When it comes to decorating for the holidays, there are more options than ever before. Homeowners today can choose between traditional temporary holiday lighting, installed and removed seasonally, or permanent lighting systems that stay up year-round and can be customized for any occasion.
Both have their advantages — and a few things to consider before deciding which fits your home, lifestyle, and budget best.
Temporary Holiday Lighting
What It Is:
Temporary holiday lighting refers to the classic seasonal setup — professional installers design, install, maintain, and remove your lights each year.
Pros
- Full customization every season: Change colors, styles, and layouts year to year.
- Perfectly tailored designs: Installers can match your home’s architecture and landscaping for that picture-perfect holiday glow.
- No storage or maintenance: When the season’s over, the lights come down and are stored for you (if you choose a company that offers storage).
- Lower upfront cost: You pay per season, not for a permanent system.
Cons
- Annual scheduling: Availability fills up quickly during peak season.
- Recurring cost: You’ll pay each year for design, installation, and removal.
- Limited use: You only enjoy them for a couple of months out of the year.
Permanent Lighting
What It Is:
Permanent lighting is a sleek, low-profile system installed once and left in place year-round. You control colors and patterns from an app — meaning you can celebrate every holiday, birthday, or big game without ever climbing a ladder.
Pros
- Year-round flexibility: Change colors and patterns anytime, from holidays to everyday ambient lighting.
- Seamless appearance: Designed to blend with your roofline for a clean look during the day.
- Convenience: No scheduling, setup, or takedown required.
- Long-term value: One-time installation that can increase curb appeal and reduce yearly decorating costs.
Cons
- Higher upfront investment: Permanent systems cost more to install initially.
- Maintenance over time: Like any electrical system, it may need service or software updates.
Which option is right for you?
When choosing between temporary and permanent holiday lighting, consider: