Light Up Bessemer City

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About

Light Up Bessemer City is an annual Christmas decorating contest that encourages residents and businesses to get into the holiday spirit. The Parks and Recreation Department coordinates with a judges panel to select winners.

Applications, judging and winners

Open to any resident or business in Bessemer City. In 2025, applications were due December 12 and all homes and businesses had to be fully decorated that night. Participants must be willing to share their address and family or business name with the judges, and are encouraged to leave lights up through the New Year. Judges drive house to house taking photos and/or videos; a home not decorated at that time is voided. Participation is free. Entries are judged by anonymous non-city residents. Winners are announced the week of Christmas on the city website and Facebook page. Photos, videos and addresses of applicants are posted to the city website and Facebook.

The online application will be added here once forms are rebuilt.