Winter wonderland

Businesses win annual holiday decorating contest; residents celebrate as well

The Hoboken Chamber of Commerce announced winners last week in their annual contest to recognize businesses that that went the extra mile in decorating for the holidays.
Retail showroom Swift Morris Interiors took the top prize this year.
“It’s part of the Christmas tradition to do your windows for the community to walk around and enjoy,” said owner Carol Swift, who called her windows a “Winter Wonderland.”
The business was decorated with a woodland theme courtesy of Bill, the owner of local florist Beethoven’s Viranda on Washington Street.
“Bill helped us create authentic handmade ornaments. We’re happy to encourage people to enjoy everyone’s decorations,” Swift said.
In honor of Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday on Dec. 12, this year’s contest had a Sinatra theme. Of the 20 entrants, the chamber said Swift Morris Interiors stood out for the “wow” factor of their decorations, which feature a portrait of Frank Sinatra.
Coming at second place is Mason Civic League on Washington Street, with snow-filled windows including polar bears, grazing reindeer, and a castle.
1 Republic, an eatery on Washington and Second streets, filled its windows to the hilt with a reindeer, a nutcracker soldier, and Candy Cane Lane featuring two penguins.
“Congratulations to the winners,” said the president of the Hoboken Chamber of Commerce Richard Mackiewicz. “It’s great to provide an incentive for the businesses in the community to decorate and continue to make Hoboken a destination for holiday revelers.”
The first place winner took home the $1,000 grand prize and bragging rights for the holiday season.

Residents contribute

Local residents throughout the city also contributed their share of holiday cheer, from displays complete with a musical mailbox to a singing Santa.
To check out the local decorations, see our photos here and after the jump.

Steven Rodas can be reached at srodas@hudsonreporter.com.

© 2000, Newspaper Media Group