Jacksonville, November 29, 2025
The third annual Light Up Downtown Jacksonville decoration contest is now open for voting, showcasing the holiday displays of 14 local businesses. This initiative, organized by Jacksonville Main Street, encourages community participation and boosts local economic growth. Voting is online until December 12, ensuring that residents can engage and support their favorite displays. The winners will be announced during the Cocoa & Carriage Rides event, enhancing the festive spirit of the season. Join the fun and vote to help celebrate Jacksonville’s holiday spirit!
Light Up Downtown Jacksonville: Vote for Your Favorite Holiday Decor
Join the festive spirit as local businesses shine in this annual contest!
Jacksonville, Illinois – Voting is now open for the third annual Light Up Downtown Jacksonville decoration contest, showcasing the creative holiday displays of 14 local businesses. This community-focused contest not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also promotes local economic growth by encouraging residents and visitors to support the businesses that contribute to Jacksonville’s charm. Organized by community leaders, the participation of local businesses is a testament to their resilience and ingenuity in cultivating a lively downtown experience.
Voting is available online until December 12, 2025, at 5 p.m. CST, allowing each individual to vote once per hour throughout the voting period. This system ensures fairness and encourages ongoing community engagement. The winners of the contest will be revealed during the Cocoa & Carriage Rides event on December 13, 2025, adding an extra layer of excitement to this well-loved holiday tradition.
Participating Businesses
Fourteen local businesses have embraced the holiday spirit, each competing for the top spot with their unique decorations:
- The Little Stove
- Market House Antiques
- Green Haven
- Boujee Barn Boutique
- 37 South Boutique and Makery
- Eunoia Mama Co.
- Jannie B’s
- Farmers State Bank and Trust Co.
- Lincoln Land Community College-Jacksonville
- KJB’s
- Our Town Books
- Bill’s West State Tavern
- The Peachy Nest
- Sports Zone
This initiative, orchestrated by Jacksonville Main Street in collaboration with the Journal-Courier, highlights the importance of local leadership harnessing the creativity of businesses to foster a sense of community. As local shops come together to innovate their decorative displays, residents can embrace their choices and encourage civic participation in supporting these ventures.
Voting Process Details
To partake in the voting process, visit the official contest page at tinyurl.com/yc85h8jn. Make sure to cast your vote for which display you favor, keeping in mind the one-vote-per-hour rule to maintain fairness. Community engagement through such initiatives strengthens local ties and encourages economic vitality.
Cocoa & Carriage Rides Event
The winners of the decoration contest will be celebrated during the Cocoa & Carriage Rides event, scheduled for December 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST. It’s an enjoyable addition to the festivities and offers carriage rides for $15 per person or $60 for a private carriage. To reserve your carriage ride, reach out to [email protected] after making your payment. Participants will enjoy a complimentary cookie and cup of cocoa during their ride.
Additional Festive Activities
In addition to the decoration contest and carriage rides, Jacksonville Main Street has planned various festive activities. The arrival of Santa House on November 28, 2025, along with free movie Saturdays and a live nativity performance, provides ample opportunities for families to engage in holiday cheer. These events are a great reminder of how reduced bureaucracy can enhance the organization of community activities and foster a vibrant local culture.
Conclusion
The Light Up Downtown Jacksonville decoration contest not only serves to brighten the downtown area but also emphasizes the collaborative spirit that thrives among local businesses and community members. By voting, attending events, and supporting local initiatives, residents contribute to the growth and vitality of Jacksonville’s economy and culture. Let’s come together to celebrate our local gems this holiday season!
FAQ
What is the Light Up Downtown Jacksonville decoration contest?
The Light Up Downtown Jacksonville decoration contest is an annual event where local businesses decorate their storefronts for the holiday season and compete for the top spot. The community is invited to vote for their favorite displays.
How can I vote in the contest?
Voting is open until December 12, 2025, at 5 p.m. CST. You can cast your vote online at tinyurl.com/yc85h8jn. Each voter is permitted to vote once per hour during the voting period.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced on December 13, 2025, during the Cocoa & Carriage Rides event hosted by Jacksonville Main Street, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST.
How can I participate in the Cocoa & Carriage Rides event?
Carriage rides are priced at $15 per person or $60 for a private carriage. After making a payment, secure your reservation time by contacting [email protected]. All riders will receive a complimentary cookie and cup of cocoa. The loading and unloading area is located on East State Street at The Plaza.
Where can I find more information about the event schedule?
For a full schedule of events and more details, visit the Jacksonville Main Street website at jacksonvillemainstreet.org/holidaysdowntown.
Key Features of the Light Up Downtown Jacksonville Decoration Contest
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Voting Period | Open until December 12, 2025, at 5 p.m. CST. Voters can cast one vote per hour during this period. |
| Participating Businesses | 14 local businesses, including The Little Stove, Market House Antiques, Green Haven, Boujee Barn Boutique, 37 South Boutique and Makery, Eunoia Mama Co., Jannie B’s, Farmers State Bank and Trust Co., Lincoln Land Community College-Jacksonville, KJB’s, Our Town Books, Bill’s West State Tavern, The Peachy Nest, and Sports Zone. |
| Voting Platform | Online at tinyurl.com/yc85h8jn. Each voter is permitted to vote once per hour during the voting period. |
| Winner Announcement | December 13, 2025, during the Cocoa & Carriage Rides event hosted by Jacksonville Main Street, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST. |
| Cocoa & Carriage Rides Event | Carriage rides priced at $15 per person or $60 for a private carriage. Reservations can be made by contacting [email protected]. All riders will receive a complimentary cookie and cup of cocoa. The loading and unloading area is located on East State Street at The Plaza. |
| Event Schedule | For a full schedule of events and more details, visit the Jacksonville Main Street website at jacksonvillemainstreet.org/holidaysdowntown. |
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