Downtown Trenton is getting a festive boost this season with the Downtown Holiday Storefront Contest, a community-driven initiative that pairs local artists with small businesses to transform storefront windows into creative holiday displays.
Sixteen downtown businesses are participating this year, showcasing a wide range of approaches—from painted murals and vinyl graphics to hand-crafted resin suncatchers. Each installation was created specifically for the hosting business, offering a unique blend of artistry and local identity.
The project helps businesses stand out during the holidays while giving artists paid work and visibility.
Public voting runs through Sunday, December 14. Visitors can cast their votes by scanning QR codes placed at each storefront or by using the online voting link shared on social media and partner websites. Each person may cast one vote.
After the voting period closes, the top eight designs will advance to the finalist round. The top three winners will then be selected by a neutral judging panel made up of members of the local artist community. The winning artist–business teams will receive $500, $300, and $200 respectively — with both the artist and the business receiving the prize amount.
Voters may also enter a raffle for a chance to win one of four LoveLocal gift cards (courtesy of the Trenton Downtown Association), redeemable at downtown businesses.
A Holiday Window Walk will take place on Friday, December 12, at 5:30 p.m. The event is aligned with the city’s Second Friday arts series, Trenton2Nite, and invites residents and visitors to tour all 16 artworks, enjoy free hot chocolate, and explore nearby shops and restaurants. Most storefronts are within a comfortable walking distance, but a free GoTrenton! shuttle will be available to help visitors reach the locations that are farther away.
“These displays draw attention. That’s good for businesses, and it gives artists a chance to show what they can do,” said Christopher Shimchick of Isles, Inc.
After the walk, visitors are invited to Much Better Studios for the Trenton Creatives Artist Spotlight Show — a pop-up photo gallery featuring work by local photographers.
A full list and map of participating storefronts and the voting link can be found at www.creektocanalcreative.org.
