What type of decorations are “MAPSOSCARY” contest worthy?
We love it all! Scary, creative, and weird! There are a range of houses each year in #Mapsoscary contest — some are over-the-top, lots are super creative with cool lighting and special effects. Some are more “typical”. If you’re trying to win, you have to put lots of effort in!
2. How do I enter the contest? Is there a deadline?
Your home must be in Maplewood or South Orange, NJ. You can enter online here. The entry form will be up on or around October 3, 2025 so you didn’t miss anything. Stay tuned!!
After you complete the entry form, you will be asked to submit photos of your house — these photos are VERY important. We base our final selections on the photos you send in. We wish we could visit every house that enters but we can’t — the photos you submit are what we look at to narrow down the final selection. Make sure your photos are clear, well lit, and show all decorations!
3. What if my kid wants to enter?
In 2024 we had a kids category but had very few submissions….not sure yet about this year.
4. When/how do people vote?
Online voting will begin in the second half of October on this page! Please share widely with friends so they can vote too.
5. How are winners selected?
The entries get narrowed down to a certain number of finalists, depending on how many entries we get. The finalists are in included in the Google Map. The house with the most online votes in each category WINS!
6. How can I view houses that have entered the contest?
We will publish a Google map of the final houses on or around Oct 18. You can take a self guided tour on foot, bike, or car. Please be respectful of the homes/properties you visit. You can also view photos and videos on @mapsoscary, and check the Voting page as well.
7. Who decides the finalists for the Google map and what are they judged on?
Great question!! A group of contest organizers and VIPs look at your photos you send in, after you complete the entry form. Unfortunately we don’t have time to check out all the houses in person, so the photos you submit are very important! Make sure they are clear, well lit, and show all parts of your decorations!!
We have three levels of sponsorship available — the sooner you let us know the better so we can add your logo and info to our website and social media, and start promoting your business!
10. Do the winners get prizes?
YES — each category will get an awesome prize from our sponsors!!
