Yellowknife (Dec 19/03) - While the aurora shimmers above, Yellowknife glows with the shimmering lights of Christmas.

Houses, offices and roadways all reflect the holiday season with a wonderful variety of decorations.

For its annual recognition of residents' decorating efforts, City Hall has once again sent volunteers in search of the nicest lights in this capital city.

Ian MacDonald, assistant program coordinator at City Hall, said the decision is in and the results are as follows:

First place for residential home honours goes to 151 Rivett Crescent.

In the residential neighbourhood category, the residents of 49A Avenue won top prize.

For the best commercial exterior, the Adam Dental Clinic won first prize. Best commercial interior belongs to Legal Registries, across from the Yellowknife Inn.

Dr. Hassan Adam said he was quite pleased with being chosen the winner, but said his staff of Robert Fabien and Jack Albert have decorated the premises for the past three years.

The winners will receive public recognition, a plaque and $100.

"It's a nice way to brighten up the holiday season," MacDonald said. "We're encouraging people to brighten up their neighbourhoods."

While there were fewer entries to the competition this year, he said it was still a close call.

"The judges had a difficult time deciding."