Merry and Bright
Best display of lights
For homes where the lights themselves are the star of the show.
About this category
Merry and Bright celebrates the craft of lighting. Think crisp rooflines traced in bulbs, trees wrapped from trunk to tip, bushes blanketed in twinkle lights and windows framed in sparkle. Colorful or classic white, it's the display that makes you slow down because it simply glows.
This category is about quality over quantity. A home doesn't need the most lights on the street to win, just lights that are hung with care, balanced across the house and bright enough to dazzle from the curb.
What judges look for
Clean, polished lines
Straight rooflines, even spacing and strands that follow the shape of the house.
Great color
A palette that works together, whether that's a full rainbow, cool blues or classic warm white.
Brightness and balance
Light that fills the whole display evenly, without dark corners or one overloaded spot.
Beyond the roofline
Lights that wrap trees, blanket bushes and frame windows and doors.
Ideas to get you started
- Outline every roof edge, window and door
- Wrap tree trunks and branches in a tight spiral
- Use net lights to blanket bushes evenly
- Pick one color scheme and stick with it
- Light the walkway up to your door
- Top it off with a glowing star or focal point
Ready to light it up?
Entries close December 9 at 5:00 pm. Not sure which category fits? Let the judges decide.