Permanent Christmas and Holiday Lighting or Traditional Setups? A Marketing Consultant Explores What Installers Are Saying About the Permanent Lighting Boom

As more homeowners and businesses look for long-term solutions to festive and decorative lighting, permanent lighting installations are quickly becoming a hot topic in the industry. But is this trend just a passing fad, or is it here to stay? I hit the streets to talk to several lighting professionals about the growing demand for permanent lighting systems and how they’re navigating pricing, service, and customer expectations.

Why Permanent Christmas and Holiday Lighting?

For many, the idea of permanent lighting is akin to the rise of solar panels: a large upfront cost with the promise of convenience and long-term value. One installer shared, “My clients love it, and we’re able to collect a premium for these systems.”

So, what’s driving the demand for permanent Christmas and Holiday lighting?

1. Year-Round Use: While many think of lighting as a holiday-only expense, permanent systems are used year-round. Whether for Halloween, the 4th of July, or just to enhance curb appeal, permanent lighting offers versatility. One installer emphasized, “We install 12 months a year, and there’s always a reason for someone to want lights.”
2. Convenience Factor: The appeal of never having to hang or take down lights again is a big draw for clients. “People are busy — they want that wow factor without the hassle,” explained another installer.
3. Growing Commercial Interest: Commercial properties are jumping on board, with some lighting professionals reporting that businesses are paying more for permanent installations than temporary ones. “It’s not about cost savings for them, it’s about value,” one interviewee said, highlighting the commercial market’s appetite for high-quality, permanent solutions.

Pricing Strategies for Permanent Christmas and Holiday Lighting

Pricing for permanent lighting varies depending on the system and the market. Most installers I spoke to charge between $28 and $35 per foot, although one noted, “I’ve raised my prices for temporary lighting to $10 a foot, and I’m still closing deals. People are willing to pay for quality.”

For permanent systems, it’s not unusual for prices to be higher. One professional shared, “I’m profiting $25 per foot, and I can install $20,000 worth of lights in a day. By myself.” For these professionals, it’s about maximizing efficiency and ensuring strong profit margins.

Another installer added, “At this rate, I’m doing multiple jobs per day, and the clients are happy to pay for the convenience and long-lasting results.”

How Do Christmas and Holiday Light Installers Generate Leads?

Lead generation strategies among installers vary, but most rely on a mix of social media advertising and yard signs. “Facebook ads have been really effective for us,” shared one professional. Another mentioned using a combination of social media and old-fashioned yard signs to drum up local business.

Automation is also playing a key role in the sales process. One installer shared their approach: “I’ve set up automations and AI chatbots that handle inquiries and quotes for me. I send the quote, and the system takes care of the rest.”

Is Permanent Christmas and Holiday Lighting Sustainable?

Despite the excitement, some installers express skepticism about the long-term sustainability of the trend. One industry professional likened permanent lighting to the solar panel industry, suggesting that customers might be overestimating the long-term savings. “People see it as a cost-saving measure, but I’m not convinced it actually saves them money,” they said.

However, others believe the market is strong. One installer responded to the skepticism with confidence: “If there’s demand, there’s value. There’s a millionaire out there because he sold pet rocks — don’t think so small.”

The debate around sustainability also touches on regulatory concerns. As permanent lighting becomes more popular, some worry about the lack of licensing or insurance among installers, especially in neighborhoods governed by Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs). One professional shared, “There’s going to be regulation on this soon. It’s a liability if unlicensed people are installing permanent electrical systems on homes.”

Handling Warranties and Service Calls

One concern that came up repeatedly in our interviews was the issue of warranties and service calls. Several installers mentioned that clients could call back in a few years if something goes wrong with the system. For some, this was seen as a downside, but others embraced the opportunity.

“Why would I be upset about more business?” one professional said with a smile. “We charge for the service, so it’s just more revenue for us down the line.”

Another installer echoed this sentiment, pointing out that it’s all about setting proper expectations with clients. “In our contract, it clearly states that we offer a one-year workmanship warranty, and the product warranty is through the manufacturer. If something breaks after that, we charge for the repair,” they explained.

Final Thoughts

Permanent lighting is proving to be a profitable, growing industry for installers. Whether it’s residential or commercial, the demand for year-round, low-maintenance lighting solutions is strong, and installers who embrace this opportunity are finding new ways to grow their businesses.

With strategic pricing, automation in the sales process, and a willingness to adapt to client needs, professionals in the lighting industry are transforming what was once a seasonal service into a year-round opportunity. If you’re an installer considering adding permanent lighting to your offerings, now might be the perfect time to jump in — just be prepared for the long-term potential, both in profits and service calls.