The annual Whimsical Windows decorating contest has begun! Downtown businesses have decorated the windows of their downtown storefronts in hopes that your votes will help them win a cash prize! $500 will be awarded to the business with the most votes in the online poll. Voting is live now through noon on Friday, December 29.

Don't forget to search for elves in some of these windows! Text a photo of each elf you find to 937-304-4041, and you could win $100 in Downtown Dollars. Each elf found counts as one entry into the contest.

Please note: Clicking on a photo below will not enlarge the image, but will cast a vote! Please see full size photos on the Dayton Daily News article.

The Whimsical Windows contest and Elf Hunt are part of the Dayton Holiday Festival! Check out a full calendar of free, family-friendly events happening throughout December at daytonholidayfestival.org