And the winners are... Over 50 downtown businesses decorated their storefronts this year for Portland Downtown's annual Holiday Window Display Contest . The creations are simply breathtaking – and we're thrilled to present our winners below! Be sure to come downtown to view all of the windows in person – you'll be amazed by the craftsmanship, artistry, and sense of wonder . And – as a bonus – you can admire Pandora's spectacular Winter Lights during your stroll. Happy holidays!

BEST OVERALL The Art Department

Inspired by tunnel books they saw at the Portland Public Library, the creators of this display produced an incredible illusion of depth and perspective. Our judges were instantly drawn into this colorful winter wonderland – complete with fanciful landscapes, spirited woodland critters, jolly snowpeople, and even a turkey or two. It's a true labor of love and a wonderful celebration of community! Find The Art Department at 611 Congress Street or online here . Photo by Convinced Photography.

COMMUNITY CHOICE Lisa-Marie's Made in Maine

Featuring exclusively Maine Made products and hand-drawn detailing (that's not a decal!) this picture-perfect display "wowed" over 500 voters on Facebook. An incredible show of support for a beloved shop that promotes more than 400 Maine-based artists! Find Lisa-Marie's Made in Maine at 35 Exchange Street or online here . Photo by Convinced Photography.

BEST USE OF MERCHANDISE Market Square Jewelers

Elegant and cheerful, this display is a fun spin on a traditional Advent calendar. Each box contains a unique treasure! Find Market Square Jewelers at 17 Exchange Street or online here . Photo provided by Market Square Jewelers.

BEST THEME Maine Craft Portland

Cynthia Thompson of Transformit created this stunning window installation exclusively for Maine Craft Portland. It's entitled ‘The Helpers Arrive, Borne by Cosmic Comets' and its message is one of bringing light & assistance to our troubled world. Artist's Statement: "The Earth needs our help! Using the I Ching (our guide to the natural order of the cosmos) we call on the Helpers. This installation tells of their arrival, in translucent fabric comets." Find Maine Craft Portland at 521 Congress Street or online here . Photo provided by Maine Craft Portland.

MOST ORIGINAL Arcana

Flora & fauna bring natural life to Arcana's decidedly non-traditional window display. Check out the goddess' striking antlers – not to mention her clothing made of mosses, feathers, and twigs. Find Arcana at 81 Market Street or online here . Photo by Convinced Photography.

BEST NEWCOMER Juju

A new store on Congress Street, Juju is a collection of curated goods for your home & health. Our judges loved its welcoming rainbow of bottle brush trees, which coordinated perfectly with the many treasures inside. Find Juju at 654 Congress Street or on Instagram here . Photo provided by Juju.

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMM The Blue Lobster

Our judges chuckled at the sight of The Blue Lobster's display. Don't stop believin' in Big Foot and unicorns! Find The Blue Lobster at 177 Commercial Street or online here . Photo provided by The Blue Lobster.

BEST SPOTS FOR A SELFIE OR GROUP PIC MECA & Portland Stage

Wings abound in both of these interactive displays – perfect for a selfie or group pic! Find Maine College of Art at 522 Congress Street or online here . Find Portland Stage at 25A Forest Ave or online here . Photos by Convinced Photography.

THANK YOU TO OUR JUDGES!

Thanks to our wonderful judges for braving the cold to view all of the displays! From left: Tom Landry and Amy Landry of Benchmark Real Estate ; Melissa Pritchard of Masthead Maine ; and Susan Axelrod of Maine Magazine . For a full gallery of holiday window display photos, please click here . Enjoy!

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