IT'S that time of year when community-spirited residents and non-tradie-type dads have a chance to shine bright.

The Swan Hill Christmas Light Competition is under way again and this year there is a $3500 prize pool to light up your family's Christmas.

Categories for this year include best business window display, people's choice best residence, and best inflatable display.

Entries close Friday, December 6 at 5pm and judging will be completed by Friday, December 13.

Winners will be announced in The Guardian on Friday, December 20.

Stay tuned for a list and map of all properties with lights to be published in this Friday's edition.

To enter the competition, visit www.theguardian.com.au/competitions.

So dust off your lights and decorations, pull out those tools you've been waiting since last Christmas to use, and get started with lighting up the community.