Destin opens nominations for annual Christmas Holiday Decorations Contest as lights begin to glow
Destin, Florida – As homeowners, businesses, and local groups get ready for the annual Christmas Holiday Decorations Contest, the holiday season in Destin is becoming brighter. The Holiday Committee for the City of Destin has officially opened the door for nominations, asking the community to show off its best exterior displays. This year’s contest is available to everyone in the community and doesn’t cost anything to enter. Its goal is to celebrate creativity, the holiday spirit, and the joy of the season.
Nominations must be filed by 5 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025. This gives everyone a clear deadline to have their lighting, props, and overall presentation just right. The event is solely for decorating the outside of buildings, therefore judges will only be able to see the displays from public areas and not from private yards or enclosed locations. Residents can easily and quickly submit a nomination by calling (850)-654-5184 or sending an email to [email protected].
The judging will happen on two nights, December 16 and 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. During those hours, contestants must make sure that their lights, animations, and exterior features are all still working. Displays must stay up until December 31 so that everyone in the neighborhood can enjoy the holiday spirit all month long.
This year’s contest has four categories so that a lot of different people can win. “Best Decorated Home” includes anything from mobile homes to duplexes to single-family homes. “Best Decorated Organization” includes entrances to community groups, golf courses, and homeowner associations, while “Best Decorated Business” includes restaurants, shops, and offices. The “Best Overall Holiday” award is the highest prize. It goes to the display that best reflects the spirit and spectacle of Christmas in Destin.
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At a City Council meeting in January 2026, the winners will be recognized and given credit for their outstanding work. The community is looking forward to a city full of color, laughter, and the warmth of holiday cheer till then. As the lights go up and the countdown begins, Destin gets ready to become a shining display of holiday cheer once more.
