Understand the decorating award rubric
Compare the criteria and weights for Spooky, Too Cute To Spook and Fall Flavor.
On this page
The three decorating awards each use a published photo rubric totaling 100 points. People's Choice is a separate award from neighbors' community ratings. Enter one decorating category and show clear photos of this year's display.
Read the score#
Each criterion receives a score from 0 to 10. Multiply that score by its weight divided by 10. Add the criterion points for the total out of 100. For example, 8 out of 10 on a 20-point criterion contributes 16 points. Decimals are allowed.
| Score | Meaning for Halloween categories |
|---|---|
| 0 | No visible qualifying decoration. |
| 1 to 2 | A token seasonal touch. |
| 3 to 4 | A basic or sparse display. |
| 5 to 6 | A deliberate display that is still developing. |
| 7 | A complete, well-executed neighborhood display. |
| 8 | Strong, integrated execution. |
| 8.5 to 9 | A standout display with clear supporting details. |
| 9.5 to 10 | Exceptional visible execution. |
Choose Spooky#
Eerie, mysterious, ghostly or theatrical Halloween decoration. Gore, actors and jump scares are not required.
| Criterion | Maximum points | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Creativity | 10 | The personal, inventive use of decorations. |
| Originality | 6 | The personal interpretation in layout, styling and details. |
| Spooky atmosphere | 22 | How completely the display creates the mood of its category. |
| Craftsmanship | 16 | The visible care, finishing and thoughtful details. |
| Detail quality | 12 | Purposeful finishing and relationships among the details. |
| Lighting | 12 | How seasonal lights are installed and integrated. |
| Storytelling | 6 | How the theme, scenes or characters connect. |
| Visitor experience | 4 | Clear focal points and an engaging viewing experience. |
| Halloween enjoyment | 2 | The seasonal welcome or enjoyment appropriate to the category. |
| Overall impact and cohesion | 10 | How well the decorated parts form one memorable whole. |
Choose Too Cute To Spook#
Friendly, playful and whimsical Halloween decoration. Scariness earns no special credit.
| Criterion | Maximum points | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Creativity | 10 | The personal, inventive use of decorations. |
| Originality | 6 | The personal interpretation in layout, styling and details. |
| Playful Halloween atmosphere | 20 | How completely the display creates the mood of its category. |
| Craftsmanship | 16 | The visible care, finishing and thoughtful details. |
| Detail quality | 12 | Purposeful finishing and relationships among the details. |
| Lighting | 8 | How seasonal lights are installed and integrated. |
| Playful theme and storytelling | 6 | How the theme, scenes or characters connect. |
| Visitor experience | 6 | Clear focal points and an engaging viewing experience. |
| Charm and welcome | 6 | The seasonal welcome or enjoyment appropriate to the category. |
| Overall impact and cohesion | 10 | How well the decorated parts form one memorable whole. |
Choose Fall Flavor#
Autumn and harvest decoration. Pumpkins, gourds, leaves, flowers and warm seasonal arrangements are valid. Halloween props and scariness are not required.
| Criterion | Maximum points | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Theme & Seasonal Identity | 20 | How clearly the display communicates autumn or harvest. |
| Composition & Cohesion | 20 | How well its arrangement and focal points work together. |
| Color, Texture & Seasonal Materials | 15 | How color, textures and seasonal materials support the display. |
| Creativity & Personality | 15 | The personal, inventive use of decorations. |
| Craftsmanship & Thoughtful Details | 15 | The visible care, finishing and thoughtful details. |
| Seasonal Curb Appeal & Visual Impact | 15 | The seasonal impression from the street. |
For Fall Flavor, the 0 to 10 scale runs from no evidence, through limited and developing work, to competent work at 5 to 6, strong work at 7 to 8 and exceptional work at 9 to 10.
Know what does not earn extra credit#
- House size, expensive props, ordinary landscaping, camera exposure and sunset do not earn decoration credit.
- Bought decorations can be arranged creatively. Handmade work is not a requirement.
- Small, careful displays can excel. A large number of props or an empty lawn is not automatically better.
- Daylight photos can show installed seasonal lighting; unseen night effects are not assumed.
- A viewing experience can be passive. Candy, games, actors and walkthroughs are not required for a strong decoration score.
- A photo score does not certify child suitability, sensory comfort, safety or accessibility. Read the home's warnings separately.
Understand the award result#
Rubric totals are kept separate from public 1 to 10 community ratings and player participation points. Equal first-place rubric totals receive a comparison of the tied displays. An unresolved comparison stays tied for event-team review. Results publish after review and approval. See rankings and prizes for People's Choice ties.