First City of Lights Foundation announces light display contest winners

121323.N.BP.TOUROFHOMES 5.jpg — Characters and lights decorate a home for the First City of Lights Tour of Homes at 215 Mississippi Ave. SW, which won third place in the Judges Choice category.

By Maggi Fellerman

December 20, 2023 at 11:30 AM

Bemidjians jingled all the way around the area to see a whole slew of Christmas lights the past few weeks to vote for their favorite homes and downtown window displays.

The First City of Lights Tour of Homes and Christmas Window Display events kicked off on Nov. 24 with community members Now that the contests have drawn to a close, the top three finishers in each category, along with a people鈥檚 choice award have been announced.

121323.N.BP.TOUROFHOMES 4.jpg — Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman take a boat ride at 909 Stoner Ave. SW on the First City of Lights Tour of Homes.

The Tour of Homes Judges Choice award winners:

First place and a $250 prize went to the home located at 5125 Sherman Drive NE, Bemidji
Second place went to the home located at 4508 Waville Road NE, Bemidji
Third place went to the home located at 215 Mississippi Avenue SW, Bemidji
Honorable mention went to the home located at 3419 Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji

The Tour of Homes People's Choice award winners:

First place and a $150 prize went to the home located at 1003 15th Street NW, Bemidji
Second place went to the home located at 23567 398th Street, Laporte
Third place went to the home located at 5252 Elmwood Court NE, Bemidji

121323.N.BP.TOUROFHOMES 1.jpg — A home is decorated for the First City of Lights Tour of Homes at 5252 Elmwood Ct. NE in Bemidji.

Downtown Business Window Display Contest winners:

First place and a $200 prize went to Four Pines Bookstore
Second place and a $150 prize went to Living Legends Tattoo & Piercing
Third place a $100 prize was a tie between myBemidji and 218 Real Estate

Though voting has concluded, lights and displays will continue through the holiday season. Attendees are also encouraged to tune in to KZY 95.5 FM on the radio dial as they provide the ultimate soundtrack for your tour every evening.

A link to the map of all 22 homes participating in the Tour of Homes contest or on the

A link to the map of the Tour of Homes can be found on the First City of Lights website.

Here鈥檚 a look at a few favorites within the city of Bemidji:

121323.N.BP.TOUROFHOMES 8.jpg — Frosty the Snowman waves at passing drivers from a First City of Lights Tour of Homes participant's yard located at 3328 Birchmont Dr. NE in Bemidji.

121323.N.BP.TOUROFHOMES 9.jpg — Santa Claus and his reindeer take off from a First City of Lights Tour of Homes participant's roof located at 620 21st St. NW in Bemidji.

121323.N.BP.TOUROFHOMES 7.jpg — A home is decorated for the First City of Lights Tour of Homes at 1003 15th St. NW in Bemidji.

121323.N.BP.TOUROFHOMES 6.jpg — Lake Bemidji Bed and Breakfast, along Lake Boulevard, is decorated for the First City of Lights Tour of Homes.

121323.N.BP.TOUROFHOMES 3.jpg — A home is decorated for the First City of Lights Tour of Homes at 909 Stoner Ave. SE in Bemidji.

121323.N.BP.TOUROFHOMES 2.jpg — A nativity scene is on display from a First City of Lights Tour of Homes participant's yard located at 1180 East Ave. SW in Bemidji.

By Maggi Fellerman

Maggi is a reporter at the Bemidji Pioneer focusing on outdoor and human interest stories. Raised in Aitkin, Minnesota, Maggi is a graduate of Bemidji State University's class of 2022 with a degree in Mass Communication.