How an Ornament Contest Works
Ornament contests are a December favorite at holiday markets, tree lighting festivals, library and parks department craft days, church bazaars and senior center open houses. Entries are small, cheap to make and easy to display on one tree, which makes them a good fit for all ages. Because ornaments are judged up close and then seen from a distance on the tree, the sheet should reward both careful work and how the piece reads at a glance.
| Division | Who or what | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kids | Ages [12] and under | Adults may help with glue guns only |
| Teens | Ages [13 to 17] | Often the smallest class; keep it separate |
| Adults | Ages [18] and up | Hobby crafters; no items made for sale |
| Family or group | Classes, scout troops, households | One entry per group |
| Handmade | Made from raw materials | Optional split for larger contests |
| Decorated blank | Store-bought ball or shape, decorated | Judge decoration, not the blank |
If the same market judges larger pieces, use the wreath contest judging sheet or the gingerbread house contest judging sheet. For homes and storefronts, see the Christmas decorating contest judging sheet.
Christmas Ornament Contest Judging Criteria and Points
Five criteria make a 100-point sheet. The weights are an example, not a standard, so adjust them and post them on the entry form.
| Criterion | What judges look for | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Creativity | An original idea or a fresh take on a classic ornament | 25 |
| Craftsmanship | Neat glue lines, secure parts, finished back, hangs straight | 25 |
| Theme | Fits this year's theme, if there is one | 15 |
| Use of materials | Materials chosen and combined well; reuse or local items count | 15 |
| Overall appeal | Reads well on the tree and invites a closer look | 20 |
| Total | All criteria | 100 |
| Award | How it's chosen | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Best in Show | Highest score across divisions | Adults usually excluded if kids enter |
| Most Creative Use of Recycled Materials | Judges' pick | Good for a sponsor |
| Most Traditional | Judges' pick | Rewards classic designs |
| People's Choice | Visitor vote | Counted apart from judges |
Printable Handmade Ornament Contest Score Sheet
Print one sheet per judge and one tally sheet per division. Judges see entry numbers and titles, not names.
Instructions for Ornament Judges
- 1
Look before you score
Walk the whole tree once without scoring to see the range of entries in each division.
- 2
Handle with care
Use gloves or clean hands, hold ornaments by the hanger, and put each one back on its own hook.
- 3
Judge the age group
Score kids against what children of that age can make. Neat, confident work by a 7-year-old can earn full craftsmanship points.
- 4
Keep the public vote apart
Judges don't see the People's Choice count until their sheets are in, and ballots are counted by someone who isn't judging.
Ornament Contest Rules, Display and Return
- Photograph each ornament with its entry tag at drop-off, so returns and damage claims are easy to sort out
- Give every entrant a numbered receipt matching the tag, and check it at pickup
- Hang divisions on separate sections of the tree, or on separate small trees
- Keep the tree out of reach of strollers and away from heaters and doors
- Set up the ballot box or token jars next to the tree with a volunteer nearby
Ornament Contest Tie-Breakers
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Higher creativity total | The ornament with more creativity points wins | Most contests |
| Higher craftsmanship total | Used if creativity totals are equal | A second tie-break |
| Head judge's pick | One named head judge decides | Small panels |
| Shared place | Both entrants take the place and a prize | Kids division |
Running the contest inside a larger holiday market? Our vendor fair software page covers selling craft booths from the map, the holiday market vendor application is ready to adapt, and how to plan a holiday market covers the rest of the event.