About the American Christmas Light Association

Founded in 1972, the American Christmas Light Association has been recognizing the best of Christmas light displays for over 50 years. 

At the American Christmas Light Association, Christmas Light Displays are not just about flashy and bright lights but about telling a story. We strive to find homes that evoke emotion, passion, creativity, and meaning while fully capturing the spirit of Christmas.

For years, the American Christmas Light Association has sought out the best homemade and personal Christmas Light displays nationwide. In our judgment, we look for those displays that excel in embodying the holiday spirit and expressing a unique idea throughout.

As such, our association forgoes judging those displays created by professionals and focuses on the personal touch of a display that can only be achieved by a creator with passion and grit. 

Every year, our judges search the country far and wide to find those exceptional Christmas displays that evoke emotion and wonder from the viewer and give us a little glimpse into the creator's life.