How much do permanent Christmas lights cost?
How much do permanent Christmas lights cost?
$20 – $40 total cost per linear foot (with installation)
$2,000 – $8,000 total average cost (100 – 200 LF)
Permanent Christmas lights cost
Permanent Christmas lights cost $20 to $40 per linear foot with installation, or $2,000 to $8,000 total on average. Professionals install permanent holiday lights on the exterior of your home, usually along the roofline. These lights are outdoor-rated LEDs, and many come with color-changing technology, so you can use them year-round.
| Linear feet | Total installed cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| 100 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| 150 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| 200 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| 250 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Permanent holiday lights cost factors
The cost of permanent holiday lights depends mostly on these factors:
Roofline size: The square footage of your home doesn’t determine the amount of lighting you’ll need. Instead, the installer bases the pricing on the linear foot of the edge of your roof. Installing lights on homes with multiple stories, porches, and peaks costs more.
Material quality: Higher-quality lights and mounting equipment cost more but are more durable, last longer, and are more reliable.
Front vs. sides: Most homeowners choose to install the lights on the front of their home only. However, some spend extra to have lighting on the sides of their home as well.
Time of year: Christmas light installers are typically the busiest during fall and early winter. For the best prices, plan the installation for the spring, summer, or late winter.
Lumens: Some companies provide one white LED per light, which produces 7 ½ lumens. Others use RGB LEDs per light, which have color-changing capabilities and produce more brightness at 23 lumens per bulb.
Non-permanent Christmas light installation costs $2.50 to $5.00 per linear foot or $240 to $650 total on average. If you professionally install your Christmas lights every year, it would be cheaper in the long run to have permanent lights.
Labor
Labor rates vary by location, installation complexity, and the installer’s experience level. Installing permanent lights on extremely high or hard-to-access rooflines may require extra equipment or time, raising your final cost. Ask multiple companies for estimates to get an idea of what your area’s average labor rates are.
Do it yourself permanent Christmas lights
You can install and remove holiday lights yourself every year, or you can install DIY permanent Christmas lights. Some sites sell DIY kits for about $800 to $4,000, or $8 to $20 per linear foot, for customers who like the style and convenience of permanent lights but want to save on labor costs.
Permanent Christmas lighting FAQs
What are permanent Christmas lights?
Permanent Christmas lights are outdoor LED light strips installed on the exterior of a building. These durable, energy-efficient lights are made to withstand the weather year-round. Permanent Christmas lights don’t need to be removed or installed every year, which saves time and energy.
Are permanent Christmas lights worth it?
Permanent Christmas lights are somewhat expensive, but they offer the following benefits:
Convenience: You won’t have to climb any ladders or untangle lights every year. You can control and adjust permanent lights with a smartphone or remote control.
Energy efficiency: Most permanent Christmas light companies use LEDs that consume far less electricity than incandescent bulbs, which saves money on energy bills.
Durability: Permanent Christmas lights are weather-resistant and can endure rain, wind, and snow. This means you won’t have to replace individual bulbs or entire strands of damaged lights every year.
Customization: You can customize permanent lighting or choose specific colors, animations, or patterns to display. This enables you to create a unique display that fits your preferences.
Curb appeal: Permanent Christmas lights look professional and elegant, which boosts curb appeal. You can use them for multiple holidays or special events to make your home stand out.
How long do permanent Christmas lights last?
The LED bulbs used in permanent Christmas lighting last 20,000 to 50,000 hours, or about 10 to 20+ years with consistent use. The actual lifespan depends on if they have any manufacturing defects and whether they’re exposed to any extreme temperatures or water damage.
Getting estimates from Christmas light installers
Follow these recommendations when looking for permanent Christmas light installers near you:
Compare 3 or more quotes from experienced, reputable contractors.
Look for lights that have an ETL, UL, or CSA safety certification.
Explore reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Be wary of the lowest estimates, which may indicate poor-quality work.
Get an estimate in writing before the installers start the job.
Wait until they finish the job to pay in full.
Questions to ask permanent holiday light installers
Ask these questions to find high-quality light installers:
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
How long have you been installing permanent Christmas lights?
What safety precautions do you take?
What kind of bulbs do you use?
Do you have a portfolio or recent pictures I can see?
Can you install a certain design or pattern?
How long will the light installation take?
Will I have to be at home during the installation?
Do the lights come with a warranty? How long does it last and what are the terms?
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.