2025 Holiday Home Lighting Competition

Published on November 12, 2025

It's time to unwind...unwind your holiday lights, that is, because the Holiday Home Lighting Competition is back! We had a record number of entries last year and we hope to see more nominations roll in this year. Here's what you need to know:

Award Categories and Prizes

2 x Best Overall Winners (Individual Homes) - $100, yard sign, award from our sponsors, and certificate from the City Council
6 x Holiday Cheer Runner Up Awards (1 Individual Home per City Council District) - Yard sign and certificate from the City Council
2 x Neighborhood Spirit Awards (Group of Homes or Block) -Promoted invitation to the community to visit the Neighborhood Spirit winning homes with refreshments, yard sign, award from our sponsors and certificate from the City Council

Important Dates

Sunday, December 7th, at 11:59PM - Deadline to submit nominations
Wednesday, December 10th - Finalists and judging routes will be announced
Thursday, December 11th between 6PM - 8PM - Judging of finalist homes

What's new?

This year, there will be two judging vehicles for more consistent timing of the routes and we'll be selecting 2 Neighborhood Spirit winners.

ENTER THE COMPETITION / NOMINATE

Questions?

Contact the Community Relations Team at pio@ci.salinas.ca.us or call 831-758-7407.