Battle of the Badges: Holiday Lights 2026

2026 Battle of the Badges

 

Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 5:30 – 8 p.m.

(Admission closes at 8:00 p.m. | Guests may walk through until 8:20 p.m.)

Join Us for a Night of Lights, Music, and Holiday Cheer

Celebrate one of Renton’s brightest holiday traditions as regional public safety agencies transform their vehicles into dazzling light displays.

This free community event includes:

  • Festive light displays created by competing agencies
  • Live holiday music and a cheerful atmosphere
  • Local food trucks serving seasonal favorites
  • The chance to vote for your favorite decorated vehicle

Give back this season: Bring a non-perishable food item or a monetary donation to support a local food bank.

Pro Tip: A later arrival often means lighter crowds and better photo opportunities.

Event Parking Information & Map

Free parking is available at Renton Technical College in Lots P1–P7 and P15 (via Entrances 1 and 2).

  • Lot P15 Address: 3011 NE 4th St
  • Additional Parking: Community of Christ Church (NE 7th St & Monroe Ave NE)
    • Greenwood Memorial Park & Funeral Home (NE 4th Ave & Monroe Ave NE)
    • Limited street parking nearby

Accessible parking is reserved in Lot P12 (via Entrance 4) for vehicles with valid disability placards or license plates.

Map coming soon.

 

Food Trucks

2026 food trucks coming soon.

Reminder for Attendees

  • Follow posted entrance signs to maintain smooth foot traffic.
  • Please do not touch vehicles or light displays.
  • Keep children close to ensure safety.
  • Visit a voting station to cast your ballot, drop off food donations, or ask for assistance.
  • Votes must be submitted before leaving the competition.

 

Voting & Awards

Who will shine the brightest?! Public safety agencies from across the region will go all out to decorate their vehicles and win your vote. Each agency brings its own style, creativity, and holiday spirit to the competition.

Cast your vote at the event and help decide which agency takes home the top awards.

How to Vote:

  1. Pick up a voting card at any voting station.
  2. Vote in person during the event.
  3. Choose a different agency for each award category.

Award Categories:

  • 1st Place Award: Best overall holiday display, considering lights, design, and spirit
  • Clark Griswold Award: Most over-the-top holiday decorating
  • Festive Innovation Award: Most creative and original display

Agencies Competing

Here are the agencies competing in this year's Battle of the Badges. Make plans to join us and support your public safety agency!

  1. Auburn PD
  2. Blue Line Protective Services
  3. Bellevue PD
  4. Bothell PD
  5. CBP Explorer Post 3001
  6. Federal Reserve Bank Police
  7. Fife PD
  8. Port of Seattle Fire
  9. Renton PD
  10. Renton Emergency Communications Service
  11. Renton Regional Fire Authority
  12. Redmond PD
  13. Renton School District Security
  14. SCORE
  15. Seattle Animal Control
  16. Tukwila PD
  17. WA State Department of Corrections
  18. WSDOT Incident Response Team
  19. WA Crime Prevention Association
  20. WA State Animal Response Team 

2025 Battle of the Badges Winners

1st Place (The BIG Trophy): Kent Police Department - Merry Minions

Clark Griswold Award: Port of Seattle Fire Department - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Festive Innovation: DEA Seattle Division – Don't Let Drugs Donkey Kong Your Holidays!

Holiday Spirit Award: Port of Seattle Police Department - Christmas Movie (Presented by the Renton Chamber of Commerce)

 

 

 

 

See the highlights from the 2025 Battle of the Badges! 

Contact Us

Email

shynes@rentonwa.gov

Phone

425-430-7519

 

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