The Maclean District Business Chamber Christmas Lights
and House Decorations Competition
This festive competition invites local residents to sprinkle some Christmas wonder by decorating their homes in the most creative and enchanting way possible. The competition is a wonderful opportunity for residents to enhance the magical atmosphere of the holiday season and help light up the neighbourhood in support of.
Key Details
Theme
This year, we’re celebrating an authentic Australian Christmas - one that feels right at home under gum trees and starry skies. Inspired by the classic 1980s songbook, Christmas in the Scrub captures the nostalgia of summers past, the sound of cicadas in the evening, and the simple joy of festive gatherings in the bush. It’s about the warmth of connection, the charm of the outdoors, the bright lights of wonder and the creativity that comes from using what’s around us. Picture rustic timbers, native blooms, glowing lanterns, twinkling bright lights, recycled treasures, and soft fairy lights woven through branches and tin. Decorations should feel natural, grounded, and full of heart, not commercial or overdone. Think beautifully Australian, not bogan Australiana. Christmas in the Scrub celebrates the textures and tones of our landscape - eucalyptus green, ochre, dusty rose, warm neutrals, and the shimmer of gold light at dusk. It’s about handmade touches, community spirit, and the magic of turning the ordinary into something special.
Who Can Enter
All homes within the Maclean District
Entry Fee & Prizes
Entry is FREE with $250 Cash being awarded to the winner!
Jugding Criteria
To be eligible for the competition, your decorations must be within our Christmas in the Scrub theme. This means: Creativity and originality, Visual impact, Use of festive elements and theme adherence as well as overall appeal to passers by. This year’s winners will be chosen through a mix of public votes and a judging panel. One email address equals one vote Voting available via QR code or the Maclean Chamber website. The Grand Prize will go to the top-voted windows. All participating businesses will be recognised and promoted through the Chamber’s marketing channels.
See below for more info
Dates to Remember
Registration Deadline: November 28th 2025
Display Deadline: December 1st 2025
Voting Period: December 1st - Friday 13th 2025
Winners Announcement: Saturday 13th December
Register your house
Complete the online form below to register your house. Entries must be registered by the 28th of November with judging to take place between the 1st and 13th of December 2025
What we're looking for
1. Bushland Beauty: Use natural elements like gum leaves, wattle, paperbark, and wildflowers to capture the essence of an Aussie Christmas. Dried arrangements, native wreaths, and earthy textures are perfect.
2. Rustic Charm: Incorporate corrugated tin, weathered wood, or hessian to reflect life in the scrub. Pair these with soft fairy lights for warmth and atmosphere.
3. Wildlife Whimsy: Subtle nods to native animals: kookaburras, koalas, kangaroos, cockatoos can bring playfulness without overpowering your design.
4. Summer Glow: Replace snow and frost with sunshine and starlight. Use lighting to create a gentle glow reminiscent of long summer evenings.
5. Sustainable Craft: Upcycle and reuse. Think second-hand finds, hand-painted ornaments, and materials sourced from nature, so creativity over consumerism.