Open Wednesday, November 11 through Wednesday, December 2
TEMPLE, TX (November 10, 2026) – UPDATE: Applications for this year’s Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Contest will open tomorrow, November 11, at 8 a.m. The application form will remain open until Wednesday, December 2, at 5 p.m.
Once residents apply, they will be contacted by City staff with additional details.
After applications close, an interactive tour map will be released, and community voting will take place from Friday, December 4, through Monday, December 14. The winner will be contacted once voting concludes and will receive their award at the December 17 City Council meeting.
To read the full contest guidelines and fill out an application, visit templetx.gov/holidaylights.
City of Temple Announces 5th Annual Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Contest
Applications will be open November 11 through December 2
TEMPLE, TX (November 5, 2026) — The City of Temple is excited to announce the 5th Annual Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Tour & Contest.
Each year, the Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Tour & Contest celebrates the creativity of Temple residents while spreading holiday cheer throughout the community. Participants will have their homes featured on an interactive map, allowing families across the city to enjoy the lights all season long.
Residents are invited to bring the holiday spirit to life by decorating their homes with festive lights, creative displays and seasonal charm.
Applications will open on Wednesday, November 11, and will close on Wednesday, December 2, at 5 p.m. During this period, residents can submit their decorated homes for inclusion in the official community tour and entry into the competition.
Once applications close, an interactive tour map will be released, and community voting will take place December 4 –14.
Participation in the Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Contest is open to all Temple residents ages 18 and older, and entry is free. Only exterior decorations will be judged, including window displays visible from the outside. By entering, residents agree to allow the City of Temple to share their photo online and on social media.
To read the full contest guidelines and additional details, visit templetx.gov/holidaylights.