CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The city has opened its 2026 Holiday Decorating Contest, inviting residents to show off their holiday light displays in categories ranging from over-the-top displays to traditional and tech-driven designs.
The contest, run by the Chillicothe Parks and Recreation Department, is open to residents citywide, according to a Facebook post from the city. Entrants can choose among three categories: one for displays with an especially heavy use of lights and decorations, one for traditional and nostalgic designs, and one highlighting the use of technology in holiday displays.
“Whether your display is overflowing with lights, full of nostalgic charm, or bringing holiday magic to life with technology, there’s a category for you,” the city said in its announcement.
Residents can enter by emailing [email protected] with their name, address, chosen category and a photo or video of their display, or by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 740-772-5626, according to the department.
The decorating contest is part of the city’s broader holiday season programming, which in past years has also included a guided Holiday Lights Tour through some of Chillicothe’s most decorated neighborhoods, coordinated through the Parks and Recreation and Transit departments.
Residents are encouraged to watch the city’s Facebook page for further details on submission deadlines and judging.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the City of Chillicothe.
