How much does Christmas light installation cost?
How much does Christmas light installation cost?
$5 – $12 average cost per linear foot
$250 – $1,500 average total cost (basic package)
Average Christmas light installation cost
The average cost of Christmas light installation is $250 to $1,500 for a basic roof outline package or $750 to $5,000 for larger homes or lights on more features. Holiday light installation costs depend on the home size, number of stories, how steep the roof is, and how much of the landscaping you want covered.
| Project type | Average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic roofline | $250 – $1,500 | Minimal outline of roof |
| Full package | $750 – $5,000 | Rooflines, windows, garage, and landscaping |
| Permanent lights | $2,000 – $8,000 | Fixed system for year-round use |
| Removal only | $100 – $400 | Takedown services (sometimes included in package price) |
Basic roofline
The cost to install Christmas lights on just the outline of a roof ranges from $250 to $1,500 including labor, depending on the size of your home and whether it has multiple stories. This is a relatively minimal style and might seem plain to some, while others like the clean, sleek style.
Full package
A full Christmas light installation package costs $750 to $5,000 and includes rooflines as well as lighting around your windows, garage, driveway, shrubs, and sometimes trees. The exact cost depends on how many feet of lighting it takes to cover the desired areas.
Permanent lights
Permanent Christmas lights cost $20 to $40 per linear foot or $2,000 to $8,000 on average for 100 to 200 linear feet. This option costs more up front, but the outdoor-rated LEDs last longer, and many lights come with a color-changing feature so homeowners can use them year-round for multiple holidays.
Removal only
Removing Christmas lights after the season is over costs $100 to $400 if the company doesn't already include this service in their package. If you rent Christmas lights from the installation company, they will likely include removal in their pricing.
Some companies and handypersons will install your own Christmas lights and lower the installation prices accordingly. However, some strictly rent out and use their own lighting to make it easier for them to install and store.
Christmas light installation prices by home height
If your home has multiple stories, installers may charge more for the increased risk and taller ladders needed. Steep roofs, corners, and electrical needs may push prices higher. The following table shows average costs for basic outlines as well as full packages:
| Number of stories | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $250 – $2,400 |
| 2 | $500 – $3,600 |
| 3 | $750 – $5,000 |
Holiday light installation cost by size
Mid-sized homes need anywhere from 100 to 300 feet in Christmas lights, while smaller homes with a basic outline may only need 50 to 200 linear feet. Wrapping trees, shrubs, and other landscaping requires extra lights.
The following table shows average prices based on a $5 to $12 per foot cost.
| Linear feet | Total installed cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $250 – $600 |
| 100 | $500 – $1,200 |
| 150 | $750 – $1,800 |
| 200 | $1,000 – $2,400 |
| 250 | $1,300 – $3,000 |
| 300 | $1,500 – $3,600 |
| 350 | $1,800 – $4,200 |
| 400 | $2,000 – $4,800 |
| 450 | $2,300 – $5,400 |
What affects the cost to install Christmas lights?
A variety of factors influence final pricing for professional Christmas light setup:
Location and home size: Larger homes and difficult terrain raise the installation cost.
Type of lights: Commercial-grade LEDs cost more but use less power and last longer.
Installation complexity: Steep roofs, custom designs, and unique layouts require extra time and special tools.
Features and extras: Window outlines, wreaths, tree wraps, and inflatables push the cost higher.
Removal and maintenance: Some installers bundle removal and mid-season maintenance, but complex takedowns may add fees.
Material quality: Commercial-grade lighting and hardware cost more but provide safer, longer-lasting displays.
Labor market: Local labor rates can impact your final quote, especially in cities with higher demand.
When to take down Christmas lights
Most professionals recommend removing holiday lights by mid-January to avoid weather damage and safety hazards. Many installers will return 2 to 4 weeks after New Year's Day. If you leave lights up year-round, make sure they're commercial-grade and rated for continuous outdoors. Otherwise, plan a timely takedown.
FAQs about Christmas light installation
Do Christmas lights use a lot of electricity?
Modern LED holiday lights are very energy efficient and add only a modest amount to your electricity bill. A medium-sized display left on for 6 to 8 hours nightly will cost just a few dollars for the whole season. Incandescent bulbs use more power and cost more to run but are rarely used by professionals.
How many feet of Christmas lights do I need for a house?
The average single-story home needs 50 to 200+ feet of holiday lights for a roofline outline. Thorough coverage of windows, garage, landscaping may require 400 feet or more. Installers will measure your property and advise on the ideal strand length for maximum effect.
Are Christmas lights a fire hazard?
Old, damaged, or overloaded lights can create fire risks, especially non-LED lights or strands that aren't designed for outdoor use. Modern commercial LEDs used by professionals are much safer. Always check for frayed wires and use outdoor-rated extension cords for exterior displays.
Getting estimates from Christmas light installers
Follow these tips to help you choose the best Christmas light installers near you:
Ask for a detailed breakdown showing labor, materials, removal, and special features.
Get multiple quotes from local companies and read recent customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Check if removal and maintenance are included or if they cost extra.
Ask about liability insurance, safety certifications, and guarantee policies.
Confirm timeline for both installation and removal, especially in busy seasons.
Questions to ask a Christmas light installer
Before signing a contract, make sure to ask the installer these questions:
Are the lights commercial grade?
Do you provide or rent the lights?
Does the quoted price include installation, removal, and maintenance?
Do you carry liability insurance and worker safety certifications?
Will you handle electrical upgrades if my property needs them?
How soon can you start?
When will takedown happen after the holidays?
Do you offer any guarantee or warranty on your work?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.