The MorningSide Holiday Lights Contest returned for a second year this winter.

What better way to inspire more neighbors to decorate their homes than having competitive fun with prizes and bragging rights on the line!

The details of the contest remained largely the same as last year, with the addition of one new category: Best Block.

Starting with our November membership meeting, we received over 30 nominations, with many houses and blocks receiving multiple nominations. Five volunteer judges considered criteria like creativity, design, radiance, and location.

With so many great nominations, it was difficult to whittle down the list, but whittle we did.

(drum-roll please)

The winners of the 2022 Morningside Holiday Lights Contest are —

1st place: 5527 Buckingham

First place of our Holiday Lights Contest goes to reigning champion Nicole Bryant. Last year, Nicole took home the big prize for 5818 Beaconsfield. In 2022, she moved to her “forever home” a few blocks away at 5527 Buckingham, and her décor didn’t miss a step. Nicole created a holiday wonderland — reindeer, elves, candy canes, angels, and even a few Santas!

2nd Place: 13124 E Outer Drive

In second place, we have the head-turner at 13124 E Outer Drive, by Bill and Laura Ridella. The Ridellas have lived on Outer Drive for almost 25 years, and every year their house (and trees!) are beautifully adorned with holiday lights and ornaments.

3rd Place: 4835 Devonshire

Coming in third, we have 4835 Devonshire, a playfully lit house by the Colvin family. The Colvins’ have been in the neighborhood since 2019, and what a welcome addition. Their residence radiated holiday fun!

Best Block: 4300 Bedford

For Best Block, judges mostly considered the number of decorated houses. And the 4300 block of Bedford had A LOT of them. From Waveney to Munich, the block was a colorful oasis, a special stretch of MorningSide with bright lights and holiday cheer.