Category 1: Use of Lights and/or Colour
“The More, the Merrier!”
Whether you prefer an elegant, solid-colour Christmas tree or one filled with homemade ornaments, we can all agree on one thing — we love lots of BRIGHT LIGHTS! Lasers, floodlights, projectors — oh my! If your friends have ever referred to you as the Griswold family of Bowden, you might be the winner of this category.
Judging Criteria:
- Brightness & Visibility – Display is well-lit, eye-catching, and easily visible from the street.
- Colour Harmony – Creative and appealing use of colour (traditional or modern).
- Lighting Variety – Includes different lighting types or effects (string lights, projectors, spotlights, etc.).
- Placement & Balance – Lights are thoughtfully arranged with balance and flow across the property.
- Overall Impact – The lighting brings a “wow” factor and captures attention.
Category 2: Creativity & Originality
“We won’t find those decorations at Walmart!”
Are your neighbours always eager to see what new masterpiece you’ll add to your lawn each year? If you love repurposing non-traditional decorations or using unique features of your yard or home, this category is for you. Whether you’re recreating your favourite movie scene or bringing a whimsical winter wonderland from your imagination to life — your creative touch might make you the standout of the season!
Judging Criteria:
- Original Concept – Unique theme or idea that stands out from typical displays.
- Innovation – Use of repurposed, handmade, or unexpected materials or decorations.
- Integration – Clever use of existing yard or house features (trees, fences, rooflines, etc.).
- Storytelling – The display tells a story or reflects a clear theme (e.g., movie scene, winter wonderland).
- Overall Creativity – The design shows thought, imagination, and personal flair.
Category 3: Spirit of the Holidays
“Reds, Greens, Reindeer & Garland!”
We’re looking for a front yard that truly captures the magic of the season! Whether you showcase classic decorations or heartfelt homemade creations that bring back fond holiday memories, this category celebrates the warmth and wonder of it all. If your home feels like a stroll down Candy Cane Lane, you might be our winner!
Judging Criteria:
- Festive Atmosphere – Captures the warmth, joy, and spirit of the holiday season.
- Traditional & Homemade Touches – Incorporates sentimental or handcrafted elements that evoke nostalgia.
- Community Appeal – Brings smiles and spreads cheer to neighbours and visitors.
- Theme Consistency – Decorations align with a clear holiday theme or message.
- Emotional Impact – Inspires a sense of wonder, togetherness, or holiday magic.
Rules and information
The Town of Bowden is sponsoring a Christmas Lights and Decorations Contest during the Bowden Winter Festival days.
Judging will be on December 8th, 6:30 pm - 9 pm by Council & Special Event Committee Volunteer(s). Winners Announced: December 12th at Winter Festival
Contest Rules and Regulations
1. Participation is open to all residents of The Town of Bowden (within residential area - West to east - Hwy 2A to Heritage Drive / North to south – Hwy 2A to Rodeo grounds
2. Entry is open to residential properties, including single-family homes, duplexes, condominiums, apartments/balconies viewed from the street, etc.
3. Contest is for exterior decorations, including decorations in windows that are visible from the exterior. Judging will be done from outside the residence only.
4. Judging will be based on “curb appeal” as viewed from the street only. Therefore, only those decorations located on the street side of the property will be judged (corner lots will be judged from both streets). Judges will not enter the property to view the back or side yards.
5. Participants agree to have one or more photos of their decorated residence exterior posted on the Town of Bowden Facebook Page and Website. Participant agrees there will be no compensation of any kind for said posting or publication.
6. There will be 3 categories to be judged, each home/location will have the opportunity to win based on the following:
To be eligible, participants must have all lights, animations and decorations in place and activated for the judging periods on that night, December 8th
Three (3) prizes will be awarded, one for each category. All prizes must be accepted as awarded with no substitutions and have no cash value.
Winners will be announced on the Town of Bowden Social Media and Website on December 12th.