Mantua Township’s 3rd Annual Deck the House!

Get ready to unwrap the joy of the season! Mantua Township proudly presents its 3rd Annual Deck the House Holiday Decorating Contest — a festive tradition where residents transform their homes into dazzling displays of holiday cheer.

All Mantua Township, NJ residents are invited to participate in this community celebration of creativity and holiday spirit.*

Before joining the fun, please read the following information carefully for all rules, regulations, and important event details.

Happy decorating!

*Ineligible Participants: Employees of Mantua Township (full-time, part-time, or temporary) and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate or win.

Event Overview

Participant Registration

Mantua Township residents may register to participate from:

Monday, November 10, 2025, at 9:00 AM through Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM

Registration will be available through the official online sign-up form – see bottom of this page for form.

Decoration Deadline

All decorations must be fully completed by Sunday, December 7, 2025, as public voting will begin on Monday, December 8, 2025.

Please ensure your display is ready and visible from the street by the deadline.

Google Map and Home Viewing

All registered participating addresses will appear on an official Google Map, which will include:

  • Participating home locations
  • A suggested driving route for convenient viewing

The map will be available online once voting begins – see bottom of this page for map. 

Public Voting

Voting will be open from Monday, December 8, 2025, at 9:00 AM through Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Residents may vote for their top five favorite homes using the official online voting form – see bottom of this page for form. 

Please note:

  • Voters are encouraged to visit homes in person before casting their votes, as Mantua Township will not be posting photos of participating homes. See “New This Year” section for more information.
  • Mantua Township is not responsible for the voting process or results.

New This Year

In previous years, Mantua Township photographed participating homes and used those photos for public voting. Based on community feedback, this process has changed.

  • Mantua Township will not photograph homes for voting purposes this year.
  • Voting will be based solely on in-person viewing of participating homes.
  • Participants are welcome to take and share their own photos on social media or community pages to celebrate their displays.

Winners and Awards

Winners will be notified via email on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Awards will be presented by Santa Claus and Mayor Zimmerman at the winners’ homes on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

This year’s 2025 Deck The House Contest will have five winners:

  • First Place: Overall Best Decorated
  • Second Place
  • Third Place
  • Fourth Place
  • Fifth Place

Contact Information

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Rules and Regulations

Participant Registration

  • Open: Monday, November 10, 2025 – Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM
  • All participants must complete the official online registration form to enter – see bottom of this page for form.

Eligibility and Judging Criteria

  • Participation is open only to residents of Mantua Township, New Jersey.*
  • All participating addresses (without photos) will be added to the official Google Map – see bottom of this page for map.
  • It is the responsibility of voters to view homes in person to cast legitimate votes.
  • Mantua Township is not responsible for the outcome of public voting.

*Ineligible Participants: Employees of Mantua Township (full-time, part-time, or temporary) and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate or win.

Safety and Environmental Guidelines

  • Decorations must not obstruct sidewalks, driveways, fire hydrants, or any public right-of-way.
  • To protect the environment, balloons may not be used in any displays.
  • All decorations must be visible from the street for public viewing and voting.
  • Electrical cords and lighting must be used safely and comply with local codes.

Noise and Sound Limitations

  • Participants who incorporate music or sound effects should keep volume levels moderate to avoid disturbing neighbors.
  • Please ensure all sound-related features comply with township noise ordinances.

Weather Considerations

  • In the event of severe weather, Mantua Township reserves the right to modify the event timeline.
  • Any changes or updates will be communicated to participants via email.

Participant Permissions

  • By participating in the Deck the House contest, you agree to the following:
    • Mantua Township may photograph your decorated home and display images on official Township websites, social media platforms, or promotional materials.
    • Addresses of participating homes will be published to facilitate public voting.
    • Participants are expected to maintain good sportsmanship throughout the contest. Any evidence of disrespectful, disparaging, or unsportsmanlike conduct—online or in person—will result in disqualification.

Liability and Important Regulations

  • The use of professional decorators is not permitted.
  • Mantua Township assumes no liability for accidents, injuries, damages, or other incidents arising from participation in the contest.
  • Mantua Township is not responsible for contest results or voting integrity. Voting is public, final, and determined solely by community participation.
  • By submitting the registration and voting forms, participants acknowledge that they have read and agree to all terms, conditions, rules, and regulations outlined herein.

Online Registration Form/Sign-Up: https://forms.gle/qm1PX7v8YYd1Lvjc9

Google Map for Home Viewing: STAY TUNED!

Public Voting Form: STAY TUNED!