Holiday lights done by a pro?

A quick guide to deciding if it’s worth it

I’ll be frank; most years I toss some lights on a tree or two and call it good. Once in a while I get ambitious and run a strand along the gutters, but I’m not out to win any neighborhood contests. If the folks down the street have a dazzling, synchronized light display, I’m happy to enjoy the view from my driveway.

That said, more and more homeowners are hiring professionals to handle their holiday décor. The results usually look amazing, and you get to sip eggnog and watch football instead of wrestling with tangled cords and frozen fingers.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth paying someone to do your lights, here are a few things to think about.

Why people hire pros for holiday lights

Bringing in a professional can make sense if:

• You want a polished, cohesive look without the trial and error

• You don’t love heights, ladders, or cold weather

• You’re short on time during an already busy season

• You want to avoid storage and maintenance of lights and décor

As the weather turns colder, decorators’ schedules fill up quickly, so this is the time of year when many companies start booking up.

What drives the cost?

Holiday decorating can range from a few hundred dollars for something simple to a couple of thousand for full, whole-house displays. The price depends on several key factors:

1. Scope of the project

• A small project (one tree, a front entry, or a few wreaths) is often priced as a simple, flat job.

• Bigger jobs – rooflines, multiple trees, pathway lighting, and indoor décor – usually take more planning, more materials, and more labor.

  
  

2. Size and style of your home

• Larger homes need more lights and more time to install them.

• Steep roofs, tall peaks, or big trees often require extra ladder work or specialty equipment, which raises labor costs.

  
  

3. Type of lighting and décor

• LED lights typically cost more upfront than basic incandescent strands but use less electricity and tend to last longer.

• Color-changing, app-controlled, or “smart” lighting systems come at a premium.

• Additional décor such as wreaths, garlands, yard displays, and window lighting all add to the total.

Labor vs. materials: why the first year costs more

With most professional holiday decorators, your bill includes both materials and labor:

• Materials: lights, extension cords, timers, wreaths, garlands, clips, and fasteners

• Labor: design, installation, adjustments, and takedown

Your first year is often the most expensive because you’re buying everything for the first time. In later years, if you reuse the same lights and décor, you’re largely paying for installation and removal, which can bring the cost down.

How pros typically charge

Different companies structure their pricing in different ways, but you’ll commonly see:

• Flat fees for smaller, straightforward jobs

• Per linear foot pricing for rooflines, gutters, and railings

• Hourly rates for more custom work or complex designs

• Packages that include design, installation, maintenance, and takedown

Some landscapers and home-service companies offer holiday lighting as a seasonal add-on, while others specialize exclusively in holiday décor. The more custom the design (and the more intricate the install), the higher the price tends to go.

Safety and peace of mind

Anytime ladders, roofs, and electricity are involved, safety matters. When you’re hiring:

• Make sure the company is licensed, bonded, and insured

• Ask who will actually be doing the work – employees or subcontractors

• Confirm how they handle wet weather, icy conditions, and roof safety

A reputable pro should be comfortable answering those questions.

Don’t forget the “hidden” costs

Beyond the decorator’s bill, you may want to plan for:

• Electricity: LED lights and timers help keep energy use manageable, especially if displays are on for many hours each night.

• Electrical work: For very large displays, you may need extra outlets or minor electrical upgrades.

• Takedown and storage: Some companies charge separately for removal and can also store your lights for you; others include takedown in the original price.

If you’re handy and comfortable on a ladder, handling removal yourself is one of the easiest ways to save.

So… is it worth paying a pro?

It really comes down to your priorities:

• If you enjoy hanging lights and don’t mind the time commitment, DIY is the most budget-friendly option.

• If you’d rather protect your weekend, avoid the roof, and get a polished look, hiring a pro can be money well spent.

  
  

Either way, the “magic” of holiday décor is less about how many lights you have and more about how it feels when you pull into your driveway on a dark winter evening.

A clear plan – and a realistic budget – will help you get the look you want without turning your holiday cheer into holiday stress.