πŸŽ„ Light Up the Mountain

2026 Christmas Decorating Contest

Presented by Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department

Help us bring the Christmas spirit to the mountain! Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department invites residents throughout our community to decorate their homes, spread holiday cheer, and participate in Light Up the Mountain.

Whether you go all out with thousands of lights or create a simple, beautiful Christmas display, we encourage everyone to participate. You can decorate just for fun or officially enter the 2026 Christmas Decorating Contest for a chance to be recognized by CGVFD!

How to Participate

1. Decorate Your Home

Show off your Christmas spirit with lights, inflatables, decorations, creative displays, and festive holiday themes.

2. Register for the Official Contest

If you want your property considered for judging, complete the official CGVFD Christmas Decorating Contest Registration Form below. Decorating your home without entering the contest is still encouraged!

3. Review the Official Rules

Please read the contest rulebook before registering so you understand the guidelines, judging process, and contest requirements.

4. Get Ready to Shine!

Follow the Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page for judging updates, important announcements, prize information, and the announcement of our winners.

πŸ“… Contest Dates, Deadlines & Announcements

Mark your calendar! Stay up to date with important dates and deadlines for the 2026 Light Up the Mountain Christmas Decorating Contest, presented by the Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department.

Important Dates

Registration Opens: November 9, 2026

Registration Deadline: December 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Judging Period: December 7–16, 2026, from 6:00 PM–10:00 PM

Score Verification: December 17–19, 2026

Winner Announcement: December 20, 2026

**Contest Eligibility**

To be eligible for official contest judging, registered properties must be located within the Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department's first-due response area. Properties outside this response area may still decorate and participate in the holiday spirit but will not be eligible for official contest judging.

Judging Information & Requirements

Registered displays will be judged December 7–16, 2026, between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

All decorations and lights must be fully set up, illuminated, and ready for judging during the announced judging period.

CGVFD judges will evaluate displays from their vehicles. Judges will not exit their vehicles or walk around individual properties or contest locations to conduct judging.

Please ensure your display is clearly visible from the roadway and can be viewed safely from the judges' vehicles.

Judging dates and times may change due to weather, emergency calls, or other department operational needs.

Thank you for participating in Light Up the Mountain and helping bring Christmas cheer throughout our community!Β 


Winner Announcements

Contest winners will be announced on the official Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page. Prize details and additional announcements will be posted as information becomes available.

Please follow our Facebook page for the latest updates, reminders, and schedule changes.

All dates and times will be updated here as they are finalized.

πŸ“ Official Contest Registration

Ready to enter? Complete the official registration form below.

https://forms.gle/EWUvpUXZ3HPPcKXx8

Please make sure your registration information is accurate and that you review the official contest rules before submitting your entry.

πŸ“‹ Official Contest Rulebook

The official rulebook explains contest eligibility, decorating guidelines, judging procedures, scoring, and the administration of the contest.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kob-zEjkyiWQmN6asq3YV4KtssMud1isSaPRFHL1p_o/edit?usp=sharing

Please review the complete rulebook before entering. The contest will be administered by Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department in accordance with its published rules and applicable department decisions.

Judges’ Scoring Rubric

Each registered entry will be evaluated in four categories:

Lights & Display β€” 10 points

Creativity & Originality β€” 10 points

Overall Appearance β€” 10 points

Christmas Spirit β€” 10 points

Each judge may award up to 40 points per entry. With four judges, the maximum combined score is 160 points.

Judges will evaluate displays fairly and independently, focusing on the decorations rather than the size or value of the property or the amount of money spent.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kob-zEjkyiWQmN6asq3YV4KtssMud1isSaPRFHL1p_o/edit?usp=sharing

Prizes & Winners

Contest prizes and winner announcements will be shared through official Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department communications.

Prize Details: To be announced.

Follow our Facebook page so you don’t miss updates about judging, prizes, and the final results.

Stay Connected

For the latest information, reminders, and announcements, follow the Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/chestergapvfd

For questions about the contest, contact:

Email: info@chestergapvfd.com

Let’s Light Up the Mountain!

Thank you for helping make our community brighter during the Christmas season. We look forward to seeing the creativity, lights, and holiday spirit throughout the mountain!

Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department

Serving Our Community Through Safety, Service, and Education.

πŸŽ„ Merry Christmas, and happy decorating! πŸŽ„