Winter Holiday Events

  • The Winter Festival is scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 2025 from 2 to 4 pm at the Lake Terrapin Clubhouse
  • Judging for the Yard Decorating Contest will happen on the evening of Friday, December 18, 2026.

  • Ornament decorating and craft stations will be setup.
  • A professional face painter will have a station setup and charging a small fee.
  • A professional photographer will be available to take a family photo for a small fee in front of a holiday backdrop.
  • Residents are encouraged to bring school age books to donate.
  • Local businesses owned by Lake Terrapin residents and friends of residents are welcome to register for a free 4ft. x 8 ft. table space (based on availability) to be setup inside the Clubhouse. Email LakeTerrapin.Events@gmail.com to reserve a table.
  • Light snacks and hot chocolate will be provided. Residents are encouraged to bring sweet treats and home baked goods.
Santa Reading
Fun at Cookies with Santa
Ornament Decorating
Cookie Decorating

Yard Decoration Contest

  • The Third Annual Yard Decoration Contest is tentatively planned to be held in December of 2026 and is a fun way for the Social Committee to recognize residents that decorate their residence in a variety of holiday themes.
  • The Coordinator and volunteer judges will tour the neighborhood as a group and issue Award Certificates based on a variety of categories to be published each December.
  • The Categories of Judging:
    • Best Winter Wonderland
    • Best North Pole
    • Best North Pole (Townhomes)
    • Best Wrapped Front Door (Townhomes)
    • Best Candy Cane Lane
    • Most Festive Lights
    • Most Inflatable Animals
    • Biggest Christmas Forest
    • Best Decorated Porch
    • Best Light Display with Tune-in Radio
    • Most Kid Friendly/Inflatables
    • Best Classic Christmas Light Display
    • Largest Use of Lights
    • Clark W. Griswold Jr. Award
    • Best Wreath Display

Winter Event Volunteers

Volunteers can sign up here to help organize and host the winter events in December such as:

  • Ornament Decorating and Winter Festival on Sunday, December 6, 2026
  • Holiday Yard Decoration Contest
  • Organizing Holiday Music Caroling
  • Holiday Cookie Decorating and Exchange at the Clubhouse

NOTE: The resident that organized the luminaries around Lake Terrapin has moved away so a volunteer is needed to organize this effort: Contact the Social Committee or come to a Social Committee Meeting.

Email LakeTerrapin.events@gmail.com if you are interested to volunteer and help with Holiday Events.

Luminaries Around Lake Terrapin

  • A Lake Terrapin resident coordinates the placement of luminaries along the path around Lake Terrapin on the evening of December 24th. White paper bags are filled with some sand and a small votive candle is placed inside. This tradition originated in Spain in the 16th century. Residents are invited to help distribute and light the luminaries in the early evening. Once the work is done, volunteers are invited to enjoy a fire pit and warm cider.