MARTINE MCCUTCHEON KICKS OFF HUNT FOR BRITAIN’S BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Compare the Market is launching a hunt for Britain’s Best Christmas Lights as the nation prepares to bring out the festive decorations ahead of the big switch on, with one lucky household set to win £3,000 to cover up to a year’s worth of free
energy bills*.

The competition comes as new research from Compare the Market reveals that 81% of Brits are concerned
about their 2026 winter energy bills, whilst almost two thirds (64%) have worried about the cost of Christmas lights and decorations. More than a quarter (27%) have put up fewer decorations in recent years, while one in five (20%) have reduced the hours their
lights are switched on for.

Leading the search to find Britain’s Best Christmas Lights is festive icon
Martine
McCutcheon, who will chair a judging panel to crown the country’s winning entry. She will
be joined by last year’s competition winner, David Carter from Nottingham, who took the title with a unique display featuring thousands of lights, layered garlands and detailed front-garden scenes that he has been building gradually since 2011. Compare the
Market’s resident energy expert, Emma Spencer, completes the panel of judges.

The competition will celebrate the households bringing Christmas to life with a sparkle. From imaginative
displays to animated lights, the judges will be scoring entrants on criteria including; creativity and originality, lighting and visual design and best use of space. Beyond the lights themselves, the judges will be looking for displays that bring neighbours
together, support local causes or spread festive cheer throughout the community.

And there’s more than bragging rights at stake. The winning household will receive £3,000 to cover up
to a year of free energy*, with up to 50 of their neighbours eligible to receive £300 each to cover their energy bill for December **, making a total of £18,000 up for grabs to support households this festive season.

The winning household will also receive a special visit from Martine, who will present the prize and help
switch on its festive display, bringing the local community together to celebrate.

While rising energy costs are prompting some households to scale back their decorations the research highlights
the powerful role Christmas lights continue to play in lifting spirits and bringing community cheer.

Almost four in five Brits (79%) say seeing Christmas lights make them feel happier during the winter and
the same proportion say festive displays make neighbourhood feel more cheerful and welcoming.

More than half (55% ) say Christmas lights have helped them feel more connected to their local community,
while 22% say festive lights have prompted them to speak to a neighbour for the first time.

And the appetite for a more festive neighbourhood is clear. Almost two-thirds (65%) would like their
street to be more festive at Christmas, while 56% wish their community would come together more to celebrate the season.

The findings also suggest that Christmas lights can be a simple way to bring people together, with 69%
saying decorations have prompted them to do something with a neighbour, whether striking up a conversation, helping put up a display or coordinating decorations. More than half (56%) also say they enjoy putting up lights for their neighbours and passers-by.

Martine McCutcheon said: “I absolutely love Christmas, and I’m a big believer that when
it comes to decorations, more is more! There’s something so magical about driving down a street full of twinkling lights and seeing the effort people have made to make Christmas even more special. The best displays aren’t just about how many lights you can
squeeze into your front garden, though, they’re the ones that bring people together, make a difference to the local community and put a smile on everyone’s face.

“When it comes to decorating my own home, I love adding those little touches that make it feel extra
special at Christmas. Twinkling lights, festive garlands and decorations that have a special meaning to you can make all the difference, and I think the most important thing is to have fun with it and make it your own!”

“I’m so excited to be teaming up with Compare the Market to find Britain’s Best Christmas Lights this
year. We’re looking for homes that go all out, spread a little festive magic and bring their communities together. And with a year of free energy bills up to £3,000 for the winning household and £300 to help cover energy bills in December for 50 of their neighbours,
there’s even more reason to get involved.”

How to Enter Compare the Market’s Search for Britain’s Best Christmas Lights

Households across the UK can enter Britain’s Best Christmas Lights for the chance to be crowned the nation’s
most spectacular Christmas home.

To enter, applicants should email photographs of their outdoor Christmas light display and a written submission
explaining why their household deserves to win by midnight on Sunday 15th
November.

Entrants are encouraged to share details of their display that reflect the judging criteria, including
its overall wow factor, creativity and originality, best use of space, lighting and visual design, Christmas spirit and contribution to the local community.

Entries must include the entrant’s full name, email address, contact number and city or region.

Entry opens:
Tuesday 3rd
November 2026 at 00:01

Entry closes:
Sunday 15th
November 2026 at 23:59

How to enter: Email photos, written submission and contact information

Entry email:
christmas@comparethemarket.com