The Virgin Islands Lottery has launched a territory-wide holiday lights initiative, encouraging residents across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John to transform their homes into festive displays for a chance to win cash prizes and utility bill relief.
The “Deck the House Holiday Lights Competition,” announced on November 18, invites participants to showcase creative outdoor décor reflecting the season’s spirit. Residents on each island can compete for prizes up to $3,500.
According to the release, the competition is open to all Virgin Islands residents, with entries due by Friday, December 5 before 5 p.m. Applications can be accessed on the VI Lottery website. The contest focuses exclusively on exterior decorations, including window displays visible from the outside. Judging will be based strictly on “curb appeal” viewed from the street, and judges will not enter any property to inspect backyards or side areas.
Participants must also agree to have at least one photograph of their decorated home posted on the Virgin Islands Lottery’s website and Facebook page. The People’s Choice winner will be determined by the photo receiving the highest number of likes and shares on the Lottery’s Facebook platform. Organizers ask that all decorations remain in place through January 6, 2026—Three Kings Day—so the wider community can enjoy the displays throughout the holiday season.
Judging will take place on December 19 and 20, between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., when all decorations must be illuminated. The evaluation criteria include creativity—such as originality, design, and thematic choices—along with the placement of lights and decorations, use of special effects including animation or sound, and overall appearance, described as effort and attractiveness.
Prizes for the top three displays are set at $3,500 for first place, $2,500 for second, and $1,500 for third. The People’s Choice winner will receive their January and February WAPA bills paid in full. With three winners selected per island, the competition will recognize nine displays across the territory, with the possibility of a tenth winner if the People’s Choice selection differs from the judges’ choices. Winners will be announced on December 22 on the VI Lottery website and Facebook page, and individuals must appear in person at the Lottery office to collect their awards.
For additional information, the Virgin Islands Lottery directs residents to contact Monique C. Christian-Creque, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, using the phone numbers and email provided in the announcement.
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