1. Eligibility

The Cayuga Light Up Night Home Decorating Contest is open to residential properties with a Cayuga address. Participation is free, and each property may submit one entry.

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2. Registration & Judging

All entries must be submitted by November 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon). Judging will take place during the evening of November 30, 2026. Please ensure your Christmas lights and decorations are illuminated and clearly visible from the street during judging.

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3. Previous Winners

To encourage participation and give more households an opportunity to win, first-place winners will be ineligible for contest prizes for the following three annual contests. For example, a first-place winner in 2026 would become eligible to compete for prizes again in 2030.

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Previous first-place winners are warmly encouraged to continue decorating and participating in the community Christmas Lights Tour during their ineligible years.

 

Second- and third-place winners remain eligible to compete for all prizes in subsequent years.

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4. Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged on five categories: Visual Impact, Creativity & Originality, Cohesive Theme, Holiday Spirit, and Technical Quality. 

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Displays of all sizes and styles are welcome. Judging will focus on creativity and Christmas spirit, not the amount of money spent on decorations.

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All judging decisions made by the Cayuga Light Up Night judging committee are final.

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5. Safety & Display Guidelines

All decorations must be displayed on the participant's own property and must not obstruct sidewalks, roadways, driveways, or public access areas.

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Participants are responsible for ensuring their decorations, lighting, and electrical connections are safely installed and maintained.

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Displays must be visible from the street, as judges will not enter private property to evaluate decorations.

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6. Christmas Lights Tour Participation

By registering for the Home Decorating Contest, participants agree to have their property's street address included on the Cayuga Light Up Night Christmas Lights Tour map and printable address list once their entry has been reviewed and approved.

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The Christmas Lights Tour will be available to the public to encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the festive displays throughout Cayuga.

Only participating property addresses will be published. Personal contact information, including names, email addresses, and phone numbers, will remain private.

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Visitors are asked to respect participating properties, remain on public sidewalks and roadways, and refrain from entering private property without permission.

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7. Winners & Prize Announcements

First-, second-, and third-place winners will be selected by the Cayuga Light Up Night judging committee.

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Winners will be announced during Cayuga Light Up Night on Friday, December 4, 2026. Prize details will be shared once confirmed by the organizing committee.

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Winners may be contacted using the information provided during registration.

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The committee reserves the right to verify eligibility before awarding prizes.

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8. General Conditions

The Cayuga Light Up Night organizing committee reserves the right to disqualify entries that do not meet the contest rules or eligibility requirements.

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The committee may make reasonable adjustments to contest arrangements if unforeseen circumstances arise. Any significant changes will be communicated to registered participants.

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Participation is voluntary, and homeowners remain responsible for the installation, maintenance, and safety of their Christmas displays.

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By submitting an entry, participants acknowledge that they have read and agree to the Official Home Decorating Contest Rules & Regulations.

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