Holiday Lights Contests Illuminate Morris Twp and Mendham Borough

Get ready to deck the halls and dazzle your neighbors! Two Morris County communities are igniting the holiday spirit with festive home decorating contests, offering residents a chance to showcase their creativity and bring joy to their neighborhoods.

Morris Township's 2024 Holiday Lights Contest

Morris Township is calling all residents to unleash their inner holiday enthusiast in the annual Holiday Lights Contest. This friendly competition encourages neighbors to outshine each other with spectacular light displays that brighten the community.

Key Details:

• Registration Deadline: December 7th
• Judging Dates: December 11th to December 16th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM nightly
• Categories:
  • Your Inner Clark Griswold: For those who embrace over-the-top, exuberant holiday displays reminiscent of the classic movie character.
  • Animation Celebration: Highlighting homes with animated features, synchronized lights, or moving decorations.
  • Traditional: Celebrating classic and timeless holiday decor that captures the essence of the season.

Contest Rules:

• Do-It-Yourself Decorations: All decorations must be installed by the participants themselves. Professional installations are not permitted.
• Visibility: Only decorations visible from the roadway will be judged, so make sure your display shines from the street!
• Lighting Schedule: Participants must have their lights on and displays active during the judging hours each evening. (5:00pm-9:00pm December 12-16, 2024)
• Repeat Winners: To give everyone a fair chance, winners are limited to three consecutive years.

Prizes and Recognition:

• Winner Notification: Winners will be informed by phone by December 20th, no later than 4:30 PM.
• Awards: Each winner will receive an 18” x 24” yard sign proclaiming their victory and a gift card from a local business.
• Community Recognition: Winners will also be celebrated on the Township’s website and Facebook page.

Register here!

Mendham Borough's 7th Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest

Mendham Borough invites residents to light up the town in its seventh consecutive Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Whether you're a seasoned decorator or trying your hand at festive flair for the first time, this contest is a delightful way to spread holiday cheer.

Key Details:

• Application Deadline: December 20th, 2024, by 5:00 PM
• Judging Period: December 21st to December 31st, 2024
• Winner Announcement: At the January 2025 Borough Council Meeting
• Eligibility: Open to all residents within the geographic boundaries of Mendham Borough, including owners and renters of single-family homes, duplexes, condos, and apartments.

How to Enter:

• Submit Entry: Email your application to recreation@mendhamnj.org with the following required information:
  • Full Name
  • Email Address
  • Daytime and Cell Phone Numbers
  • Residential Address

Contest Rules:

1. Participation: Open to all Mendham Borough residents and businesses, except for paid Borough employees.
2. Free Entry: There is no cost to participate.
3. Homemade Decorations: Decorations must be created and installed by the participants; commercially done decorations are not eligible.
4. Exterior Focus: Judging is based solely on exterior decorations, including window displays visible from outside.
5. Curb Appeal: Judges will evaluate based on "curb appeal" as viewed from the street. Only decorations on the street-facing side of the property will be considered (corner lots will be judged from both streets). Judges will not enter properties.
6. Photo Consent: Participants agree to have photos of their decorated exteriors posted on the Mendham Borough website and possibly published in the Mendham Messenger newsletter, without compensation.
7. Judging Criteria:
   • Unique Design and Creativity: Innovative use of lights and decorations.
   • Storyline or Theme: A cohesive theme or story portrayed through the display.
   • Display and Placement: Effective arrangement of decorations, including animated objects.
   • Overall Presentation: General visual impact and appeal of the display.
8. Lighting Schedule: Ensure all lights and decorations are active each evening during the judging period.
9. Announcement of Winners: Winners will be revealed on the Mendham Borough website and at the January Borough Council meeting.

Additional Information:

• Questions: Contact Mendham Borough Recreation at recreation@mendhamnj.org.
• Be Creative and Have Fun: The contest is a fantastic opportunity to express your holiday spirit and contribute to the festive atmosphere of the community.

Register here!

Tips for Participants in Both Contests:

• Plan Ahead: Start designing your display early to ensure everything is ready by the deadlines.
• Safety First: Use weather-resistant materials and ensure all electrical components are safely installed.
• Energy Efficiency: Consider using LED lights to reduce energy consumption.
• Community Spirit: Remember, the goal is to spread joy and enhance the holiday spirit in your neighborhood.

Join the Festivities!

Whether you're aiming for the top prize or simply want to add a twinkle to your street, participating in these holiday contests is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Your creative efforts will not only brighten your home but also bring smiles to friends, neighbors, and visitors alike.

Happy Holidays and Happy Decorating!

For More Information:

• Morris Township Contest Details: Visit the Township’s official website or contact the municipal offices.
• Mendham Borough Contest Details: Email recreation@mendhamnj.org or check the Borough’s website for more information.

Let's make this holiday season the brightest one yet in Morris County!

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