Light Fight 2025 Shines Brighter Than Ever — Now With a Special Tour for a Great Cause

It’s the most light-filled time of the year—and the Front Royal Light Fight is back and glowing brighter than ever.

Now in its fifth year, the community-wide Christmas light competition has officially entered its judging phase, with more homes and businesses participating than ever before. With 32 residential entries and 10 businesses already on board—and more submitting photos by the day—the holiday cheer is lighting up Warren County in a big way.

At the heart of the effort is Lori Oaks, the contest’s founder and owner of Lori Loves Homes. This year, partnering with Pat Moore, of Bridge of Hope Greater Warren, the two are combining creativity and charity to make the season even more meaningful.

“Light Fight was always about bringing people together,” said Oaks. “But this year, we’re also shining a light on the needs of others through a new event we’re so excited to share.”

Introducing: The Shine the Light Tour

In a new collaboration between Light Fight and Bridge of Hope, families can now experience the magic of the lights without ever having to drive.

The Shine the Light Tour, held on Saturday, December 13, will take riders on a cozy guided tour of some of the most dazzling homes in the competition. Two tours are available—5:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.—and all proceeds benefit Bridge of Hope Greater Warren, a nonprofit that supports homeless families and children in our community.

Thanks to a generous partnership with Dynamic Life Ministries, vans and drivers are being provided at no cost, ensuring that every dollar raised through ticket sales directly supports the mission.

“This is the first year we’ve done something like this,” said Moore. “We’re keeping it simple, festive, and family-friendly. You can skip the traffic and enjoy the lights. And when you return, we’ll have hot chocolate, s’mores, and a fire pit waiting.”

With limited seating available, residents are encouraged to grab their tickets early. Click here for tickets. Those needing help can call Pat Moore directly at 540-305-9937.

“This is about more than decorations,” Moore added. “It’s about connection, compassion, and creating holiday memories.”

The Light Fight Details

This year’s Light Fight categories include Best Overall Displays, Best in Theme, and Best Business Display, with cash prizes up to $1,000. A fun new addition is the Lucky Lights category—a $200 random drawing open to all registered participants.

“It’s a great chance for anyone to get involved,” said Oaks. “You don’t need a huge house or thousands of lights. Creativity counts just as much.”

The contest is free to enter and open to all residents and businesses in Warren County, including apartments and small storefronts. Entries are judged anonymously in two rounds. The first round uses a panel of selected volunteers who apply through Lori’s website. Finalists are then reviewed by a second-tier panel that selects the winners.

And yes—past winners can win again. “There’s no limit,” Oaks said. “We just love seeing people go all in year after year.”

Photo submissions are still being accepted, even as the judging gets underway. Those who haven’t sent in pictures yet should do so as soon as possible to be featured in the official map and considered for judging.

Light Fight Winners Announced January 1

The much-anticipated awards ceremony will be held on New Year’s Day at 1:00 p.m. at Downtown Local, 201 E Main St, Front Royal, a cozy downtown café that has supported Light Fight from the start.

“We do give a little hint to winners ahead of time—just enough to get them there,” Oaks said with a smile. “But nobody knows exactly what they’ve won until it’s announced.”

Participants and the public are invited to attend.

Powered by Community

This year’s event is made possible thanks to a growing list of generous local sponsors, including:

• C&C’s Frozen Treats
• Quality Title
• Green to Ground Electrical
• Tidewater of the Valley
• Flawless Finish Design Company
• Kate Walker – Integrity Home Mortgage
• Downtown Local
• Pat Moore – LegalShield

“We truly couldn’t do this without them,” said Oaks. “Their sponsorship allows us to give real prizes, create meaningful experiences, and support a cause like Bridge of Hope.”

As the lights go up across Warren County, the message is clear: it’s not just about bright houses, it’s about bright hearts. Whether you’re decorating, driving, riding, or just cheering from the sidelines, there’s room for everyone in the Front Royal Light Fight.

Want to join the Shine the Light Tour or Light Fight?

Visit LoriLovesHomes.com or scan a QR code on posters around town. Tickets for the tour are limited, and the final day to enter the contest is December 10.