Light Up Flat RockHoliday Decorating Contest 2026

Official Rules

Everything you need to know before you enter or vote.

  1. 1. Sponsor

    The Light Up Flat Rock Holiday Decorating Contest is sponsored by the City of Flat Rock, Michigan, and organized by the Jingle Around the Rock Committee ("the committee").

  2. 2. Eligibility

    The contest is open to all residences and commercial businesses located within the City of Flat Rock. One entry per address. Entry is free. Members of the Jingle Around the Rock Committee and their households are not eligible to enter.

  3. 3. Contest Period

    The contest opens at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, November 1, 2026, and closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, December 20, 2026.

  4. 4. Categories

    Residential: Houses, yards, porches, and windows of any residence in Flat Rock.

    Commercial: Storefronts, windows, and grounds of any commercial business in Flat Rock.

  5. 5. How to Enter

    Online: Fill out the entry form on this website and upload a photo of your display. You can enter any time during the contest period. Entries appear on the site after committee review. Displays entered earlier have more days to collect votes.

    Paper entry: Residents and businesses without internet access may fill out a paper entry form, available at Flat Rock City Hall, 25500 Gibraltar Rd., Flat Rock, MI 48134, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Paper entries must be received by Monday, December 7, 2026. A committee member will photograph the display and post it on the website for the entrant.

  6. 6. Display Requirements

    Displays may celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, winter, or any seasonal tradition. Creativity and inclusivity are encouraged. Displays must be clearly visible from the street or sidewalk. Once entered, displays must stay up, and be lit in the evenings, through December 20. Displays must be welcoming, family-friendly, and respectful of the community and neighbors.

  7. 7. Safety

    All decorations must be safely installed and follow City of Flat Rock ordinances. Decorations must not block sidewalks, driveways, entrances, exits, accessibility routes, or public rights-of-way. Use outdoor-rated lights and extension cords. No decorations may be placed on city property, street signs, or utility poles.

  8. 8. Voting

    Voting is free and open to everyone. Voters sign in with a free account, and each account may cast one vote. Running vote totals are shown publicly on this website. Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, December 20, 2026. Votes gained through automated tools, multiple accounts, or any other manipulation may be disqualified.

  9. 9. Tour the Displays

    A map and list of all approved displays will be posted on this website so anyone can plan a drive or walk to see them in person. When visiting, please stay on public sidewalks and streets, respect private property, and keep noise down in residential neighborhoods.

  10. 10. Winner Selection

    Winners are determined by total public votes at the close of voting. One winner and one runner-up will be selected in the Residential category, and one winner and one runner-up in the Commercial category. In the event of a tie, the committee will decide the placement.

  11. 11. Prizes

    Winners will receive a yard sign and a gift card. Gift card value to be announced. Runners-up will receive a yard sign. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash.

  12. 12. Announcement of Winners

    Winners will be announced at the Flat Rock City Council Meeting on Monday, December 21, 2026, and posted on this website and City social media.

  13. 13. Photos and Publicity

    By entering, participants agree that photos of their display and its street address may be posted on this website and used in City of Flat Rock materials, including the city website, social media, and newsletters, without compensation.

  14. 14. Disqualification

    The committee may disqualify any entry that does not meet these rules, creates a safety hazard, contains offensive or inappropriate content, or benefits from vote manipulation.

  15. 15. Liability

    Participants are responsible for the installation, maintenance, safety, and electrical costs of their own displays. By entering, participants release the City of Flat Rock, its employees, and the Jingle Around the Rock Committee from any liability related to their participation in the contest.

  16. 16. Organizer Discretion

    The Jingle Around the Rock Committee reserves the right to interpret these rules, determine eligibility, and make all final award decisions. The City of Flat Rock may change or cancel the contest if circumstances require.

  17. 17. Questions

    Email the committee at committee@jinglearoundtherock.com or send a message through the contact form on this website.