Help Us Map the Harlan Area's Best Holiday Lights
Help bring back the beloved tradition of holiday light tours in Harlan. Enter your decorated home for a chance to win prizes - and help your neighbors find the best displays in town.
Submit your display and vote for your favorites
The holiday season is here, and so are the lights. Every year, homes across the Harlan area transform into glowing displays that bring families out for evening drives and create memories that last well beyond December. The only problem? Finding them all.
That's where the 1st Annual Deck the Homes competition comes in.
Spearheaded by Danielle & Brian Martin, this community effort is bringing back the tradition of bundling up, sipping hot chocolate, and driving around town to see all the sparkling lights and festive displays. Whether you decorate your own home or just want to vote for your favorites, this is a fun way for all of us to appreciate the great displays our community has put together.
The folks who spend hours untangling lights and climbing ladders deserve an audience - and the families looking for a festive evening drive deserve a guide.
Prizes
Local businesses are helping sponsor the prize money, awarded as Chamber Bucks to keep support within our community:
- 1st Place: $100
- 2nd Place: $75
- 3rd Place: $50
How to Enter
- Fill out the registration form
- Join the Deck the Homes Facebook group
- Send a video of your decorated home via Facebook Messenger by Monday, December 15th
How Voting Works
All submitted photos will be posted in the Facebook group. The top 3 most-liked homes will advance to the final round.
Final Judging
The top 3 homes will be judged in person on Monday, December 22nd between 6:00-8:00 PM. Make sure your lights and displays are turned on and shining bright during that time! Winners will be featured in the Facebook group and on the Harlan Insider.
Support Downtown Decorations
There's no entry fee to participate, but if you'd like to donate toward downtown and courthouse Christmas decorations, all contributions will be collected and given to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.
Why It Matters
This isn't about who has the most lights or the fanciest setup. It's about building something together - a community resource that connects the people who love to decorate with the people who love to see it. From a simple strand of lights on the porch to a full yard of inflatables, if it brings joy, it deserves to be seen.
Ready to enter or start exploring?
- Register Your Display: Entry Form
- Join the Community: Deck the Homes Facebook Group
- Questions? Reach out through the Facebook group
