BOWIE, MD — Residents who go all out decorating their homes for the holidays have a chance to win prizes and bragging rights in the city's annual Holiday House Decorating Contest.
The city of Bowie is accepting entries through Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. The free contest is open to homes located within Bowie's municipal limits. Residents can enter their decorated homes in three categories: traditional, religious and colonial.
Traditional displays can include colorful or white lights, Santa Claus and other holiday characters. Religious displays can represent any denomination, while colonial decorations may feature candles in windows, greenery and white lights.
Judges will evaluate homes based on creativity, appearance and effort. Factors include originality, use of materials, color coordination, overall attractiveness and the time spent preparing the decorations.
Judging will take place Dec. 9 between 6 and 11 p.m. Only decorations visible from the street at night will be considered. People and live animals cannot be included as part of the displays.
The city asks participants to keep their decorations up through Dec. 31 so residents can enjoy the displays throughout the holiday season.
Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including:
Winners will be recognized during the Holiday Awards Reception on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. at Bowie City Hall, 15901 Fred Robinson Way. All contestants are invited to attend.
Residents unsure whether their homes are within city limits can check their address using Bowie's online address checker.
To participate, homeowners must complete the city's 2026 Holiday House Decorating Contest registration form by the Dec. 3 deadline.
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