Light Up Wheaton holiday decorating contest opens registration for residents

The City of Wheaton and the Wheaton Park District have announced the return of the annual Light Up Wheaton holiday decorating contest. The event invites residents, businesses, houses of worship, and community organizations within city limits or park district boundaries to participate in this free competition. All themes and holidays are welcome.

Registration for the contest is now open and will close at noon on Thursday, December 11. Participants must submit a photo of their decorated entry along with its address by that deadline to be considered for awards. The submitted photos and addresses will be posted on the City of Wheaton and Wheaton Park District Facebook pages so that residents can visit and view the displays in person.

Awards will be presented in three categories: Most Creative, Mayor's Choice, and People's Choice. Judging for Most Creative and Mayor's Choice will take place from December 12 through December 17, with judges visiting homes each evening between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. The public can vote for the People's Choice award by viewing photos on social media.

Winners will be announced on Thursday, December 18 through social media channels and email notifications. Each winner will receive a commemorative prize along with $100 in local gift cards.

To qualify for participation, entries must be self-decorated; professionally decorated properties may register but are not eligible to win prizes. Additionally, previous winners from 2024 cannot win awards in 2025 but are encouraged to join again.

For more details or to register for the contest, interested parties can visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/LightUpWheaton or contact [email protected].