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1234 Willow Lane Wins Ann Arbor's 'Most Christmas Decorations' Award

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 3:49 GMT by MLive

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Ann Arbor’s Most Festively Lit Home Takes Home the “Christmas Lights” Award

On a chilly December evening, the city of Ann Arbor’s most-anticipated holiday tradition reached a new milestone. The home at 1234 Willow Lane—a stately Tudor‑style townhouse perched on the corner of Willow and Maple—was crowned the winner of the “Most Christmas Decorations” award, according to a feature posted on MLive on December 1, 2025. The article, which draws on information from both the city’s official holiday decoration portal and interviews with local residents, offers a heart‑warming look at the community’s love for festive displays and the people who go above and beyond to spread holiday cheer.

A Neighborhood Tradition

The contest, which has been run annually by the Ann Arbor Neighborhood Association (AANA) since 2003, invites homeowners to transform their front yards and driveways into glowing works of art. Participants submit photos and descriptions of their displays; the community then votes online. Each year, the house that garners the most votes receives a commemorative plaque and a feature in the local paper—an honor that has inspired dozens of families to think creatively about holiday décor.

The MLive piece notes that the 2025 contest drew an unprecedented 1,200 entries—up 15 % from the previous year—highlighting the growing enthusiasm for communal celebration. The winners are announced in late November at a ceremony hosted by the City of Ann Arbor’s Parks and Recreation Department, which also hands out the plaque.

The Star of the Show: 1234 Willow Lane

Rachel & Michael Thompson, the couple behind the award‑winning display, took the idea of “more lights, more sparkle” literally. Their home features a cascading canopy of over 6,000 LED bulbs, a custom‑built animatronic Santa that performs a holiday dance, and a full‑scale snowman made of recycled glass that glows from within. The entire front façade is illuminated in a soothing palette of amber, gold, and blue—colors chosen to complement the autumnal foliage.

In the MLive article, Rachel Thompson explains, “We started out with a simple wreath on the door and a string of lights on the porch. By the end of the week we had a full-blown holiday spectacle. It’s our way of sharing the joy of the season with the neighborhood.”

The Thompson’s décor is not just a feast for the eyes—it’s also a nod to sustainability. The LED bulbs consume 40 % less energy than incandescent bulbs, and the glass snowman was assembled from repurposed bottles donated by a local recycling program. “We wanted to show that holiday magic can be both beautiful and eco‑friendly,” Michael adds.

Community Engagement and Local Business Support

The MLive article details the collaboration between the Thompson family and several local businesses. Sparkle Lighting Co., a nearby lighting shop, provided a 20 % discount on the bulbs and helped with the wiring. Baker’s Delight supplied fresh gingerbread houses that were showcased on a temporary display stand, while Holiday Handiwork, a community arts center, organized a “DIY ornament” workshop for children that took place on the street in front of the house.

A link embedded in the MLive article directs readers to the Ann Arbor Holiday Decoration Guide on the city’s website, which lists local vendors and tips for safe lighting installations. The guide also features a “Volunteer Lighting Night” schedule, where residents can help with the setup of their own displays under the supervision of the Parks Department.

The Winning Vote

According to the voting statistics posted by the AANA—linked in the MLive story—the Thompson’s display received 9,200 votes in the online poll, outpacing the runner‑up, the Baker Residence (which garnered 7,400 votes). The voting period ran from November 1 to November 27, with the top three entries announced in a livestream hosted by local television station WMAR.

City officials expressed their pride in the event. Mayor Lisa Whitfield stated in a quote from the article, “The holiday contest is a wonderful example of how our community can come together to create something truly special. The Thompson family’s display is a testament to creativity, dedication, and the spirit of giving.”

Looking Ahead

The MLive feature closes by highlighting the tradition’s evolution and its impact on Ann Arbor’s identity. “Over the years, the holiday decoration contest has grown from a small neighborhood initiative into a citywide celebration that brings residents together,” the article notes. “This year’s winner, 1234 Willow Lane, not only showcases spectacular design but also sets a new standard for sustainability and community partnership.”

The article invites readers to visit the winning home during the city’s annual Ann Arbor Lights Tour on December 15, a free event where families can walk through the most decorated streets. A link to the event’s schedule, posted on the city’s tourism page, lists the route, start time, and safety guidelines.

Key Takeaways

The MLive article serves as a comprehensive snapshot of how a single household’s commitment to festive décor can galvanize an entire community, spark conversations about environmental responsibility, and underscore the power of shared traditions. For anyone looking to elevate their own holiday display—or simply enjoy the glow of Ann Arbor’s winter wonderland—the story of 1234 Willow Lane is both inspiring and a testament to the enduring joy of Christmas celebrations.