Spirit of Christmas Lighting & Decorating Contest 2026!
Chisholm Chamber Businesses are spread Holiday cheer as they work hard to show their holiday spirit, creating beautiful storefront displays and a festive atmosphere for the community to enjoy. Again this year, we’re turning it into a friendly contest—while also supporting the Chisholm Food Shelf!
Vote for Your Favorite Chisholm Chamber Business with the Most Christmas Spirit!
Consider both the decorations and the festive atmosphere of participating businesses. Cast your vote by dropping off a non-perishable food item or a cash donation at the business of your choice.
The winning business will proudly receive the traveling “Spirit of Christmas” Trophy!
Participating Businesses: Rupp Furniture, Mary’s Lake Street Floral, Hairworx, Northbound Realty/Bark Design, Casey Drug, & Valentini’s Supper Club
Follow the Chisholm Chamber’s Facebook Page for upcoming events, Chamber Business posts, & more..
Fun Facts About Storefront Holiday Designs
1. Origins of Holiday Window Displays
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The tradition of holiday window displays began in the mid-19th century, when department stores in Europe and the U.S. started decorating windows to attract shoppers.
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Macy’s in New York created one of the first iconic Christmas window displays in 1874, featuring a life-size scene with toys and holiday figures.
2. Storytelling Through Windows
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Holiday windows often tell a story, with animated characters, moving parts, and intricate scenes to captivate passersby.
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Some displays include miniature theaters, snow machines, and music synced to lighting for a fully immersive experience.
3. Famous Department Store Displays
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Macy’s (New York), Harrods (London), Selfridges (London), and Galeries Lafayette (Paris) are famous worldwide for elaborate annual holiday window designs.
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These displays can take months to design and build, with teams of artists, carpenters, and animators collaborating.
4. Materials & Technology
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Early displays used hand-carved wood, paper, and fabric, while modern designs incorporate LED lights, animatronics, 3D printing, and projection mapping.
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Some stores use interactive or augmented reality elements to engage customers through smartphones.
5. Community Impact
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Holiday windows aren’t just for shoppers—they often draw tourists, families, and photographers, becoming a seasonal community tradition.
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Many stores host window-watching events, storytelling sessions, or live performances to enhance the festive experience.
6. Sustainability Trends
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Increasingly, stores are using recycled or reusable materials, energy-efficient lighting, and eco-friendly props to reduce environmental impact.
7. Fun Records
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Some of the most elaborate displays feature hundreds of moving figures, thousands of lights, and life-size replicas of famous holiday scenes.
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In some cities, holiday window decorating competitions encourage local businesses to create award-winning storefronts, similar to what the Chisholm Chamber is doing.
