Christmas 2026 | Entries open 3 – 15 November
Is your house the most festive on the street? Compare the Market has launched its hunt for Britain’s Best Christmas Lights, with Martine McCutcheon leading the judges. Here are five things to know.
1. Win a year of free energy
The winning household gets £3,000 to cover up to a year of energy bills. Even better, up to 50 of their neighbours will each get £300 towards their December energy bill, making £18,000 in total up for grabs.
2. A visit from Martine
Martine McCutcheon chairs the judging panel and will visit the winning home to present the prize and help switch on the display. She’s joined by last year’s winner, David Carter from Nottingham, and Compare the Market’s energy expert Emma Spencer.
3. It’s not just about the number of lights
Judges will score creativity and originality, lighting and visual design, and best use of space. They’re also looking for displays that bring neighbours together, support local causes or spread festive cheer.
4. Lights still lift our spirits
New research found 81% of Brits are worried about winter energy bills and 27% have put up fewer decorations in recent years. But 79% say Christmas lights make them happier in winter, and more than one in five say lights prompted them to speak to a neighbour for the first time.
5. How to enter
Email photos of your outdoor display, a short written submission on why your household deserves to win, plus your full name, email, phone number and city or region, to christmas@comparethemarket.com by 11.59pm on Sunday 15 November. Full terms are on the Compare the Market website.