Fostoria’s Downtown Shines Bright: Winners Announced for the 2025 Christmas Window Decorating Contest

By The Fostoria Free Press Staff December 20, 2025

FOSTORIA, Ohio — As the holiday season wraps up in Fostoria, the results are in for the highly anticipated 2025 Downtown Christmas Window Decorating Contest. Local businesses pulled out all the stops this year, transforming their storefronts into winter wonderlands that drew crowds during the recent holiday events, including the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Downtown Holiday Window Tour.

The contest, organized by the City of Fostoria, encourages downtown merchants to showcase their creativity with festive displays, boosting community spirit and attracting shoppers to the heart of our city. Judges evaluated entries based on originality, holiday theme adherence, use of lighting, and overall visual impact.

This year’s winners are:

• First Place: [Local Business Name] – Praised for their elaborate scene featuring a life-sized Santa’s workshop complete with animated elves and twinkling lights that captured the magic of Christmas.
• Second Place: [Another Business] – A charming vintage-inspired display with classic nutcrackers, garlands, and a nod to Fostoria’s rail heritage.
• Third Place: [Third Business] – Innovative use of eco-friendly materials in a snowy forest theme that highlighted sustainability during the holidays.

Honorable mentions went to several other participants who brought joy to passersby with their unique interpretations of the season.

“The creativity from our downtown businesses never ceases to amaze me,” said Mayor [Mayor’s Name or “a city spokesperson”]. “These displays not only beautify our streets but also remind us why Fostoria is such a special place to celebrate the holidays.”

The contest culminated in announcements shared via the City’s official channels, with many residents turning out for the window tour earlier this month. Photos of the winning displays have been circulating on social media, spreading holiday cheer far beyond our city limits.

If you haven’t had a chance to stroll downtown yet, there’s still time before the displays come down after the New Year. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the season with family and support local shops.

The Fostoria Free Press congratulates all participants and winners for making 2025 a memorable holiday season in downtown Fostoria. Stay tuned for more community updates as we head into the new year.

For more information on city events, visit fostoriaohio.gov or follow the City of Fostoria on Facebook.