CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. — The Chesapeake Beach Town Council kicked off its Dec. 18 meeting with a dose of holiday excitement. The town announced the winners of the 2025 Barbara “Jo” Finch Brightest Beacon on the Bay Contest.
The town held a holiday light tour on Dec. 10 and usually posts the addresses of the winning homes on its website. Mayor Bruce Wahl said during the meeting that the list was forthcoming.
In a Facebook post following the announcement, the town wrote, “Your creativity, holiday spirit, and dazzling displays truly lit up Chesapeake Beach and captured the magic of the season. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, toured the lights, and voted—this tradition continues to shine because of our amazing community.”
Each winner had a unique, festive name to help spirit in the fun. Here are the winners:
Brightest Beacon
The Brightest Beacon was awarded to “Orchestra of Lights,” a beautiful display that took advantage of glowing tinsel decorations and cheerful lights in all colors. “Merry & Bright on Hart Lane” took the second-place spot, and “One Year Membership of the Jelly of the Month Club” was third.
“If you go in there and go around Highlands, you can’t miss it, because it’s got enough light to light up the whole town. So we’re very excited about this,” Mayor Wahl said about “Orchestra of Lights.”
Additional Categories
While the three houses won the overall award, entrants had the opportunity to win in other categories. Winners were announced in Brightest Community, a Winter Wonderland Award, Most Magical Holiday Home, Festive & Fun Favorite, Santa’s Favorite Shop, Best Use of Holiday Spirit, and the Merry & Bright Masterpiece.
Rod ‘N’ Reel also won the “Brightest Business” award for this year.
Do you have incredible pictures of light displays in Chesapeake Beach? Send them our way.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!