(UPDATE) Taylor’s annual Light-Up Competition returns for 2025

Updated, December 17th, 10 a.m.: This story was amended to correct an error around the number of years the event has run. Energeticcity.ca is happy to set the record straight.

TAYLOR, B.C. — Taylor is bringing back its annual Light-Up Competition to kick off the festivities before Christmas. 

In a Facebook post uploaded to the District of Taylor’s page, the city announced its annual competition will happen on December 17th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

The competition will have judges driving around Taylor choosing the best decorated residential houses. 

The houses that win will receive a prize and a special thank you from the council. 

Sherri Maycock, the district’s recreation programmer, told Energeticcity.ca: “It’s an annual competition that we do every year and there are two staff from community services who drive around the community and judge houses.” 

Starting back in 2014, Maycock said the community’s response to the competition has been great and it’s become a fun event. 

“I think it’s definitely a positive event that we do here in Taylor. 

“It’s definitely something that people look forward to. The last few years, we’ve definitely had more houses in Taylor decorate and put lights up, whether it’s for the competition or just their own entertainment. 

“There are a few subdivisions in Taylor that have their own competition between neighbours to see who can put up the most lights and decorations.”

Talking about the specifications while the competition is being judged, she said: “We try to base it off a few things. 

“Sometimes it’s like the most lights, the blow-up decorations and sometimes it’s just the effort that people put in.”

The city will select three houses during the competition to win first, second and third place. 

“We do a gift certificate for Canadian Tire for the first, second and third place winners,” she said, adding last year the house that won first place had a “Lone Wolf” theme. 

She said: “It was really neat to see they definitely put a lot of time and effort into decorating their houses. 

“And every time we share the event on social media, those people in particular are always commenting. They can’t wait. They’re excited. They want to win again.” 

Ahead of the competition tomorrow, Maycock said: “It’s just to help boost community spirit and Christmas spirit within the community. 

“There are a lot of people who drive around the community outside of the light-up hours to check out all the lights.”

No registration is required, and residents who want to take part in the competition only need to have their lights turned on at the designated time.