Citywide Neighborhood Committee Holiday Lights Contest Deadline EXTENDED to Dec 10

The Citywide Neighborhood Committee’s Holiday Lights Contest is a cherished tradition in Portsmouth and it gives residents another reason to celebrate together this holiday season. Registration for this year’s contest opens Wednesday, November 20, 2024. The Committee will create a map of the Holiday Lights Contest entries so residents and visitors can tour the houses. The completed map will be available on the Holiday Lights Contest webpage after registrations close on TUESDAY, December 10.  

Residents are invited to register to participate in the contest by completing this online form: 2024 Holiday Lights Contest Entry Form. Printable forms are also available on the City’s website.  

This contest is open to all Portsmouth residents. Participants can choose which of the three categories best fits their light display when they complete the online registration form. The three categories are: 

• Traditional Light Display  
• Creative Light Display 
• Kids’ Choice 

Members of the Citywide Neighborhood Committee and resident families will be the judges, awarding a prize and an honorable mention for each category. The judging will take place on December 12, and winners will be announced at the Monday, December 16, 2024 City Council meeting. An anonymous donor has once again committed to donating $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 makes the season bright and fun for kids of all ages. The Citywide Neighborhood Committee is proud to continue this tradition that inspires residents to bring a little joy to Portsmouth neighborhoods through their holiday displays.”