'Light It Up': North Jersey town holds first annual holiday decorating contest

Matt Fagan, NorthJersey.com
Updated ·2 min read

WOODLAND PARK — The borough is holding its first "Light It Up" holiday contest to find the best-decorated homes and businesses.

For those who sign up for the contest, the prizes will be modest, such as Recreation Department gift certificates, but the bragging rights will be big, officials said.

The idea comes from Borough Administrator Sam Yodice as a way to bring the community together in a season meant to be joyous, acting Mayor Tracy Kallert said.

"This contest is all about fun," Kallert said. "We hope that our community spirit shines brighter than ever as we come together to celebrate the holiday season with neighbors dazzling their homes in a fun-filled decorating contest!"

Whether the home or business owner celebrates Christmas, Hannukkah, Kwanzaa or even say Boxing Day or Festivus, they can try to outdo their decorating prowess in any of the following categories, awards to top four places:

  • Most Griswold: Displays are all about merry and bright lights;

  • Holiday Classic: Displays are more traditional; (Think Hallmark movies, Recreation Department officials said.)

  • Incredible Inflatables: Displays here focus on the blow-up decorations;

  • Best Theme: Which homes or businesses stay within a theme (Disney, Santa or Star Wars, for example).

Within those categories, one will be chosen as the judges' favorite. Judges will include people from the borough's Recreation Advisory Board, members of the Council, borough residents and the mayor. A Google form of the homes will be posted on the borough's website on Dec. 11.

Judging will be held from Dec. 11-20 and on Dec. 16 a trolley will ride through town for those who want a guided tour of the winners. Participation is limited and registration is required via Woodland Park's Community Pass which can be found on the recreation department's website https:wpnj.us/rec.

The contest will be limited to the first 50 entrants who sign up before Dec. 10.

"We hope to make this holiday season one to remember as we light up our neighborhood and bring families together as they get in their cars to enjoy the decorations or walk the neighborhood in the most delightful and spirited way," Kallert said.

The borough also held its Fire Department Holiday Parade of Lights last week, when about 100 light-strewn trucks and holiday floats traveled through the streets of Woodland Park as well as Totowa and Little Falls.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Woodland Park holiday decorating contest kicks off first year