Register here: Light Up Hartford 2026 – Free Registration – Fill out form
The City of Hartford invites residents and businesses to celebrate the holiday season by participating in the 2026 Light Up Hartford Holiday Decoration Contest.
This friendly community competition is open to anyone with a residential or business address in Hartford, Kentucky. Participation is free. Residents and businesses are encouraged to decorate homes, storefronts, yards, windows, or business locations with lights, holiday displays, and festive decorations.
Whether your display is a winter wonderland, a Christmas spectacular, or full of whimsy, the contest is all about community spirit, creativity, and holiday cheer.
“The Light Up Hartford contest is a chance for residents and businesses to brighten our city and share the joy of the Christmas season,” said Event Coordinator Meredith Skaggs. “We hope neighborhoods and businesses will have fun with a little friendly competition while helping make Hartford shine for everyone to enjoy.”
First- and second-place winners will be selected in both the Residential and Business categories.
Prizes include:
Residential Category
1st Place: $200
2nd Place: $100
Business Category
1st Place: $200
2nd Place: $100
Additional Judges’ Awards will also be presented for Best Lighting, Best Blow Mold Display, and Judges’ Choice.
Entries must be received by December 8, 2026. There is no fee to participate. Only communicate with events@hartfordky.org or Facebook.com/HartfordKy.
Register here: Light Up Hartford 2026 – Free Registration – Fill out form
Judging will take place December 12–21 and will be conducted anonymously in the evening. Entries should be decorated, visible, and ready for judging throughout the judging period.
Winners will be announced on the Hartford, Kentucky Facebook page and at hartfordky.org by December 23. Winners will have 30 days to claim their awards from Hartford City Hall.
Participants are asked to keep their decorations up through December 25, if possible, so the community has time to enjoy the winning displays. However, keeping decorations up through Christmas Day is not required to participate.
Registration will ask participants to provide their name, contact information, decorated location address, entry category, and any special viewing instructions for judges.
The City encourages the community to drive through Hartford during the holiday season and enjoy the festive displays throughout town.