STAFFORD CONNECTICUT

Stafford’s Holiday Decorating Contest & Lights Map is here, inviting residents to get into the festive spirit by decorating their homes or businesses with creative and vibrant holiday displays. Participants can showcase their holiday cheer and the entire community can enjoy a beautiful, light-filled celebration of the season. The contest is friendly competition to encourage community engagement and holiday fun for all ages!

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This year’s categories include Merry & Bright for the most dazzling, high-energy light displays, Holiday Traditions for those embracing classic greens and vintage charm, and People’s Choice, awarded to the display with the most online votes. Commercial entities are also encouraged to join the fun and compete in the Best Business category.​​

 

Designed to help residents and visitors find local holiday decorations and create a town-wide tour of their own, the Stafford Holiday Lights Map will feature all registered homes. Whether you're out for a leisurely drive or a festive walk, the map will guide you to the most dazzling displays and charming holiday decorations throughout town. The map will be available online and allows you to quickly view the location of the light displays.

 

To participate, please register and submit a photo of your fully decorated home or business by Friday, December 6, 2024, at 5 PM. A map of all entries will be available starting December 13, when online voting begins. People’s Choice voting closes on December 18, with winners announced on December 19. Don’t miss your chance to spread holiday cheer and compete for the title of Stafford’s most festive display!"

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Competition Rules

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 To ensure a fair and enjoyable competition for everyone, please review and adhere to the following rules:

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1. Eligibility:

   • Open to all residents of Stafford.

   • Decorations must be displayed at a residential property within Stafford.

2. Registration:

   • All participants must register by submitting their entry using this link by December 6, 2024.

3. Judging Period:

   • Judging will occur from December 13-18, 2024.

   • Photos must be submitted to events@staffordct.org by December 6, 2024. We encourage a photo taken at night and a photo taken during the day. 

   • Ensure that all decorations are visible from the street for the judges and the public to view.

4. Categories:

   • People's Choice:
     This category is all about community engagement. The winner is determined by the number of online votes they receive on the Explore Stafford social media pages. It's a chance for everyone to have a say in which house they think stands out the most. Whether it's because of creativity, effort, or sheer visual appeal, the house with the most votes from the public will take home the title of People’s Choice.

   • Merry & Bright: This category is for those who believe there’s no such thing as too many lights! From rooftop displays to glowing yard decorations, participants in this category go all out, transforming their homes into dazzling spectacles of holiday cheer. Think vibrant, multicolored light shows, synchronized patterns, and luminous inflatables that make your house visible from miles away. Whether it’s a tribute to the North Pole or a scene straight out of a holiday movie, this category is for the boldest, brightest, and most eye-catching displays that light up the entire neighborhood.

   • Holiday Tradition: Step back in time and celebrate the season with timeless elegance and charm. This category is perfect for those who love the warmth of soft, glowing lights paired with classic holiday greens. Picture wreaths adorned with red bows, garlands draped gracefully over doorways, and candles flickering gently in windows. Embrace nostalgia with vintage decorations like antique ornaments, traditional nativity scenes, and handcrafted touches that evoke memories of holidays past. In this category, simplicity and sentimentality take center stage—no inflatables or flashy displays, just the serene beauty of a traditional holiday home that captures the essence of classic Christmases. 

   • Best Business: This category is reserved for local businesses that go the extra mile to decorate their storefronts or offices. The judges will be looking for the business that shows the most festive spirit and creativity in its decorations. Whether it’s a holiday window display, outdoor lights, or themed decor, the business that best captures the essence of the season will win this category.

5. People's Choice Voting:

   • Voting will be open online from December 13-18, 2024. Residents will cast their votes using a form that includes photos of all entries, making it easy to view and select their favorite displays. The form link will be posted on the top of this page, Explore Stafford FB, Explore Stafford IG, and staffordct.org 

6. Decorations:

   • Decorations must be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages.

   • No hazardous or offensive materials are allowed.

   • Participants are responsible for the safety and security of their decorations.

7. Announcement of Winners:

   • Winners will be announced online on December 19, 2024, on this webpage, and the Explores Stafford Facebook page.

8. Compliance:

   • Participants must comply with all local laws and regulations.

   • Failure to adhere to the rules may result in disqualification from the competition.