AC Tune-Up Cost in 2026 (What You Get and Is It Worth It?)
An AC tune-up costs $100 to $150 for most homes in 2026, with maintenance plans at $150 to $350 a year. See what is included, DIY steps and when to book.
HomePriceWise Team
Christmas Light Installation Cost in 2026: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Professional Christmas light installation costs about $300 to $1,000 for most homes. See 2026 prices per foot, what's included, permanent lighting costs and DIY savings.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
A beautifully lit house is one of the best parts of the holidays. Climbing a ladder in freezing weather to hang them? Not so much. That's why more homeowners are paying professionals to handle it, or investing in permanent lights they never have to hang again.
Here's what Christmas light installation costs in 2026, what you get for the money, and how much you can save doing it yourself.
Quick answer: how much does Christmas light installation cost?
For a typical single-story home, professional installation usually costs about $300 to $1,000, with many homeowners paying around $550. Larger homes, two-story rooflines and elaborate displays can cost $1,500 to $3,000+.
| Option | Typical cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Pro install, labor only (you supply lights) | $2 to $5 per linear foot of roofline |
| Pro install, lights included (rental/lease) | $5 to $10 per linear foot (up to ~$12 in big metros) |
| Typical single-story roofline | $300 to $1,000 total |
| Large / two-story home with trees & shrubs | $1,500 to $3,000+ |
| Permanent LED roofline lighting | $15 to $35 per linear foot installed |
| DIY | $100 to $400 in lights and supplies |
Ranges from 2026 holiday lighting cost guides (Homeyou, Trimlight and others). Prices vary by region, roof height and design. Get 2 to 3 quotes.
What's usually included in professional installation?
Many holiday lighting companies offer a full-season package:
- Design: they plan the layout for your home
- Commercial-grade LED lights: often leased for the season, cut to fit your roofline
- Installation: including clips, timers and outdoor-rated connections
- Maintenance: free service calls if a strand goes out
- Takedown after the holidays
- Storage until next year (with some companies)
Always ask: Are lights included or leased? Is takedown included? Is there a service guarantee if lights fail? Are you insured for roof work?
What affects the price?
1. Length of roofline Most companies price by the linear foot. Measure the edges of your roof you want lit (gutters, peaks, eaves) to estimate.
2. Home height and roof pitch Two-story homes and steep roofs need taller ladders, more time and more safety equipment. Expect to pay more.
3. Lights included or not Labor-only installs (you provide the lights) cost less per foot, but professional-grade lights cut to size look cleaner and last longer.
4. Trees, shrubs and extras Wrapping trees, lighting bushes, wreaths, garlands, pathway lights and pole wraps all add cost, often priced per item or per tree.
5. Timing Booking early (September to October) often gets better availability and sometimes early-bird discounts. Last-minute December bookings can cost more. If you can get a slot at all.
6. Location Labor rates are higher in large metro areas.
Permanent Christmas lights: are they worth it?
Permanent LED lighting is installed once along your roofline (often in a track that blends with your trim) and controlled with a phone app. You can change colors and patterns for any holiday. Christmas, Halloween, the Fourth of July, game days.
| Seasonal pro install | Permanent lights | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $300 to $1,000 per year | $15 to $35 per linear foot (often $3,000 to $7,000+ for a full roofline) |
| Every year | Pay again | Usually $0 |
| Ladders each year | Installer's job | None |
| Holidays covered | One season | All year |
| Break-even | N/A | Often several years |
Worth it if: you plan to stay in your home for several years, decorate for multiple holidays, or have a high roofline that's dangerous to climb.
DIY Christmas lights: what it costs
Doing it yourself can cost as little as $100 to $400 for a typical house, especially if you reuse lights each year.
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| LED string lights (C9 or mini) | $20 to $50 per strand / roll |
| Gutter and shingle clips | $10 to $25 per pack |
| Outdoor-rated extension cords | $15 to $40 each |
| Outdoor timer or smart plug | $15 to $40 |
| Sturdy ladder (if you don't own one) | $100 to $300 |
Why choose LED? LED holiday lights use far less electricity than old incandescent bulbs, stay cool to the touch, and last many seasons longer. With a timer running lights 6 hours a night, a typical LED display adds only a few dollars to your monthly electric bill.
DIY safety tips
- ✅ Use a sturdy ladder on level ground, and have someone hold it. Ladder falls send many people to the emergency room every holiday season.
- ✅ Use only lights and cords rated for outdoor use, and check for a safety mark (UL or ETL).
- ✅ Plug outdoor lights into GFCI-protected outlets.
- ✅ Use plastic clips, not nails or staples, which can damage wires and gutters.
- ✅ Check strands for cracked sockets or frayed wires before hanging.
- ✅ Don't connect more strands end-to-end than the package allows.
- 🚫 Don't hang lights in wet, icy or windy weather.
DIY or hire a pro?
| Hire a pro if… | DIY if… |
|---|---|
| Your home is two stories or has a steep roof | You have a single-story home with easy access |
| You're not comfortable on a ladder | You enjoy decorating and own a good ladder |
| You want a polished, professional look | You're happy with a simpler display |
| You don't want to store lights | You'll reuse lights for several years |
| Your time is worth more than the cost | You want to save money |
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to have Christmas lights put up? Most homeowners pay about $300 to $1,000 for a single-story home. Larger homes and elaborate displays can cost $1,500 to $3,000 or more.
How much do Christmas light installers charge per foot? Usually about $2 to $5 per linear foot for labor only, or $5 to $10 per foot when the company supplies the lights.
Does the price include taking the lights down? Many full-service packages include takedown, but not all. Always ask before you book.
When should I book Christmas light installation? September or October is ideal. Popular installers often fill their calendars by mid-November.
How much do permanent Christmas lights cost? Typically $15 to $35 per linear foot installed. A full roofline often costs several thousand dollars, but there are no yearly installation fees.
How much does it cost to run Christmas lights? With LEDs, very little, often just a few dollars a month for a typical home display on a timer. Old incandescent lights can cost many times more.
The bottom line
Expect to pay about $300 to $1,000 for professional Christmas light installation on most single-story homes, or $100 to $400 to do it yourself. If you hate the ladder every year and plan to stay put, permanent lights can pay for themselves over time. Whatever you choose, go with LEDs, use outdoor-rated gear and book early.
Getting your home ready for winter? Don't miss our Complete Winterize Your Home Checklist.
Sources: 2026 holiday lighting cost guides from Homeyou, Trimlight and other installation pricing sources.
Keep reading
Pressure Washing Cost in 2026 (House, Driveway and Deck)
Pressure washing a house costs about $250 to $800, a driveway $100 to $300 and a deck $150 to $500 in 2026. See prices, DIY rental costs and safety tips.
HomePriceWise Team
Exterior House Painting Cost in 2026 (Prices by Size and Siding)
Painting the outside of a house costs about $3,000 to $10,000 in 2026, or $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. See prices by siding, home size and DIY costs.
HomePriceWise Team