Portsmouth 2023 Holiday Lights Contest: Here's how to participate and where to see homes

PORTSMOUTH — The Citywide Neighborhood Committee’s Holiday Lights Contest, a tradition designed to give Portsmouth residents a reason to celebrate together, begins with registration Friday, Nov. 24.

Residents are invited to register by Dec. 9 at portsnh.co/holidaylights. The website features a map of all the participating homes.

This contest is open to every Portsmouth resident. Members of the Citywide Neighborhood Committee and resident families will conduct the judging. Winners will be announced at the Monday, Dec. 18 City Council meeting.

The three major categories of this year’s contest are:

• Traditional light display.

• Creative light display.

• Kids’ Choice.

The three winners will each receive a prize selected by the mayor’s office. There will also be three honorable mention winners for each category. Additionally, an anonymous donor has committed to donate $10 per entry in the contest to Gather, which provides food to local people.

Portsmouth 2023 holiday parade: Here's what to know before you go

Portsmouth Citywide Neighborhood Committee co-chair Elaine Apatang said, “The Holiday Lights Contest always brings brightness and joy to the season, creating a festive atmosphere for kids and adults alike. The Citywide Neighborhood Committee is proud and delighted to uphold this tradition, encouraging residents to spread cheer throughout Portsmouth neighborhoods with their holiday displays.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth NH 2023 Holiday Lights Contest: Here's how to participate