Rockingham Times

Contest registration deadline was December 10, 2022. See a map of those who entered.

Go to a printable PDF of the map, with addresses.

Thanks to the enthusiastic participation in the 2021 Neighborhood Holiday Lights Contest, the Citywide Neighborhood Committee announces its return for 2022, to give residents a way to celebrate together this holiday season.

Contest details are as follows:

The contest is open to every Portsmouth resident. There are three categories this year and the judges will select which one is most appropriate for each entry they view.

• Traditional Light Display
• Creative Light Display
• Kids’ Choice

The top three winners each receive a $500 gift certificate, with preference given to first-time winners. Honorable mention winners each receive a $25 gift card.

Residents are invited to register to participate in the contest by following the link to the form on the Holiday Lights Contest 2022 webpage. Or go to the printable pdf of the entry form. Print the form, scan it and email it to hotline@cityofportsmouth.com or mail c/o City Manager’s Office, City Hall, One Junkins Avenue, Portsmouth NH 03801.

Contest entries will be judged by school-aged children, who will be driven through their assigned neighborhoods (not their own) to make their choices of the best holiday lights displays. Judging will take place between December 11 and 19. The Committee will create a map of the Holiday Lights Contest entries, available on the Holiday Lights Contest webpage after December 10.

In announcing the contest details, Portsmouth Citywide Neighborhood Committee chair Larry Cataldo said, “The Holiday Lights Contest always makes the season bright and fun for kids of all ages. The Citywide Neighborhood Committee is proud to continue this tradition that inspires residents to bring a little joy to Portsmouth neighborhoods through their holiday displays.”
Original source can be found here.