And the winner is Ripley, Tennessee

Among an avalanche of awesome entries, one nomination stood out: Ripley, Tenn. – this year’s winner of our Small Town, Bright Lights contest. When news broke last spring that Ripley’s local hospital was shutting its doors due to financial strain, the community banded together to save their hospital themselves. So, we banded together to bring Ripley all the magic of the holiday season.

Making spirits and making Ripley bright

When we said we were going to deck out the winning town with holiday décor galore, we weren’t kidding. Just ask the people of Ripley, Tenn. – or check out all this tinsel and twinkle.

Image of a Christmas tree through arch of lights
Image of a Christmas tree through arch of lights
Image of a window decoration in Ripley, TN
Image of a window decoration in Ripley, TN

How did we get this good at holiday decorating? A whole lot of free time while aging to taste. Okay, okay, we called in a few professionals — but we did bring the bourbon.

What would dazzling holiday decorations be without a truly epic tree-lighting? It’s the perfect way to make the holidays even brighter for the remarkable folks of Ripley. We just wish we could do it in every town.

Image of a man creating an ice sculpture in Ripley, Tennessee
Image of a man creating an ice sculpture in Ripley, Tennessee
Image of lit Christmas tree with light streamers in Ripley, Tennessee
Image of lit Christmas tree with light streamers in Ripley, Tennessee

Jump over to our Twitter or Insta to see more of the holiday magic in Ripley.

Check out more
remarkable entries

Otis, Oregon

After this year’s wildfires, this tiny town came together to support those who needed it most.

Amboy, Indiana

When there are less than 400 residents and not a single stoplight, everyone is your neighbor.

Hoquiam, Washington

A team of volunteers with no budget at all keeps this tightly knit, coastal town breathtaking all year round.

Lucas, Ohio

The people of Lucas are always there for each other, even when faced with a community tragedy in 2020.

Discover all entries by searching

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on Instagram or Twitter

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Contest begins November 2, 2020 and ends November 13, 2020.
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