Third Annual Newark Christmas Tree Decorating Contest Returns for 2026

The holiday season will soon be making its way back to Newark, and with it comes a community tradition that has quickly become part of the village’s Christmas celebration. Registration is now open for the Third Annual Newark Christmas Tree Decorating Contest, inviting local families, businesses, organizations and nonprofit groups to put their own creative touch on Newark for the holidays.

Organized by the Newark Home for the Holidays Committee, the contest brings together dozens of community members to decorate Christmas trees that are displayed throughout the holiday season. Each participating family, business or organization receives a tree to transform using its own theme, personality and creativity.

Part of what makes the contest fun is that no two trees look alike. Some participants lean into traditional Christmas decorations, while others create themes representing their business, organization, family or connection to the Newark community. Once they are all decorated and lit, the individual trees come together to create a community holiday display.

Registration Is Open

The contest is open to families, businesses, local groups and nonprofit organizations in the Newark area, with one entry permitted per family, business, group or organization.

There is a $10 entry fee, payable by cash or check made out to the Newark NY Chamber of Commerce. Payments may be dropped off at Katie Pullen Allstate Insurance, 119 East Union Street in Newark.

The number of trees available is limited. If registrations exceed the number of available trees, participants will be selected through a lottery. Everyone who registers will be contacted by a member of the Home for the Holidays Committee with their registration status and, for selected participants, their tree assignment and additional decorating information.

Decorating Begins November 21

Participants may begin decorating their assigned trees on Saturday, November 21, 2026, giving everyone a full week to find a convenient time to decorate.

All trees must be completely decorated by 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2026.

The trees themselves and their lights will be provided by the committee. Participants supply their own decorations, which must be weather-resistant and securely attached to withstand late-November and December weather.

Because electrical lights are already being supplied, participants should not add their own electrical lights or decorations requiring power. Decorations should remain on the tree itself, with nothing placed on the ground or extending outside the tree's designated area.

This is a family-friendly community display, so decorations should be appropriate for all ages. Political, vulgar or offensive decorations are not permitted.

A Little Friendly Holiday Competition

Of course, it wouldn't be a decorating contest without a little competition.

Trees will be judged on creativity and originality, theme and consistency, visual impact, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Awards will include Best Overall Tree, Best Theme Representation and the Community Spirit Award.

The winners of the 2026 contest will be announced at the December 15, 2026 Newark Village Board meeting.

But winning isn't really the only point. Each tree adds something different to the overall display, and the collection becomes another way for local businesses, organizations, families and community groups to take part in making Newark feel like home during the holidays.

A Growing Newark Holiday Tradition

Three years into the contest, seeing the trees come together has become part of the fun of preparing for the holiday season. What begins with individual families and organizations decorating one tree eventually becomes something the entire community gets to enjoy.

It is also one of those events where participation matters. You don't need professional decorations or an elaborate plan. A clever idea, some weatherproof decorations and a little imagination can create a tree people remember.

So start thinking about your theme, gather your decorating crew and see what you can come up with for 2026.

Participants are responsible for removing all of their decorations by Sunday, January 3, 2027.

Ready to decorate a tree? Complete the 2026 Christmas Tree Decorating Contest registration form to enter.