Holiday Lights Contest
The Citywide Neighborhood Committee’s Holiday Lights Contest has become a cherished tradition in Portsmouth as a way to give residents a reason to celebrate together this holiday season. Registration for this year’s decorating contest opens Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
This contest is open to every Portsmouth resident by completing this online registration form. (or print this form and mail it to Holiday Lights Contest c/o City Manager's Office, City Hall, 1 Junkins Avenue, Portsmouth NH 03801). Members of the Citywide Neighborhood Committee and resident families will conduct the judging. Winners will be announced at the Monday, December 16, 2024 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 honorable mention winners for each category. Additionally, an anonymous donor has committed to donate $10 per entry in the contest to Gather.
In announcing the contest details, Portsmouth Citywide Neighborhood Committee co-chair Colleen Ovecka 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.”
View the Lights
As people register, CNC will populate a map of all the participating homes for those who wish to view the displays.
The Google map will be posted below after registration closes on December 5, 2024.
Neighborhood maps will also be available below to download and print. (2 pages -- the 2nd page shows the closeup):
Banfield Road - Elwyn Park
Maplewood Avenue - Atlantic Heights
Woodbury Avenue - Market Street Extension
Middle Street - South Street