NEW: Deck the House Contest

What's your style when you hang the lights? Do you lean towards the classic or go all out? Enter our contest and show us your best outdoor holiday decorations. The public will vote on their favorites, and you could win both pride and a prize!

Register: November 17 - December 8
   It's FREE to register!
   Open to Cornelius residents only.

Judging: December 11-20

Winners Announced: December 22

Categories:

  1. Traditional
    Just some of the elements one might display in this category could include garlands, baubles, reindeer, nativity scenes, Santa, and a "normal" amount of lights and/or inflatables.
  2. Griswold 
    If you’re unfamiliar, this category is an ode to Clark Griswold from the 1989 film "A Christmas Vacation". He festooned his home with 25,000 lights, so if your display is a pageant of lights, inflatables and motorized elves, you’re probably in this category!

Prizes for Each Category:

  • 1st Prize: $50 Gift Certificate
  • 2nd Prize $25 Gift Certificate
Register Now
Christmas Porch
Christmas House

Rules and Regulations

  • Entry registrations must be received no later than December 8. (Nov. 17- Dec. 8)
  • The contest is for exterior decorations only, including decorations in windows that are visible from the exterior. Judging will be done from outside residence only.
  • Judging will be based on “curb appeal” as viewed from the street only. Therefore, only those decorations located on the street side of the property will be judged (corner lots will be judged from both streets).
  • Decorations may not cover/interfere with any fire safety equipment or walkways.
  • Decorations must keep everything appropriate for children (no greater than PG-13), non-discriminatory, and politics-free.
  • Participants agree to have one or more photos of the exterior of their decorated home as well as the home's address posted on the Parks and Recreation website, social media pages, and/or e-newsletter as well as used in future promotional publications.
  • Parks and Recreation will share all eligible entries by December 11. All judging will take place by the public from December 11-20, via an online form linked from this page and our social media.
  • All contestants must have decorations lighted from 6:30-9 p.m. on December 11-20 to be judged. 
  • Winners will be announced on December 22 via the Cornelius website and social media accounts, as well as the January e-newsletter.