JAMESTOWN, NY – November 12, 2026 – The City of Jamestown is pleased to announce the return of its 3rd Annual Holiday Light & Décor Contest, inviting residents throughout the City to celebrate the holiday season by showcasing their creativity, festive decorations, and holiday spirit.
Now in its third year, the contest introduces an exciting new format, transitioning from traditional ward-based awards to six themed categories recognizing outstanding residential holiday displays throughout Jamestown. The expanded format offers residents new opportunities for recognition while encouraging creativity, friendly competition, and community participation across the City.
“Each year, our residents bring an incredible amount of creativity and holiday spirit to neighborhoods throughout Jamestown,” said Mayor Kimberly A. Ecklund. “This contest is a wonderful opportunity to recognize those efforts, bring our community together, and celebrate the many ways Jamestown residents make the holiday season special. We are excited to introduce new award categories this year and look forward to seeing the incredible displays throughout our City.”
2026 Award Categories
This year’s contest will recognize winners in six categories:
- Holiday Creativity Unwrapped Award – Recognizing the most original, inventive, and imaginative holiday display.
- Timeless Holiday Charm Award – Celebrating traditional and nostalgic holiday decorations and lighting.
- Light Up the Neighborhood Award – Honoring the biggest and brightest holiday lighting display.
- Holiday Theme Masterpiece Award – Recognizing the best coordinated holiday theme.
- Ultimate Holiday Showstopper Award – Celebrating the best overall holiday display.
- Holiday Hall of Fame Award – A special category exclusively for properties recognized as winners in the City’s 2024 or 2025 contests.
Nominations & Eligibility
Nominations will be accepted November 16 through December 11, 2026.
The contest is open to residential properties located within the City of Jamestown, including single-family and multi-family residences. Holiday displays must be visible from a public street or sidewalk.
Residents may nominate their own property or another eligible residential property within City limits. Each property may be nominated in up to two award categories but may receive only one award and one prize.
Properties recognized as winners in the City’s 2024 or 2025 contests are eligible to participate in the Holiday Hall of Fame category and may also be nominated in one additional category, subject to the contest’s two-category nomination limit. Eligibility is determined by the property address, regardless of changes in ownership or occupancy, and requires a current holiday display for the 2026 contest.
Nominations may be submitted by email or mail, and participants are encouraged to include clear, high-quality photographs of the nominated displays. Complete nomination instructions, eligibility requirements, and official contest rules are available at www.jamestownny.gov/holidaylights.
Finalist Selection & Community Voting
Following the nomination period, three finalists will be selected in each of the six award categories based on the overall presentation, creativity, and how well each holiday display reflects its nominated category. Finalist selections will take place December 14–18, followed by public voting from December 21 through December 31, 2026.
Community members will have the opportunity to view the finalists and cast their votes online to help determine the winners in each category. Voting instructions and access to the online ballot will be made available through the City’s website and official social media channels.
Contest winners will be officially announced on January 8, 2027, following the conclusion of public voting and verification of the results.
Prizes & Community Sponsors
Six winning properties will each receive a $100 ShopLocalCHQ gift card, generously donated by Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union and Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union.
“At Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, we believe strong communities are built through meaningful partnerships and a shared commitment to supporting one another,” said John Felton, Chief Executive Officer of Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union. “We’re proud to work alongside the City of Jamestown and Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union to continue this wonderful holiday tradition. Together, we’re celebrating the creativity of local residents, strengthening community connections, and supporting the local businesses that contribute so much to the strength and character of our community.”
“The holiday season is a time for creating lasting memories, celebrating cherished traditions, and coming together as a community,” said Kelly Haaksma, Chief Executive Officer of Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union. “For generations, families have enjoyed the simple joy of driving through neighborhoods to admire the beautiful lights and decorations that bring the season to life. We’re delighted to support a tradition that celebrates the creativity and dedication of local residents, brings families and neighbors together, and showcases the warmth and community spirit that make Jamestown such a special place.”
The City of Jamestown extends its sincere appreciation to Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union and Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union for their continued generosity and commitment to supporting community traditions. Residents are encouraged to participate by decorating their homes, nominating their favorite displays, and joining in the community voting.
Complete contest details, nomination instructions, and official rules are available at www.jamestownny.gov/holidaylights.
