Festival of Lights competition now open for 2025 registrations

Experience Mount Vernon is now accepting registrations for the 2025 Festival of Lights Holiday Lighting Competition, presented this year by Knox Community Hospital.

Experience Mount Vernon's Annual Festival of Lights Holiday Lighting Competition is a dazzling spectacle that fills the city of Mount Vernon with warmth and festive cheer. Every year, as the holiday season approaches, the local community comes together to showcase their creativity and imagination through enchanting light displays. The competition aims to light up the entire city, with each submission vying for the top prize in its respective category. Residents and visitors alike are welcomed into a mesmerizing wonderland, as they drive through our twinkling city adorned with stunning designs, from elaborate animated scenes to whimsical displays.

This year’s competition will again feature displays at both private residences as well as businesses. Participants can choose from one of three awards for which to compete: Best Classic White Light Display, Best Storybook-inspired display, Best Light up the City Display, Best Business/Storefront Display, or simply choose to have their display listed and not compete. Registration is due by Dec. 8 at noon. All registrants must be within the city limits of Mount Vernon. 

How it works: After the close of participant registration on Dec. 8, Experience Mount Vernon will release a map of the displays —  including display photos — at https://www.experiencemv.org/2025-festival-of-lights and on social media. The competition will officially begin on Friday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m., and voting for will remain open until Sunday, Dec. 14 at 11:59 p.m.

Winners of each category will be announced on the Experience Mount Vernon Facebook and Instagram pages on Tuesday, Dec. 16, by 5 p.m. While out enjoying the displays on Saturday, Dec. 13, tune into WNZR 90.9 to hear all your favorite Christmas songs and look for Big Blue out on the road.

Full competition guidelines, information, and registration can be found at https://www.experiencemv.org/2025-festival-of-lights