Morningside Shines During the 5th Annual Holiday Lights Contest
Morningside’s 5th annual Holiday Lights Contest brought a dazzling display of festive cheer to the neighborhood this winter. Homes, businesses, and (in some cases) entire blocks transformed into vibrant holiday displays.
Following the same judging criteria as previous years — creativity, design, radiance, and location — judges faced the difficult task of narrowing down a field of so many spectacular contenders. After much deliberation, the results are finally in.
The winners of the 2025 Morningside Holiday Lights Contest are…
1st Place: 4821 Devonshire
Taking home top honors for the third year in a row are Koleisha and Jernard Everett of 4821 Devonshire! Residents of Morningside since 2012, the Everetts have steadily transformed their home and yard into a holiday spectacle, and this year’s display was their most impressive yet. They took their colorful creativity to the next level with an animated holiday message on their fence that changed throughout the month, captivating neighbors and earning them numerous nominations.
Beyond the visual brilliance, this year’s decorations held a special significance; following the loss of Koleisha’s mother to cancer, the family found a way to incorporate her memory into the display to help uplift their spirits. This well-deserved 'three-peat' is a testament to the Everetts' incredible dedication and the festive light they continue to bring to our community!
4821 Devonshire
2nd Place: 11164 E Outer Dr
Claiming second place this year is Nicole Thomas! Nicole went all out at the corner of Barham and Outer Drive, creating a holiday wonderland complete with reindeer, Frosty, candy canes, and a life-sized Santa—a spectacular display that truly brightened the west end of the neighborhood. Nicole is a repeat champion in our community; from her previous homes on Beaconsfield and Buckingham to her current homestead, she has a reputation for bringing the holiday spirit to life. Wherever Nicole goes, she lights up the block and takes home a prize!
11164 E Outer Dr
3rd Place: 3676 Berkshire
Coming in third place is Toni Tryan, a 25-year resident of Morningside living off Berkshire between Windsor and Brunswick. This season, Toni’s brick Tudor served as a showcase of holiday elegance, beautifully adorned with warm white lights, red ribbons, and lush green garland and wreaths. While the photo here captures its charm, the display’s true magic is revealed on video, where shimmering icicle lights draped the porch railing to create an enchanting winter scene. After two and a half decades in the neighborhood, Toni continues to bring a sophisticated touch of class to our community!
3676 Berkshire
Best Block: 4600 block of Audubon
The award for Best Block goes to the 4600 block of Audubon, where community spirit truly shined. In selecting a winner, our judges prioritized the density of decorated homes, and this stretch—from Waveney to Cornwall—certainly delivered. With half a dozen participating houses, the block was transformed into a vibrant, colorful oasis of holiday cheer. This collective effort created a wonderful atmosphere that really brightened the eastern stretch of the neighborhood.
4600 block of Audubon
Best Business: Alger Theater
Finally, we are proud to name the Alger Theater (16451 E. Warren Ave.) as our Best Business winner! The theater created a warm and inviting atmosphere that truly captured the holiday spirit, beginning with the 'Light Up The Tree' event on November 30th. From the Christmas tree glowing on the rooftop deck to the nostalgic J.L. Hudson-themed window displays featuring classic Hudson bears, the Alger served as a festive and vibrant beacon throughout the month of December, bringing together the communities of East English Village, Morningside, and Cornerstone Village! We are excited to see this event become the start of a new annual tradition dedicated to brightening the corner of Outer Drive and East Warren.
Alger Theater
Thank you to everyone who participated in our 5th annual Holiday Lights Contest – your festive spirit truly lit up our neighborhood! We look forward to another dazzling display of holiday lights in 2026.
