Window Wonderland Returns to West Englewood: Local Businesses Compete for $2,500 Prize in Holiday Display Contest
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Englewood ·
The popular Window Wonderland competition has returned to West Englewood for 2025, offering local business owners a chance to win $2,500 while spreading holiday cheer throughout the neighborhood. This festive contest encourages businesses to create engaging storefront displays that celebrate the season while showcasing Englewood's vibrant community spirit.
The competition arrives as West Englewood continues to see positive development momentum. Thrive Englewood, a significant $40.2 million mixed-income housing project along the 63rd Street corridor, is preparing to welcome its first residents in early 2025. The development's first phase includes a six-story building with 62 apartments and two live/work lofts that will replace previously vacant land behind Englewood Square. Additionally, the city recently made transit-oriented development sites near the CTA Green Line in West Englewood available for purchase through the ChiBlockBuilder land sales portal, part of an initiative to revitalize key neighborhood corridors.
Across Englewood, creativity continues fueling new forms of economic growth and community belonging. Arts and culture initiatives are generating increased foot traffic while reshaping how people experience the neighborhood. Each event brings visitors—many for the first time—creating meaningful connections that challenge old assumptions about West Englewood. Residents interested in viewing the Window Wonderland displays can visit participating businesses throughout the neighborhood starting in late November, with winners to be announced in mid-December.
Sources:
1. https://www.gechamber.com/
2. https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/10/31/thrive-englewood-a-40-2-million-mixed-income-development-will-welcome-residents-in-2025/
3. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-neighborhood-vitality/englewood-neighborhood-proving-its-market-power-opinion