By Sara Beth Williams–
The city’s 2024 “Best Lights in Citrus Heights” contest is now accepting nominations through Saturday, Dec. 7.
The City of Citrus Heights announced the opening of nominations for the annual Christmas lights contest earlier this week and has listed several categories for consideration.
The 2024 categories for this year’s event have been updated slightly, compared to last year. Three popular categories are returning, including Griswold, which recognizes the brightest and most impactful display of shining lights, Holiday Village, which celebrates the best-decorated block or neighborhood, and Santa’s Favorite, which honors the house or display with the most outstanding overall appearance and decoration.
Two new categories for nominations have been introduced this year, including Snow Globe, which highlights the biggest and brightest inflatable display, and Sleigh the Theme, which celebrates the display that tells the best cohesive story or presents a clear theme. The category of Winter Wonderland, which recognizes the chilliest display of icicles, white lights, and wintry themes, is similar to last year’s Jack Frost category, but has been expanded to include “wintry themes.”
Last year’s winners included six houses throughout the city: a home on Creekcrest Circle won the Griswold award for the brightest display of shining lights, a home on Celestial Way was awarded the best multi-house display on the same street or neighborhood, and another home on Moss Oak Avenue won the Hollywood Holidays award for best use of popular Christmas/Holiday characters. Additionally, a home on Rinconada Drive was recognized for having the best decorated tree in a yard or outdoor space, another home on Cross Drive won in the Jack Frost category for best use of chilliest display of icicles and white lights, and a home on Ansbrough Drive won in the Santa’s Favorite category for best overall appearance or theme.
Last year there were no nominations for a “Jingle All the Way” musical-animation category, which did not return for this year, according to the city’s website.
To nominate a home or group of homes for the contest, visit the city’s Best Lights in Citrus Heights page. Nomination close Dec. 7 and voting for the best lights display will open Dec. 9. Awards are given out the week of Dec. 17.
