How Much Do Christmas Lights Cost?
Running them, buying them, installing them, or going permanent — here's what holiday lighting really costs in the 2026 season, with interactive calculators to price your exact setup.
Christmas light costs at a glance
| Run your display (whole season) | LED: $2–$10 · Incandescent: $30–$100+ |
| Buy light sets | $8–$40 per set (LED higher upfront) |
| Installation (per foot) | $2–$5 professional · less for DIY materials |
| Permanent lights | $6–$12 per foot installed |
How much do Christmas lights cost to run?
Electricity is usually the smallest part of a holiday display budget, but it varies wildly by bulb type. Incandescent C9 bulbs use roughly 7 watts each; LED versions use about 0.06 watts. At the U.S. average rate of about $0.18/kWh with lights on 5 hours a day for 31 days:
Incandescent
$1–$5
per strand per season — big C9 rooflines can top $100 total.
LED
$0.10–$0.50
per strand per season — most displays cost just a few dollars to run.
How much do Christmas lights cost to buy?
Buying prices have climbed slightly in recent years, but LED sets remain affordable and quickly pay back the difference in electricity savings. Typical 2026 retail ranges:
| Type | Typical price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Incandescent mini (100 bulbs) | $5–$12 | Trees, bushes, cheap volume |
| LED mini (100 bulbs) | $10–$20 | All-around energy savings |
| LED C9 roofline (25 bulbs) | $20–$40 | Rooflines and gutters |
| Commercial / pro-grade strings | $40–$120 | Bright, durable displays |
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How much does it cost to install Christmas lights?
Hiring a pro is the biggest line item for most homeowners. Installation pricing is usually quoted per linear foot and depends mainly on roof height and complexity.
| Project type | Per foot | Typical 150 ft house |
|---|---|---|
| Single-story roofline | $2.00–$3.50 | $300–$525 |
| Two-story roofline | $3.00–$4.75 | $450–$715 |
| Complex roof / peaks | $4.00–$5.50 | $600–$825 |
How much do permanent Christmas lights cost?
Permanent outdoor lights are mounted once and reused every year, often with app control and color changes. The tradeoff is a much higher upfront cost.
Govee-style DIY kit
$6–$9/ft
App control, lower labor
Professional install
$8–$12/ft
Cleanest finish, highest cost
DIY channel + strip
$4–$7/ft
Budget option, more time
What affects the total cost?
- 🏠 Roofline length — more footage, higher material and labor costs.
- 🪜 Roof height — two-story and steep roofs cost more per foot.
- 💡 Bulb type — LED costs less to run but more upfront than incandescent.
- 🔁 Removal — seasonal installers may charge extra for take-down and storage.
Three ways to save this season
- 1. Switch to LED — the higher sticker price usually pays back in one season of electricity savings.
- 2. Run on a timer — capping hours at 5–6 per day keeps the bill low without changing the look.
- 3. Quote multiple installers — professional pricing varies by 30%+ between companies for the same house.
Christmas light cost FAQ
How much do Christmas lights cost to run?
A typical LED display costs a few dollars per season, while a large incandescent C9 roofline can add $30 to $100+ to your bill, depending on hours and your electricity rate.
How much does it cost to install Christmas lights?
Professional installation usually runs $2 to $5 per foot. A 150-foot single-story roofline typically costs $300 to $750, and two-story or complex roofs run higher.
How much do permanent Christmas lights cost?
Permanent outdoor lights typically cost $6 to $12 per foot installed, depending on the system and whether you install it yourself or hire a pro.
Are LED or incandescent Christmas lights cheaper?
LED strands cost more upfront but use about 90% less electricity and last longer, so they are cheaper overall — often paying for themselves in one season.
How many Christmas lights do I need for my house?
Most homeowners use roughly 100 to 150 feet of lights for a single-story roofline and 200 to 300 feet for a two-story home.