Permanent vs Seasonal Christmas Lights: Cost and Tradeoffs
Prices on this page are estimates compiled from the published sources listed below, not quotes. JoCo Holiday Lights is a free referral service that connects Johnson County homeowners with independent local pros. We are not a contractor and do not perform the work.
Two different products
Seasonal installation means a crew hangs lights before the holidays and takes them down in January. Permanent lighting is a low profile LED track mounted along the roofline that stays up all year and is controlled from an app.
Cost comparison (estimates)
Tropical Lighting publishes a side by side comparison: seasonal hire from $750 per season with reinstall and takedown from about $400 in later years, versus permanent LED from $1,500 one time. Larger homes and premium systems cost more. These figures are estimates from one installer, not quotes.
Which fits you
Seasonal makes sense if you only want a classic look for the holidays and prefer no hardware on the house. Permanent can pay off over several years if you would light the house every year anyway, and you can use it for game days and other holidays.
Questions to ask
Ask about warranty length, who services the controller, how the track is attached, and what happens if you sell the home.
Get a free quote from a local pro
FAQ
Are permanent lights visible during the day?
Most systems use a track designed to blend with fascia, but visibility varies by product and home.
Can I get both quoted?
Yes. Mention it in the quote form and a local pro can price both options.
Sources
Last checked October 22, 2026.