By the extravagant show of holiday lights in New Jersey, it is obvious folks here know how to celebrate Christmas. Every year, charming small towns and cities alike host winter carnivals, Christmas tree lightings, meet-and-greets with Santa, and other festive holiday events. And if you don't feel like engaging, visit a drive-thru Christmas lights display in New Jersey or walk around the towns if you're on a budget (or don't want to be bothered waiting in a line of cars). Another fun option is traveling to one of the Garden State's twinkliest towns that have organized holiday light competitions where you can expect to find some of the best and brightest displays in the state. Here are a few of the lovely Christmas towns in NJ you may want to put on your holiday-lights route. We hope the colorful glow cheers you.

Bridgewater

Merry and Bright Bridgewater is sponsored by the Friends of Bridgewater History, a wonderful local group that advocates for historical properties around town.

Owners of participating households displaying New Jersey holiday lights pay a nominal fee to enter and their decorations are voted on by friends and neighbors. Proceeds support the organization and participants can win prizes in a variety of categories.

Those who wish to take part in the contest should enter online by Dec. 9. From 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Dec. 16 a drive-through Hot Cocoa Kick-Off event will take place at the Martinsville Community Center with a map distribution showcasing the contestants. For more information, visit the Friends of Bridgewater History website.

Collingswood

Use your creative skills to show off your home this holiday season with the Holiday House Decorating Contest. Registration begins Nov. 6, 2023, and ends at midnight Nov. 22. The Collingswood Rotary Club/CHS Impact Club will judge participants based on curb appeal.

All homes must be decorated by Nov. 29, and winners will be announced on Facebook on Dec. 20, and all registered homes will be on Collingswood’s Holiday Light Map for self-guided tours through one of the best Christmas towns in NJ during December.

For more information about this contest, visit the Borough of Collingswood website.

Roseland

Earn bragging rights from the Roseland Holiday House Decorating Contest where residents vote through photos and videos. Entrants should submit one photo or a link to a video no longer than one minute long and post it on YouTube. The art must be submitted before Dec. 15, 2023, and voting takes place from Dec. 20, 2023, to Jan. 4, 2024. Visit the Borough of Roseland website for more details.

Millville

Enter the Millville Holiday Lighting Contest to celebrate one of the prettiest New Jersey Christmas towns. Participants must register by Dec. 15 at noon for the chance to win a gift card. Winners will be announced on Dec. 20. For more information, call 856-825-7000 Ext. 7394, or visit the City of Millville website.

Ocean City

The Ocean City House Decorating Contest is on! The deadline to register your house is noon on Dec. 13.

Judging will take place on Dec. 14 and 15, between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. Judges will look at the decorations and their overall creativity in such terms as lighting, special effects, and theme.

Pictures of all entries showcasing the New Jersey holiday lights will be posted on social media Dec. 15 so the public can vote for the People's Choice Award. Voting will end on Dec. 17. Winners will be announced by 2 p.m. on Dec. 18.

Find out more about the chance to show off your creative holiday skills on the Ocean City, New Jersey website.

Are there any other home-decorating contests of holiday lights in New Jersey that we missed? Please share with us in the comments or let us know via our nomination form. While you're in the mood to take in the spirit of the season, add these 12 places in New Jersey to see some of the most unbelievable Christmas decorations. Think about extending your stay by reserving a room.