Winner in 2016

Downtown Orlando local businesses and organizations will celebrate the holiday spirit this year by participating in Deck the Downtown 2017. Also known as Deck the DTO, this program is a collaborative effort between the Downtown Arts District, Downtown Orlando Partnership, Church Street District, Thornton Park District and the Downtown Development Board. Deck the DTO, which was launched last year, has received positive feedback and community praise. In light of this, it returns for 2017 with an extended timeframe. Guests may enjoy festive lights, holiday window décor and a “decked out” downtown Orlando for the entire month of December.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of Deck the DTO,” said Church Street District Executive Director Janie Pope. “It allows us to promote and engage our local businesses more directly while enhancing the existing activities and programming that already make downtown Orlando a festive, family-friendly holiday destination.”

Participating businesses are listed on the Deck the DTO website: www.decktheDTO.com. Each business will have its display judged for a chance to win a $500 cash prize in one of the following categories: Most Original/Creative, Best Use of Traditional Décor,  Best Window Painting, and Judges Favorite.

All displays are open to the public and accessible at no charge. Guests are invited to visit the local businesses throughout the holiday season, take pictures and share their favorites on social media using the hashtag #DECKTHEDTO. Location maps may be picked up at any participating business during business hours, or downloaded from the Deck the DTO website.

A public kick-off event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Frosty’s Christmastime Lounge, 50 E Central Blvd. Elected officials as well as representatives from each organization are expected to attend. Residents, participating businesses and members of the press are invited to help celebrate Deck the Downtown 2017.