Registration opens for Festival of Lights holiday lighting competition

MOUNT VERNON –  Experience Mount Vernon is now accepting registrations for the 2024 Festival of Lights Holiday Lighting Competition presented this year by Knox Community Hospital.

Experience Mount Vernon’s annual Festival of Lights Holiday Lighting Competition is a dazzling spectacle that fills the City of Mount Vernon with warmth and festive cheer.

Every year, as the holiday season approaches, the local community comes together to showcase their creativity and imagination through enchanting light displays.

The competition aims to light up the entire city, with each submission vying for the top prize in its respective category.

Residents and visitors alike are welcomed into a mesmerizing wonderland, as they drive through our twinkling city adorned with stunning designs, from elaborate animated scenes to whimsical displays.

We are excited to announce that this year’s competition will feature displays at both private residences as well as businesses.

Participants can choose from one of three awards for which to compete: Best Classic White Light Display, Best Vintage-inspired display, Best Light up the City Display, or Best Business/Store front Display, or simply choose to have their display listed and not compete.

Registration is due by Dec. 9. All registrants must be within the city limits of Mount Vernon.

How it works

After the close of participant registration on Dec. 9, Experience Mount Vernon will release a map of the displays — including display photos — at www.experiencemv.org/2024-festival-of-lights and on social media.

The competition will officially begin on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m., and voting for Public Choice will remain open until Monday, Dec. 16 at 11:59 p.m.

While the general public will vote on their overall favorite, and we will also have three judges to judge each of the award categories.

Winners of each category will be announced on the Experience Mount Vernon Facebook and Instagram pages on Tuesday, Dec. 17 by 5 p.m. While out enjoying the displays on Saturday, Dec. 14, tune into WNZR 90.9 to hear all your favorite Christmas songs.

Before heading out to see all of the amazing light displays on Dec. 14, be sure to stop by the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel for one more chance to meet Santa before he heads back to the North Pole to pack up his sleigh.

Santa will be available in the lower level of the Grand Hotel from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for photos and to collect last-minute Christmas wishes. 

Full competition guidelines, information, and registration can be found at www.experiencemv.org/2024-festival-of-lights

The Festival of Lights has become an iconic event, where families, friends, and neighbors gather in the spirit of celebration, marveling at the captivating brilliance that illuminates Mount Vernon during the most wonderful time of the year and we hope you will join us.