Carpentersville Holiday Lighting Contest

Let’s light up the Village with holiday cheer!

We invite you to take part in this beloved community tradition by exploring the homes and neighborhoods that have gone all-out for the holidays. Visit the map below to find participating addresses and enjoy a festive drive through our winter wonderland!

2025 Contest Guidelines

The Holiday Lighting Contest celebrates community pride and the festive spirit of the season by recognizing residents who go above and beyond in decorating their homes for the winter holidays.

Contest Rules

• Previous Winner Eligibility:
  Residents who won 1st Place in a category in 2024 are not eligible to win in that same category in 2025. They are, however, encouraged to participate in a different category.

• Eligibility:
  Open to all Carpentersville residents.

• Display Requirements:
  Decorations must be visible from the roadway.

• Registration:
  Opens November 20th and closes Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 at 3:00 PM.
  Registration is now closed.

• Lighting Schedule:
  All displays must be lit nightly from December 11th–21st, between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM for judging.

• Winners Announced:
  Contest winners will be notified during the week of December 22nd, no later than December 26th.
  Awards will be presented at the Village Board Meeting on January 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM.

Categories

• Clark W. Griswold
  Your display can be seen from outer space, and you have more inflatables than Home Depot and Menards combined!
• Traditional
  Captures the nostalgia of Christmas—fresh garlands, classic wreaths, and timeless white lights.
•  Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
  Your display dances to the beat! Choreographed to music or synced to a special radio station? This one’s for you.
• Small Space
  For apartments, townhomes, and condos—proof that even the smallest spaces can shine bright.
• People’s Choice (Facebook)
  Open to any category participant who submits one (1) photo of their display for online voting.
  The household with the most “likes” will win 1st Place and be removed from their original category to ensure fairness.
  Submit your photo to jhyde@cville.org.

Awards for each category:

• 1st Place: $250 Carpentersville Chamber Gift Certificate + Trophy
• 2nd Place: $150 Carpentersville Chamber Gift Certificate + Trophy

Interested in Becoming a Judge?

If you’d like to help spread holiday cheer by serving as a contest judge, please contact:
Jen Hyde, Marketing & Special Events Coordinator | jhyde@cvill.org