elements are permitted but must follow city noise ordinances. Please be considerate to your neighbors in planning your holiday displays.

Where can I locate my light display?

All decorations must be visible from the street.

Decorations need to be located on private property in an area allowing safe viewing from a vehicle. Decorations are not permitted on the street or City-owned property.

All participants will receive a yard sign with a QR code to identify their home for the contest. The yard sign must be visible from the street, and NOT placed between the sidewalk and the curb.

When do I have to have my decorations completed?

All decorations must be in place and completed by December 6, 2026. They must remain on display until December 29.

Are there any restrictions on the decorations I can use?

Yes, decorations must comply with all local safety and building regulations. Excessive noise, hazardous materials, or disruptive flashing lights are prohibited.

Can I make changes to my display after I have submitted my entry?

Minor adjustments are allowed, but the submitted photos/videos must reflect the final display. All displays must be completed by December 6, 2026.

What are the photo submission guidelines?

Participants must submit up to 5 photos showcasing their decorated property by December 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM. At least one shot must encompass the entire street side. No photos featuring un-costumed persons or minors will be accepted. All photos submitted are subject to approval.

Submissions can be uploaded through the contest portal when registration goes live on November 23, 2026.

What are the rules?

There is no cost to register.

The contest is open to those whose residential property is in the City of Monroe city limits. To view a map of the city limits, please click here.

Entries are limited to street facing residential properties. Contest displays must be visible from the curbside. All participants will receive a yard sign with a QR code to identify their home for the contest. The yard sign must be visible from the street, and NOT placed between the sidewalk and the curb. All photos submitted are subject to approval.

Entries must be submitted online via the City of Monroe website. Mail entries will not be accepted. All entrants must include 1 full shot encompassing the entire street side. No photos featuring un-costumed persons or minors will be accepted.

Only individual houses may enter; no group submissions.

If you are a prize winner, you agree to have your image used in any advertising or promotions. (Including your name and address.) All entrants agree to have your image and address used in current or future promotion of the program.
Residential homes only.

Please remember this is a family event, and while religious and political expression is not prohibited, please be sensitive to the faith and belief of others and realize we have many younger children participating and in the audience. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping this event safe and enjoyable for all involved.

Light Display must be on display for public viewing from December 14 - 27. Voting will take place during the display dates.

ENTRIES NOT ABIDING BY THE RULES MAY BE REMOVED BY EVENT ORGANIZERS.

When will voting take place?

Public Voting Period: December 14 – December 27, 2025.

What if I have technical issues submitting my photos?

If you experience any issues, contact city staff for assistance at [email protected]. We will help you resolve submission issues before the deadline.

Can I participate if I am part of a neighborhood street or block display?

For this year, only individual houses may enter; no group submissions.

Do I need to leave my light on for the entire month if I win?

You’re encouraged to keep your lights on for public enjoyment during the evenings, especially during the public voting period.

How does public voting work?

Residents will cast their votes using a QR code featured on the participant yard sign that will link directly to the online voting platform. The QR code will be available on flyers, social media posts, and in public spaces.

The QR code for voting will be distributed through the city's official website and social media platforms.

Residents must scan the QR code with their smartphones, which will direct them to the contest's voting page. Finalists’ addresses and photos/videos of their decorations will be available for viewing on the voting page to help residents make their selections.

All participant locations and associated photos will also be listed on a Light Tour Map that will be available via the City’s official website for voting as well.

When will the winners be announced?

Winners will be announced on December 28, 2026 on the city’s official website and social media pages. Winners will be invited to attend the first City Council meeting in January to accept their award and also “Flip the Switch” with the Mayor of the City of Monroe at the 2027 Annual Tree Lighting event.

What are the prizes for the contest?

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

1st Place by Popular Vote: The GRISWOLD AWARD trophy and $300 gift card. First place winner will also “Flip the Switch” with the Mayor of the City of Monroe at the 2025 Annual Tree Lighting event.
2nd Place by Popular Vote: $150 gift card + a city recognition certificate.
3rd Place by Popular Vote: $75 gift card + a city recognition certificate.

How do I cast my vote using the QR code?

Scan the QR code provided on flyers, social media, and yard signs using your smartphone camera. The code will direct you to the voting platform where you can view the finalist entries and cast your vote.

Where can I find the QR code for voting?

The QR code will be available on flyers, linked via social media posts, and on yard signs in front of each participant home.

You can also vote from our Light Tour map which will be available on the city website during the public voting period.

What happens if I win?

Winners will be announced on December 28, 2026 on the city’s official website and social media pages. Winners will be invited to attend the first City Council meeting in January to accept their award. In addition, your display may be featured in current and future city promotional materials. Winner will be invited to “Flip the Switch” with the Mayor of the City of Monroe at the 2027 Annual Tree Lighting event.