Window Wonderland: Historic District Window Decorating Contest Begins

Someone once said that the holiday shopping season in the Historic District is “unsurpassed.”

The window decorating contest may be one of the reasons why.

The Ellicott City Restoration Foundation is again sponsoring the holiday contest, in which storefronts are transformed into winter wonderlands. Windows must be completed by Midnight Madness, Fri., Dec. 7.

There will be prizes in two categories: The Judge’s Choice and the People’s Choice. And voters will have an opportunity to win, too.

Judges are Victoria Goodman from Howard County Tourism & Promotion; Jackie Panowicz from Custom Media Options; Joan Waclawski from The Business Monthly; and a member of the Ellicott City Restoration Foundation's board, according to Ed Lilley, president of the Foundation.

First place in the Judge’s Choice will receive an ad in Howard Magazine; second place an ad from Custom Media Options; and third place, ad space from Howard County Tourism and Promotion. The winner will be announced the second week of December, according to Lilley.

First place in the People’s Choice will receive an ad in Howard Magazine; second place ad space in The Business Monthly; and third place ad space from Howard County Tourism and Promotion.

Ballots for the people’s choice can be found at the Howard County Welcome Center, 8267 Main Street. Each ballot also will count as an entry form into a contest to win a $75 gift certificate to any restaurant or retail shop in the Historic District. 

Ballots must be returned to the Welcome Center by Jan. 2 at 3 p.m. The People’s Choice winner will be announced on Jan. 4.

Business owner? Claim your listing and upload a picture of your window by clicking "upload photos and videos" at the top of the article.

This article has been edited to note Judges Choice winners will be announced the second week in December.