2026 Uptown Holiday Window Decorating Official Rules

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Eligibility:
Participation is free and open to all businesses located within the Uptown Mt. Lebanon Business District.

Theme:
Window displays should feature a holiday or winter theme of the participant’s choice. Creativity, originality, and festive spirit are encouraged!

Display Deadline:
All windows must be fully decorated by Wednesday, November 25, 2026, and remain on display throughout the public voting period. Businesses are encouraged to keep their displays up through the holiday season.

Judging and Voting:
Community voting will take place from Saturday, November 28 through Sunday, December 13, 2026.

Community members are invited to vote for their favorite participating window using the official online voting form. Participants may vote once per day throughout the voting period, so residents and visitors are encouraged to return to Uptown, explore the displays, and continue supporting their favorites. The display receiving the most community votes will be named the People’s Choice Grand Champion.

The Most Creative and Best Use of Theme awards will be selected by a panel of judges coordinated by the Mt. Lebanon Partnership based on the criteria outlined below.

Winner Announcement:
Winners will be announced on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, through the Mt. Lebanon Partnership’s social media accounts and website.

Prizes:

1. People’s Choice Grand Champion – $250
   Awarded to the window display receiving the most votes from the community.
2. Most Creative – $100
   Selected by the judging panel and awarded to the display that stands out for its originality, inventive design, and imaginative use of materials.
3. Best Use of Theme – $100
   Selected by the judging panel and awarded to the display that best captures the holiday or winter season through cohesive, thoughtful, and festive presentation.

Display Guidelines:

• Decorations must be family-friendly and appropriate for all audiences.
• Displays should be primarily visible from the storefront window or exterior of the business and may not obstruct sidewalks, entrances, or pedestrian access.
• Lighting and other decorative elements are encouraged but must not create safety hazards or obstruct visibility.
• Participating businesses are responsible for ensuring that their displays comply with applicable municipal requirements.

Consent:
By participating, businesses grant the Mt. Lebanon Partnership permission to photograph their storefronts and window displays and to use those images in connection with the contest and other Uptown promotional efforts, including on the Partnership’s website, newsletter, social media channels, and other marketing materials.

Responsibility:
Participants are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and removal of their decorations. The Mt. Lebanon Partnership is not responsible for damage, theft, loss, or other issues related to participating displays.

If you have questions please contact Cate Irvin at cate@mtlebopartnership.org.

Celebrate the season, shop local, and help us make Uptown sparkle for our very first Holiday Window Competition!