Miracle Christmas Tree Decorating Contest

The Christmas Tree Decorating Contest is a beloved tradition that brings together non-profit organizations from across the Wabash Valley to celebrate the holiday season with creativity, community spirit, and a touch of friendly competition. This festive contest is part of the annual Miracle on 7th Street holiday festival, transforming downtown Terre Haute into a winter wonderland filled with lights, music and holiday cheer.

How the Contest Works

Each participating non-profit organization receives a live evergreen tree, generously donated by Prospect Bank, along with a tree stand. Organizations are encouraged to decorate their trees with a unique theme that showcases their personality, mission, or holiday spirit.

Decorated trees are displayed prominently at the Miracle on 7th Street event, at Hulman Center, allowing the public to enjoy each creation while learning more about the amazing work these organizations do year-round. The trees remain outdoors, so decorations should be weather-resistant to withstand any winter conditions!

  • The Christmas Tree Decorating Contest includes a judging process, with a grand prize awarded to the tree that best captures the spirit of the season. Additional prizes are given to all participants as a thank-you for their contribution to the community event. Here’s how the prizes break down:

    • Grand Prize: $500 for the winning tree

    • Participation Awards: $100 for all other entries

    Trees will be judged on creativity, theme, and overall execution, and the grand prize winner will be announced at the beginning of the Light Your Way Parade on Saturday evening. This adds an extra layer of excitement to the festivities as we celebrate the contributions of local non-profits!

  • Interested non-profit organizations are invited to register early, as spots are limited to 20 trees and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is simple and includes submitting a completed form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeI6BWosjkh0v-HOM-x09nzw8BGp9azDVfQq37MOnby5vLbVA/viewform

  • Participating in the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest is a wonderful way for non-profits to showcase their mission to the community, raise awareness, and engage with supporters in a fun and festive environment. Each tree is a visual story, helping share the work and values of each organization with event attendees.

    We are grateful for the incredible support from our community and look forward to another year of beautiful holiday displays. Come join us in making this holiday season magical for all!