Niles opens free Halloween home decorating contest

Niles residents can register their decorated homes for the village's Halloween Home-Decorating Contest through Oct. 18, with prizes including a $100 gift card for the top display.

Registration opened Oct. 1 and is free for all Niles residents. Entries must be submitted online at vniles.com/halloween by 9 p.m. Oct. 18, according to the Village of Niles contest page. Only online applications are accepted, and late entries will not be considered.

To enter, residents upload photos of their outdoor Halloween display. Only decorations on private property visible from the sidewalk or curb qualify. Professional decorators are not allowed, and businesses cannot participate. Displays must be family-friendly; extreme gore and adult-themed setups are prohibited.

Haunted Home Map and voting

Every registered home will appear on the village's official Halloween Haunted Home Map, which goes live Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. on the village website and Facebook page. The map lets neighbors and visitors find and tour participating homes across Niles. The village asks that visitors enjoy displays from the sidewalk or curb and respect participants' property.

Community voting opens alongside the map on Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. and closes Oct. 25 at 9 p.m. Residents cast ballots through a secure link on the village website. The village will announce the top three winners Oct. 26 at 3 p.m.

Prizes

First place wins a $100 gift card to a Niles business of the winner's choice and a yard sign. Second and third place each receive a $50 gift card and a yard sign.

The Village of Niles promoted the contest in its Fall 2026 newsletter, which also lists recommended trick-or-treating hours of 3–8 p.m. on Oct. 31.