Decorative holiday decorating contest header.

Show us your holiday spirit! A Mount Prospect classic, the Special Events Commission is once again holding the Holiday Decorating Contest for 2026. The contest is open to all properties in the Village, whether you rent or own a home, condo, or apartment or operate a business.

Registration - 2026

Free registration, running from November 16 to December 14 (at noon), mandatory to participate. 

A photo, or photos (maximum three), of decorations must be submitted as part of registration. Once approved, your display will be automatically mapped on our online platform! Only one photo will be used for the People's Choice voting category, but judges will have access to all photos if you submit multiple. Note that decorations must be complete prior to registering. Make sure to read through the form and instructions closely before submitting. 

If preferred, paper forms will be available at Village Hall on the third floor.

Holiday Decoration Map

Unless specified otherwise, all registered properties are included on our Holiday Decoration map, allowing your neighbors to enjoy strolling our winter wonderland! 

There are a few ways to access the map:

  • Interactive story map (addresses, photos, and captions - displays will show up as they are submitted; available automatically)
  • PDF map (addresses only - can be downloaded or picked up as a hard copy at Village Hall; available 2-3 days after registration closes)

Categories

Award categories include:

  • Best Decorated Block
  • Best Decorated Business
  • Griswold Family House Award
  • Most Festive
  • Most Spiritual
  • Simple But Elegant
  • People's Choice - Voting will be held on the Village's Facebook page from December 15 at 10 am to December 18 at 10 am. "Like" the photo you are trying to vote for. The number of likes on a picture = number of votes.

Note: Properties cannot win in more than one category.

Judging

A panel of judges from the Special Events Commission will cast their votes by December 18, and winners will be announced on December 20. Winners will not only receive a yard sign to proudly display throughout the season, but they will also be presented with a certificate from Mayor Paul Hoefert at a Village Board meeting and get a special shout-out on the Village’s communications channels!

2025 Winners

"The Santa squad on the 400 block of Ho Ho Ho Hi Lusi."

Santa Claus

303 Autumn Lane

"Winter Scene in Red, White and Green"

A house featuring bright Christmas lights on its exterior

315 S. Louis St.

"Elf and Candy Canes"

A beautifully decorated house for Christmas

1410 S. Fern Drive

"Merry Christmas to All - drive by and enjoy like we do each year for this time of year"

A house front yard adorned with colorful Christmas lights

1119 N. Wedgewood Lane

"Winter Wonderland. I put up these as gift to all of you."

A house adorned with colorful Christmas lights

414 S. Main Street, The Roeseler Family Light Show

"Our family’s Christmas Light Show is a joyful, fully homemade holiday display featuring over 14,000 sparkling lights and 33 festive songs, all designed, built, and programmed by us. Tune your radio to 90.3 FM and watch the lights dance in perfect harmony with the music! From glowing pixel arches and animated windows to shimmering rooflines and our colorful mega-tree, every detail is created to bring smiles and holiday magic to our village. We spend months preparing the show, and sharing it with families who return year after year is our favorite tradition. For updates and fun extras, visit facebook.com/rflights. Our display is built with creativity, heart, and plenty of Christmas cheer!"

Colorful Christmas lights illuminate a snowy landscape