Christmas lights installation — who to call, what it costs, and which services stack up (USA, 2025)
Thinking about professional christmas lights installation? Good move — pro installers save time, risk, and the ladder drama. Below is a down-to-earth guide to the U.S. market today, with 4–5 popular providers, real cost ranges, and practical pros/cons so homeowners can choose wisely.
Quick market snapshot
Americans are still spending on holiday displays despite economic noise — professional installs and permanent LED roofline systems are trending up, and people increasingly prefer hiring pros instead of DIY. Demand pushed prices and interest in permanent lighting solutions over recent years.
Typical costs (what “cost per foot” really means)
Most pros charge by linear foot. Recent surveys and industry roundups put typical ranges roughly:
🔹Budget / basic installs: about $2.50–$7 per linear foot (includes lights + labor in some packages).
🔹Average pro installs: many homeowners see $5–$10/ft depending on complexity.
🔹Premium / high-cost markets (San Francisco, NYC, parts of Boston/Seattle): prices can spike to $18–$35/ft for elaborate or hard-to-reach installs.
🔹Many guides also report flat-job minimums (e.g., $200–$500) and package pricing for larger homes. Always ask for a line-item estimate so you can compare labor vs materials.
Popular U.S. providers — who to consider (and what they offer)
1) Christmas Décor — national franchise, full-service holiday decorating
What they do: Design, install, maintain, take-down and offer storage programs for residential and commercial clients nationwide. They’re the closest thing to an industry giant with local franchises.
Cost/fit: Pricing varies by franchise, but they provide turnkey packages (design + install + removal + storage) — good for homeowners who want one-vendor convenience. Expect mid-to-high range pricing compared with solo local installers.
Best for: Busy families, commercial properties, large custom displays.
2) Outdoor Lighting Perspectives — permanent and seasonal installs, nationwide franchises
What they do: Offers both seasonal installations and permanent roofline/holiday lighting systems (LED rails or clips for year-round use). They also do landscape/architectural lighting.
Cost/fit: Permanent systems cost more up front but can be cheaper long-term (no annual install fee), and provide app-controlled color/scene changes. Seasonal installs are comparable to other pros.
Best for: Homeowners who want low hassle long-term solution and flexible holiday customization.
3) EverLights / Oelo / LuxLights — companies specializing in permanent LED roofline systems
What they do: Focus on professionally installed, permanent LED light strips or clips that integrate with smart controllers (year-round use). Some brands sell through local certified installers.
Cost/fit: High initial investment (equipment + professional install) but low annual hassle and wide creative control (colors, animations). Ideal if the house is your long-term residence.
4) Brite Nites & local premium installers — custom design & boutique service
What they do: Smaller national/regional teams offering custom designs, often marketed to higher-end neighborhoods. They handle lighting design, synchronized shows, and commercial projects.
Cost/fit: Expect premium fees for custom artful displays or animated shows. Great when neighbors are competitive or you want a show-stopping display.
5) Local pros via Angi/Thumbtack/Local holiday companies
What they do: Many skilled local companies or independents (search “christmas lights installation near me”) will undercut national franchises and can be better for simple installs. Use platforms like Angi to read vetted reviews and compare bids.
Cost/fit: Often best value for small-to-medium homes; ask for references and proof of insurance.
Pros & cons — short and useful
National franchise (Christmas Décor)
🔸One-stop; consistent training and insurance; storage programs.
🔸– Higher price; franchise rates vary by territory.
Permanent installers (Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, EverLights, LuxLights)
🔸No annual install hassle, smartphone control, long-term durability.
🔸– Significant upfront cost; professional install required.
Boutique/custom (Brite Nites / regional)
🔸Highly creative, show-ready displays.
🔸– Most expensive per foot; limited availability.
Local independent installers / platforms
🔸Potentially best value; quicker scheduling in some markets.
🔸– Quality and service vary; vet carefully (reviews, insurance).
Discount and saving tips
Most U.S. Christmas light installation companies do offer seasonal discounts, but the details vary widely by brand and location. For example, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives and EverLights have advertised 15–20% off during holiday promotions, while Christmas Décor franchises usually provide local early-booking or bundled package discounts rather than national deals. Brite Nites and other boutique installers occasionally post referral or local offers, and platforms like Angi or Thumbtack often feature early-season or package promotions from independent contractors. In general, homeowners can expect 5–15% off for early bookings or bundled services, and up to 20% off during Black Friday sales — but the best approach is to contact local providers directly and ask about current “holiday specials.”
How to choose (practical checklist)
1.Get 3 bids — insist on line-item quotes (lights, labor, removal, storage).
2.Check insurance & references — confirm liability insurance and recent photos of real installs.
3.Clarify timing — ask earliest install date and removal date (many pros book early).
4.Ask about lights — LED vs incandescent, warranty, and whether the vendor provides or uses your lights.
5.Compare “cost per foot” apples-to-apples — some quotes include lights, others are labor-only. Use the per-foot number only when scope matches.
Final takeaways
If you want a no-fuss holiday and live in a house you’ll keep for years, a permanent christmas lights installation from a reputable brand (or local certified installer) is worth considering. If this is a one-off or you’re price-sensitive, local pros or franchises like Christmas Décor offer solid seasonal packages. And if you live in a high-price metro, expect to pay a premium per foot — sometimes many times the national average. Compare quotes, check insurance, and focus on total cost (materials + install + removal + storage), not just the catchy “cost per foot” number.