By Michele Taranto

Years ago, outdoor holiday decorating meant some lights sprinkled through trees and bushes and maybe some candles in the windows. Today, embellishing the exterior landscape and house has transformed into an competition months in the making.

Feeling that spirited holiday bug? Challenge your neighbors and friends this year at the Norwood Recreation Department is hosting its 5th Annual Holiday House Decorating Contest! This has become an incredibly popular and fun competition as Norwood neighborhoods flaunt their spirit for all to enjoy. For the past four years, residents pulled out all the stops on their decorating and this year should be an even bigger event building on that festive momentum! 

Contestants simply need to register their house with the Norwood Recreation Department and it will be listed as an interactive map on the Norwood Recreation social media pages the second week in December. Rivalries not for you? Enjoy the spirit of others while driving throughout Norwood to take in all the decorated homes! Last year, approximately 40 homes entered the local battle of the holiday displays!

Judges will rank each decorated house and three winners will be announced a week before Christmas. The top winner will receive bragging rights with the traveling trophy! Gift cards to local businesses will be provided to each winner. To register your home or for more information, contact the Norwood Civic Center at 781-762-0466 or email [email protected]. Residents can nominate their home or their neighbor’s home. Town employees will contact nominations before placing them on the map.

Those who cannot visit the homes in person can also view on the map. 

So, who in Norwood is up for the challenge and boasting rights for the most festive home in Norwood!!??