During Christmas Decor's 2026 National Conference, the lighting display created by Christmas Decor by Paulk Outdoors at the Butts County Historic Courthouse in Jackson, Georgia earned the Best Use of Specialty Lighting award for the 2025 season.
The Starboard restaurant located in Dewey Beach, Delaware, which was decorated by Christmas Decor of Southern Delaware, received the Best Interior award for the 2025 season at Christmas Decor's 2026 National Conference. Additionally, this franchise earned the title of Northeastern Franchise of the Year and
Christmas Decor by Del Vacchio Landscapes decorated a Pennsylvania residence that was named the 2025 Best Residential photo award winner.
Franchisee growth, community involvement, and design excellence are celebrated through these yearly awards from North America's top holiday decorating franchise.
This year's winners show what's possible when a franchise commits to the long haul… the common thread is people who show up and do the work, year after year”— Brandon Stephens, CEOIRVING, TX, UNITED STATES, August 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Christmas Decor, the premier professional holiday decorating franchise across North America, revealed the recipients of its 2025 season National Awards. These honors recognize franchisees throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico for outstanding growth, leadership, resilience, and contributions to their communities. The awards were presented at the company's national conference held July 22-24, 2026 at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Multiple categories were included in the awards program, covering new-franchise performance, veteran leadership, regional excellence, and two legacy awards that honor individuals who have significantly influenced the Christmas Decor system. Design and installation work was also recognized through the company's annual photo awards.
National Awards
New Franchise of the Year: Christmas Decor by Lit Outdoor Lighting, Shorewood, Minnesota. This award honors a new franchise for its commitment and effort in developing a new territory during its debut season, thereby expanding the network's reach in the Midwest.
Veteran Franchise of the Year: Christmas Decor by Paulk Outdoors, Locust Grove, Georgia. Presented to a franchise that has been part of the Christmas Decor network since 2002 and consistently develops its territory year after year, serving as a model of long-term dedication. This franchise also received the Best Use of Specialty Lighting award in the photo competition this year.
Back in the Saddle Award: Christmas Decor by Halo Outdoor, San Antonio, Texas. Given annually to a veteran franchise that has regained momentum after experiencing a period of slower growth.
2025 Increase and Growth Award: Christmas Decor of Puerto Rico, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Awarded to the franchise that achieved the largest year-over-year growth within the network, reflecting strong momentum in only its second season.
Best Second Season: Christmas Decor by Jabco's Custom Lawn Care, Howard, Pennsylvania. Recognizes a franchise that followed a strong opening season with even more impressive results in its second year.
Best Transfer: Christmas Decor by Alaska Hardy Gardens, Homer, Alaska. Honors a franchise that assumed an existing territory and quickly made it their own, improving customer retention over its first two seasons.
Legacy Awards
Two awards are named in memory of individuals who made a lasting impact on the Christmas Decor system.
John W. Ropas “Spirit of Christmas” Award: Mike Gray, Christmas Decor of Southern Delaware. Named for longtime Christmas Decor associate John Ropas, who helped establish nearly 200 franchises over his career and retired in 2026, this award recognizes a franchisee who embodies the same dedication and support for others across the network. Christmas Decor of Southern Delaware also earned Northeast Franchise of the Year and Best Interior in this year's photo awards, making it one of the network's most honored franchises this season.
Maury S. Frankel Award for Philanthropy: Eddie Anzalone and Stacey Bucino, Christmas Decor of Rutherford. Named in memory of Maury Frankel, this award recognizes a franchisee's commitment to improving their community through charitable efforts.
Regional Franchise of the Year Awards
Each region within the Christmas Decor network presents unique opportunities and challenges. These awards honor the top-performing franchise in every region.
Canadian Franchise of the Year: Brantford Christmas Decor, Brantford, Ontario. Recognized for a decade of consistent growth, professionalism, and service as a long-standing ambassador of the brand in Canada.
Eastern Franchise of the Year: Christmas Decor by Watermark Swimming Pool Services, Inc., Beltsville, Maryland. Serving the greater Washington, D.C. area, this franchise is recognized for consistently strong performance.
Southern Franchise of the Year: Christmas Decor by Halo Outdoor, San Antonio, Texas. Also honored with this year's Back in the Saddle Award, recognized for its continued rebuilding and renewed momentum.
Midwestern Franchise of the Year: Christmas Decor by Turf-Care, Inc., West Chester, Ohio. Recognized for sustained momentum following leaner years, including involvement in a notable community tree-lighting event
