Festival of Lights
Decorating Contest & Spirit Map
Important Dates
Friday, November 27th Thursday
Contest registration & Spirit Map submissions open
Thursday, December 10th
Contest registration closes
Friday, December 11th
Spirit Map goes live & *public voting begins
TBD
*Jury scoring
Saturday, December 19th
*Public voting & Spirit Map submissions close
Sunday, December 20th
*Winners announced & trophy pickup begins
Monday, December 21st
Second & final Spirit Map update
Wednesday, December 23rd
*Final day for winner trophy pickup
Friday, December 25th
Merry Christmas 🎄
Sunday, January 3rd
Last day to view the Spirit Map online. Note, some homes may take their displays down prior to this.
*A minimum of 12 contestants must enter by the close of registration for the contest to take place. If fewer than 12 enter, there will be no voting or awards, but the Spirit Map will still be published.
Contest & Map Rules
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Open to all residents of Festival Foothills & Sun City Festival in Buckeye, AZ 85396.
Your decorations must be visible from the front of your home.
A minimum of 12 home must enter by the deadline for the contest & voting to take place.
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All contest entries will automatically be added to the Spirit Map. There is no need for contestants to fill out both forms.
Other than contestants, only homes that have submitted the Spirit Map form giving permission to post their address will have their home pinned on the map.
The map may also include notable streets or areas with a large number of decorated homes.
The Spirit Map will be published online and can be viewed by anyone during the duration listed.
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There is no fee to enter.
All entries must be submitted through the registration form.
A photo of your display must be submitted with your entry.
See the Important Dates list for dates and deadlines.
Late entries will not be accepted.
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Neighbor's Choice
Apparently the neighbors get to decide who's been naughty or nice!🎅 This award goes to the display that gets the most votes from neighbors. 🛷
Light up the Night
When your APS bill is bigger than your teenager's wish list! 🤣 This award is for the home that goes all out and makes sure nobody misses them on their way through the neighborhood. 💡
Imagination
There's just something about the magic of Christmas! 💫 This award is for the display that brings the holiday spirit to life with creativity, imagination, and a little something extra. 🎀
Deck the Door
Not everyone has a budget the size of the North Pole! 💈 This award is for the display that makes the most of its space and gives the gift of Christmas cheer to everyone who passes by. 🎁
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A minimum of 12 homes must enter for the contest to take place. If fewer than 12 homes enter, there will be no voting or awards, but the Spirit Map will still be published.
Neighbor's Choice is determined by public voting from neighbors.
The remaining category awards are scored by a jury of neighbors.
Public voting is open to residents of Festival Foothills and Sun City Festival only.
Contestants may vote for their own display.
One vote per household.
Contestants should have their decorations and lights on and visible from the street during the voting period.
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Each winner will be notified privately by email, featured in my November newsletter, and recognized via social media where applicable.
All winners will receive a custom trophy and yard sign to display at their home.
Winners are responsible for picking up their trophies from my home in Festival Foothills by the deadline listed or it will be forfeited.
All contestants agree that their submitted display photo may be used for contest purposes and that additional photos and/or videos may be taken of their display for winner announcements and other contest related content online. Every effort will be made to avoid including people, pets, license plates, and house numbers whenever possible.
Previous Year Winners
2025
2024
2023
About the Contests
Hi guys, it's me, Dawn! I organize both the Haunt Your Home & the Festival of Lights contests every year. They are actually the main reason I started this website in the first place. The contests are not affiliated with or sponsored by anyone but me.
Thanks for joining in and helping make the neighborhood so much fun each year!


