Cost to Install Christmas Lights
Most homeowners spend between $288 to $457 nationally.
Get free estimates from local contractors who can Install Holiday Lighting.

When you want an elaborate Christmas display, outdoor lighting is a must. Planning your decorations and getting them up in time for the holidays can be a big job that's hard to coordinate with an already busy schedule. Before deciding whether to do it yourself or hire a professional, consider the differences in time, effort and money involved.
National Install Holiday Lighting Costs
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$428
Median Cost$75
Min Cost$1,112
Max Cost
$288
to
$457
National Average Cost | $428 |
Minimum Cost | $75 |
Maximum Cost | $1,112 |
Average Range | $288 to $457 |
How do we get this data? This info is based on 869 cost profiles, as reported by ImproveNet members.
DIY Pricing
Planning is the first step in any DIY project. Survey your chosen display area to decide how many lights you want to put up and where to place them. It's a good idea to measure the length of all parts of the house that you want to decorate, including roof edges, porch poles and the tops of fences. Consider whether or not you want to add lights to trees and shrubs as well. This will give you an idea of what you'll have to spend on lights and how long the job will take.
DIY Tips
Safety is a major concern when installing Christmas decorations by yourself. Climbing ladders to hang lights on the porch or on trees poses a risk of falling, especially in slippery, winter conditions. If possible, work with a partner and follow these safety tips:
- Check all your lights before you get started to make sure they're in working order.
- Replace any light strands that are frayed or missing their protective coverings.
- Be sure that your home's electrical system can handle the extra load that your light display will bring.
- Never plug more than three strands of lights together end to end.
- Reposition the ladder instead of leaning too far to one side or the other.
Professional Pricing
Having a professional install your Christmas lights ranges in price depending on where you live and how extensive you want your display to be. Some services offer a calculator on their websites where you can input variables such as the size of your house plus any trees you want decorated to get an estimate for the labor.
In general, professional light installation can cost as little as $100 to over a thousand dollars depending on the size of the job. Seeking out package deals that include lights, labor and a predetermined layout can help you save money on your Christmas displays.
Whether you design it yourself or hire a professional light installation service, your Christmas display will bring light and warmth to your home throughout the holiday season.