Front Royal Light Fight Returns for Its Fifth Year: Let the Holiday Sparkle Begin!

Get ready to deck the halls — and your front yard. The Front Royal Light Fight is back for its fifth year, and the holiday spirit is already shining bright. What began as a fun, community-focused idea by local realtor Lori Oaks, owner of Lori Loves Homes, has grown into a beloved tradition across Warren County.

Inspired by similar events in other parts of the state, Oaks launched the Light Fight to bring people together and brighten up the winter season. “It’s a Christmas light competition that’s completely free to enter, open to anyone in Warren County — even if you live way up on High Knob,” Oaks said in a recent interview with the Royal Examiner.

And there’s more than just holiday cheer on the line: the Light Fight includes cash prizes for the most creative displays. This year’s winners will take home some serious holiday green:

• 1st place: $1,000
• 2nd place: $500
• 3rd place: $300
• Best in Theme: $500
• Best Business Display: $500

“It’s real money,” Oaks said, “and it’s made possible thanks to our generous business partners.”

Longtime Supporters and Community Champions

Several local businesses have supported the Light Fight from the very beginning. Green to Ground Electrical, C&C Frozen Treats, and Quality Title were all-in from year one — and still are. “They’ve never hesitated to say yes,” Oaks said. “That kind of community commitment makes all the difference.”

Other sponsors include Flawless Finish Design Company, Integrity Home Mortgage, Tidewater of the Valley, and Downtown Local, where the awards celebration will be held on New Year’s Day. The small deli and café has become a favorite stop for locals — and even managed to impress Oaks’ husband, a Delaware native known for being picky about his sandwiches.

How to Enter

Anyone living in Warren County can enter the contest now through December 10. To sign up, visit LoriLovesHomes.com, and fill out the simple form.

After you’ve signed up and decorated your home, take a photo and send it in. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a numbered sign to place in your yard — available at C&C Frozen Treats. Judging is done anonymously in two rounds to ensure fairness. Displays are judged on creativity and, for homes, the number of lights used. Businesses are judged solely on creativity, making it fair for smaller storefronts.

Repeat winners? Totally allowed. “If you won last year, you can still win again,” said Oaks. “We don’t limit that. It’s about who shows up and brings their best each year.”

Not Just a Contest — A Community Celebration

But the Light Fight is about more than just twinkling lights and prizes. It’s about bringing neighbors together. Oaks encourages people to collaborate: “Maybe you’re not big into decorating, but your neighbors are — team up and do a block display!”

She’s also hoping residents will make an evening of it: light the fire pit, make some cocoa, and wave to those driving by. Thanks to the online Light Fight Tour Map, anyone can take a self-guided tour to see all the entries across the county.

And for those who’d rather not drive?

Ride the Shine the Light Tour

New this year, the Shine the Light Tour will give locals the chance to view the lights from the comfort of a tour van — no driving required. The event, hosted by Dynamic Life Worship Center in partnership with Bridge of Hope Greater Warren, takes place Thursday, December 13, from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 per seat, and all proceeds benefit Bridge of Hope, a local nonprofit dedicated to ending family homelessness.

There will be two tours that evening:

• 5–7 p.m.
• 7–9 p.m.

Each tour includes transportation, Christmas music, hot cocoa, s’mores, and plenty of holiday cheer. Tickets go on sale November 15 at Bridge of Hope Greater Warren or via their Facebook page.

Want to Get Involved?

Local businesses can still join as partners or sponsors — there’s no cap on community support. “If you’re a business and don’t have time to decorate, consider partnering with a school club or nonprofit to decorate your storefront for you — then donate your winnings back to the group,” Oaks suggested.

Custom Front Royal Light Fight T-shirts are also available at National Media Services, with proceeds going directly to Bridge of Hope.

Above all, the Light Fight is about spreading joy.

“I’d love to see Front Royal lit up like Clark Griswold’s house,” Oaks said with a laugh. “Only without shorting out the town’s power grid.”