Deck the Halls, Hearthstone! 2025 Holiday Lights Contest Shines Bright With Community Spirit
The Hearthstone community is about to glow a little brighter as neighbors prepare to light up the night for the much-loved 2025 Holiday Lights Contest, proudly sponsored once again by the Hearthstone Garden Club. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 6 (golf course side only) and Sunday, December 7 (all other areas) – judging begins at dark each evening.
This long-standing Hearthstone tradition is more about fun, creativity, and neighborly cheer than fierce competition. There are no grand prizes, just the thrill of spreading joy—and maybe snagging one of the coveted 12 festive signs placed in winning yards.
A Merry Mix of Categories
This year’s categories offer something for everyone, from twinkling doorways to magical mailboxes. The 2025 contest includes:
- Best Door (2 winners)
- Best Mailbox (2 winners)
- Best Golf Course View (2 winners – judged Saturday only)
- Children’s Fantasy (2 winners)
- Best House (3 winners)
- Best Street (1 winner)
The Best Street award honors an entire block that brings collective spirit to life with collaborative, awe-inspiring displays.
The Fine Print (and Sparkly Details)
Let’s talk rules – because even Santa checks his list twice:
- Winners will be personally notified the night of judging by friendly Garden Club officers, who’ll knock on your door to share the good news.
- A decorative yard sign will mark your win and stay up through New Year’s Day (no, you can’t keep it—sorry!).
- The full list of winners will be shared here at My Neighborhood News and on the Hearthstone neighborhood Facebook page after the contest.
To keep things fair and festive:
- Homes can win two years in a row, but not three consecutive years in the same category.
- Homes currently for sale are ineligible.
- Townhomes near the country club and homes in gated communities are not part of the judging area due to separate HOAs.
And don’t worry—judges are unbiased volunteers, most coming from outside Hearthstone. While they may not be elves, they bring a big dose of holiday cheer and fresh eyes to the contest.
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Judging Tips and Pro Tips
Want to impress the judges? Here are some holiday light contest pro tips straight from the Garden Club elves:
- This contest isn’t about who has the most lights—it’s about creativity and visual impact. Big doesn’t always mean better!
- Use your home’s unique features to your advantage. Hearthstone homes are beautifully varied, and the best displays embrace individuality.
- Think beyond store-bought—homemade décor, clever themes, and thoughtful design can stand out.
- If you're along the golf course, remember only backyards visible from the cart paths will be judged on Saturday night. That means small, detailed displays may get lost in the distance.
- Double-check for burned-out bulbs, tidy up your yard, and secure inflatables, especially in windy weather.
- Hosting a gathering? Be sure not to block your decorations with parked cars, trash bins, or big crowds when judging begins.
Spreading Joy, Not Just Lights
The Hearthstone Garden Club has been organizing this event for decades, all thanks to a small team of dedicated volunteers. Their hard work keeps this tradition alive and glowing.
In the spirit of the season, residents are encouraged to participate—not just for a chance to win, but to help make Hearthstone one of the merriest and most magical neighborhoods in Northwest Houston.
Whether you go all-out or just hang a cheerful wreath, your contribution lights up the whole community. So untangle those strings, fluff up your inflatables, and get ready to dazzle Hearthstone this holiday season!
Good luck, neighbors—and may your lights be merry and bright!
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
