Historic Oakwood, a 19th-century neighborhood in Downtown Raleigh, N.C., is a beautiful place year-round. Decorating for the holidays is something most all of the neighbors enthusiastically participate in  and for which the neighborhood is known far and wide. The Historic Oakwood Garden Club brings in outside judges to choose the winners in several categories each year.

The categories are:

• The Ames Christopher Award – A special award given in honor of a former long-time neighbor for creativity in design and presentation.
• Traditional Christmas – Simple use of decorations, wreaths, and roping, not complex in design, but well done.
• Victorian Christmas – Victorian themes, including the use of lace, pearls, and velvet/tapestry ribbons.
• Best Wreath – Judges’ preference.
• Accent on Fruit – Emphasis on the use of fruit in exterior decoration.
• Southern Christmas – Use of plant material typical of this area, such as pine, cedar, nandina, magnolia, and holly.
• Contemporary Christmas – Use of any materials or design post-Victorian.
• Best Lighting – Judges’ preference.