Updated 12/18/2024

Voting is now extended through Sunday, Dec. 22, due to the recent stormy weather. Some participants had to temporarily take down parts of their displays or repair damage. We want you to see their hard work at its best - let's show them some love.

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Updated 12/13/2024

The much-anticipated map for the 2024 Lights of Newcastle Outdoor Holiday Display Contest is now live and ready to guide you on a festive tour! The map includes only participants who consented to share their addresses publicly.

Enjoy the displays with these map options:

• Printable Google Map for easy reference.
• Interactive Google Map by Display Address – click pins for display titles.
• Interactive Google Map by Display Title – click pins for addresses.

Make sure to vote for your favorites at bit.ly/VoteNewcastleLights2024. Awards will be determined by community choice, with fun categories for everyone to enjoy:

• Buddy’s Favorite Award – Kid’s Choice
• Griswold Award – Best Use of Lighting
• Misfit Toys Award – Best Use of Inflatables/Props
• Traditionally Elegant Award – Best Design
• All Decked Out Award – Best Window/Balcony Display

Winners will be announced on social media on Friday, Dec. 20. Don’t miss your chance to tour the lights and vote for the displays that bring the most holiday cheer!

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Original Published 11/15/2024

The City of Newcastle and its Community Activities Commission invite everyone to join the 2024 Lights of Newcastle Outdoor Holiday Display Contest! Here’s your chance to spread holiday cheer by decorating your home, yard, or balcony with festive lights and decorations for the community to enjoy.

This year, all awards will be community choice through an online voting system. We’ve added exciting new categories to make it even more fun and encourage more folks to get involved!

CONTEST DETAILS

• Eligibility: Open to any residence (apartment, condo, house, townhome) within Newcastle city limits.
• Display Visibility: Decorations must be viewable from the sidewalk or street.
• Lighting Hours: Displays should be lit from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., December 13-18.

HOW TO ENTER

1. Register: Sign up for FREE at bit.ly/NewcastleLights2024 by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9.
2. Display a Contest Sign: Registrants receive a "yard" sign to show they’re part of the contest.
3. Get Ready to Shine: Set up your decorations to be ready by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13.

JUDGING & AWARDS

Judging will take place from December 13-18. A Google map of participating displays will be available on the City of Newcastle website and at City Hall for self-guided tours.

All awards will be determined by community choice through an online voting system, with categories designed for everyone to enjoy:

• Buddy’s Favorite (Kid’s Choice)
• Griswold Award (best use of lighting/illumination)
• Misfit Toys Award (best use of inflatables/lawn ornaments/props)
• Traditionally Elegant (best use of design)
• All Decked Out (best apartment/condo/townhome window or balcony)

Winners will be announced on social media on Friday, Dec. 20.

For more information or assistance, contact Amy George, Events & Recreation Coordinator, at [email protected]. Happy decorating, Newcastle!