Every October, Cooper City neighborhoods come alive with ghosts, goblins, glowing pumpkins and plenty of imagination as residents compete in the annual Halloween Home Decorating Contest.
From elaborate graveyards and creepy creatures to playful displays filled with pumpkins, lights and inflatables, the contest gives residents an opportunity to show off their Halloween spirit while creating a fun attraction for neighbors to enjoy.
Registration for the 2026 Halloween Home Decorating Contest opens Thursday, October 1, and residents have until Monday, October 19 to enter. The entry fee is $5.
Once registration closes, it will be time for the judges to hit the streets. Judging is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, from 6:45 to 9:00 p.m. An additional evening may be added if the number of entries requires more time.
This year’s competitors will be vying for honors in three categories: Scariest, Most Creative and Overall Appearance. That leaves plenty of room for different decorating styles, whether residents prefer genuinely spooky scenes, clever homemade creations or a front yard transformed from top to bottom for Halloween.
The fun isn’t limited to the people doing the decorating. One of the best parts of the annual contest is seeing what neighbors have created. In previous years, Cooper City has shared participating homes with the community, allowing families to put together their own Halloween tour and check out the displays around town.
For many participants, the competition is only part of the attraction. Decorating becomes a family project, an annual tradition and a way to give neighbors something fun to look forward to as Halloween approaches. A few strings of lights can quickly turn into skeletons climbing rooftops, haunted graveyards spreading across lawns and entire homes transformed into spooky spectacles.
Whether you’re competing for bragging rights or simply planning an evening drive to admire the displays, Cooper City’s Halloween Home Decorating Contest offers another reason to enjoy the season close to home.
Registration opens October 1 and closes October 19. Visit https://www.coopercity.gov/page/special-events to register for the 2026 Cooper City Halloween Home Decorating Contest.
