As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners find themselves considering the best way to brighten their homes with festive light installation. The twinkling lights not only bring a touch of magic but also become a central part of the holiday décor. However, before diving into decorating and light displays, it’s essential to understand the various average costs associated with professional holiday lighting. From the type of light strands used to the light strand installation process, the costs can add up quickly.
Below is a comprehensive guide covering the cost breakdown of holiday lighting in 2024, providing insights into material, special equipment and labor costs and highlighting the latest price trends for holiday lighting.
Lighting Types and Their Costs
The types of lights you choose plays a significant role in determining the overall cost of your holiday display. The two most popular lighting options for 2024 remain incandescent lights and LED lights, each with distinct characteristics and price ranges.
- Incandescent lights: These are the traditional holiday lights that many of us are familiar with. Known for their warm glow, incandescent lights are widely available and range in price from $4 to $20 per strand. While these lights provide a classic look, they are less energy-efficient and have a shorter lifespan compared to their modern counterparts. They tend to burn out more quickly, leading to frequent replacements and higher electricity costs, making them a less favorable option for energy-conscious consumers.
- LED lights: In contrast, LED bulb lights have surged in popularity due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. These lights use significantly less electricity, which helps cut down on energy bills, especially when used for extended periods. In 2024, the price for LED lights ranges from $6 to $60 per strand, depending on the quality and brand. Though they are more expensive upfront, LEDs offer substantial savings over time, not just in terms of energy consumption but also in reduced replacement costs due to their durability. They also come in various colors and styles, allowing for more creative and intricate designs.
In addition to these standard options, there are several other specialized types of holiday lights that homeowners might consider:
- Dome lighting: Priced at $5 to $20 per strand, dome lights are often used to create soft, elegant lighting effects in landscaping areas. These lights provide a subtle glow, making them ideal for gardens, bushes, or lining pathways. Dome lights are typically more expensive than basic incandescent lights but add a unique charm to any holiday display.
- C7 and C9 bulbs: Known for their larger size, C7 and C9 bulbs are commonly used to outline rooflines or for more prominent displays. These bulbs can range in cost from $7 to $50 per strand, depending on whether they are incandescent or LED. The larger size of these bulbs makes them particularly popular for creating bold, eye-catching displays, especially on rooftops or along driveways.
Professional Holiday Lighting Installation Costs
While some homeowners prefer to handle holiday lighting installations themselves, many opt for professional installation services to ensure safety, convenience, and a flawless result. The cost of professional holiday light installation from xmas light installers can vary significantly depending on the size of the house, the complexity of the design, and regional labor costs. Here’s a breakdown of typical custom light installation costs for 2024:
- Single-story home: For a straightforward lighting installation on a single-story average-sized home, prices typically range from $300 to $800. This covers basic roofline holiday lighting and may include the installation of lights on windows and doors. If additional outdoor holiday lighting elements such as trees, shrubs, or lawn ornaments are part of the design, the costs can increase accordingly.
- Two-story home: For a two-story house, which requires more labor and time due to the height and added complexity for the light installation pros, light installation costs generally range from $500 to $1,200. The total cost depends on the size of the home and the number of xmas light installations required. Wrapping trees or installing intricate designs on balconies or chimneys can add to the total expense.
- Three-story home or commercial properties: For larger homes or commercial buildings, holiday light installation can be even more labor-intensive, often requiring specialized equipment such as longer ladders or mechanical lifts. In such cases, cost for installation prices typically start at $750 and can exceed $1,500, particularly for expansive or elaborate holiday light displays. For installations involving high roofs or complex designs, costs may increase by an additional 20-25% due to the need for extra safety measures and specialized tools.
Lawn Decorations and Additional Features
In addition to rooflines and trees, many custom holiday displays extend to lawn decorations and other outdoor features. These added elements enhance the overall aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the total cost.
- Staked lawn perimeter lighting: This involves placing lights along pathways, driveways, or the perimeter of the lawn, creating a well-defined boundary of illumination. The cost for staked perimeter custom christmas lighting typically ranges from $3.25 to $4.25 per linear foot.
- Landscape lighting: For homeowners looking to highlight specific garden features, Christmas landscape lighting can be installed around trees, bushes, or other yard elements. This type of lighting adds approximately $1 per linear foot to the total installation cost.
- Balcony wrapping: Wrapping lights around a balcony adds a decorative touch to the exterior of a home. For an eight-foot balcony, the cost typically ranges from $50 to $75, depending on the complexity of the design.
- Wreaths and ornaments: Hanging large outdoor wreaths or adding illuminated lawn ornaments can cost around $35 per item. These features, while relatively inexpensive, can significantly enhance the holiday ambiance.
For homeowners looking to make a statement with their outdoor holiday lighting, wrapping large trees can be a focal point of the display. However, the costs for this particular feature can vary widely based on the size and number of trees:
- Wrapping smaller trees (6 feet): The labor cost for wrapping a smaller tree generally ranges from $75 to $125.
- Wrapping medium-sized trees (12-18 feet): Medium-sized trees are more labor-intensive, with costs ranging from $125 to $250.
- Wrapping large trees (up to 28 feet): For very large trees, the cost can be anywhere from $300 to $1,500, depending on the height, complexity, and number of lights used.
Electricity and Power Supply Costs
One often overlooked cost of outdoor holiday lighting is the need for additional electrical infrastructure, particularly for large or elaborate displays. Many homes may not have sufficient outdoor electrical outlets to support a large lighting installation from professional holiday light installation companies, which means additional expenses for electrical work:
- Installation of outdoor electrical outlets: Homeowners may need to hire an electrician to install additional outlets to support their custom holiday lighting. The cost for installing an outdoor electrical outlet typically ranges from $120 to $275 per outlet, depending on local labor rates and the complexity of the installation.
- Timers: To manage energy consumption and ensure that lights turn on and off at set times, many homeowners invest in timers. The cost of timers ranges from $10 to $50 each, depending on the brand and features. Timers help minimize electricity usage and reduce the need for manually turning lights on and off.
The Bottom Line
Outdoor holiday lighting is an investment that adds charm and festive cheer to any home, but it’s important to be mindful of the costs involved. By understanding the breakdown of lighting types, installation costs, lawn decorations, and electricity expenses, homeowners can plan their custom holiday displays in a way that suits their budget and aesthetic preferences. Whether opting for energy-efficient LEDs or going all out with intricate designs, a well-planned holiday lighting display can create a magical atmosphere that brightens up the season.
Permanent holiday light installation is a great holiday light installation option to consider and extends the festivities to holidays all year long.
To get an accurate quote for holiday lighting installation in New York, contact us today. Professional Holiday Decorators is a xmas light installation company with professional light installers that offers industry-leading Christmas lighting installation in Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Long Island.
