Coon Rapids Arts Commission Launches 2025 Holiday Lighting Contest to Brighten the Season

COON RAPIDS, Minn. — The City of Coon Rapids and the Coon Rapids Arts Commission have officially opened applications for the 2025 Holiday Lighting Contest, inviting residents to light up the city and share in the magic of the holidays.

The beloved annual contest encourages homeowners to transform their properties into festive winter showcases for a chance to win one of four cash prizes. The entry deadline is Monday, December 1, at noon.

This year’s competition features two categories, each awarding a first and second-place cash prize:

• Still Category: At least 75% of the display must be non-moving.
• Motion Category: At least 75% of the display must feature moving elements.

Entries will be judged by the Coon Rapids Arts Commission based on creativity, originality, and visual impact. By mid-December, the City of Coon Rapids will release a holiday lighting map showcasing all participating homes, encouraging residents to take a self-guided tour of the community’s brightest displays.

Last year’s 2024 winners demonstrated exceptional creativity and community spirit:

• Motion Category: 1st Place – 12401 Partridge St NW; 2nd Place – 11110 Wren St NW
• Still Category: 1st Place – 12149 Norway St NW; 2nd Place – 1850 103rd Ave NW

Residents interested in participating can complete the online entry form and review full contest rules on the city’s official website at coonrapidsmn.gov/1444/Holiday-Lighting-Contest.

The Holiday Lighting Contest is a long-standing Coon Rapids tradition that celebrates neighborhood pride, artistic expression, and the joy of the season—illuminating the city with festive displays that bring residents together year after year.

MinneapoliMedia