City hosting Jingle Bell Jackson contests for 2nd year

The Jingle Bell Jackson decorating contest was such a big hit last year that the City of Jackson has announced its return for a second season this year.

"We've already had a few of last year's contestants ask if there would be a contest this year, so I think some of them might be getting a little more competitive this year," said Christiana Gallagher, the community relations director for the city.

Just like in 2023, there are different phases of the contest.

There's a people's choice category, and that winner will get a $1,000 gift from Voya Financial.

The winner of the judges' pick will also receive $1,000 from Voya.

The third phase of the contest centers on one home at 404 Johnson Street. This home has been decorated by Prosper Realty, and its contest is to guess how many light bulbs are used in the decoration. The closest guess will win $500 worth of services from Prosper, redeemable for any of their offerings, including lawn maintenance, home maintenance, landscaping, holiday lighting, and residential cleaning.

"Prosper made this home look absolutely beautiful last year, and I'm sure not only will it be beautiful, but it will be a challenge to count or guess the number of bulbs on the property," Gallagher said.

The contest officially starts on Dec. 1. People have from Dec. 1-6 to nominate themselves or a neighbor as an entrant in the contest. Voting and judging will happen from Dec. 9-13.

The period to guess the number of bulbs with Prosper will be Dec. 1-13. Winners will be announced on Dec. 17.

"After our inaugural year last year, we developed some criteria for the judges to think about as they're evaluating," Gallagher said. "Creativity and uniqueness is the first one, then use of available outdoor space, variety of decorations and overall visual design and aesthetics.

"This was fun last year. We're looking forward to it again this year. We think Jackson is a beautiful place, and decorating for Christmas only enhances that. We're looking forward to the Christmas parade on Monday (Dec. 2), and the Santa House is back in front of City Hall. This is a great time of year."

Gallagher said announcements will come later of when Santa Claus will be in the Santa House.

Brandon Shields, brandon@jacksonpost.news