How much does Christmas light installation cost?Avg. range: $260-$661
Estimate the cost of professional Christmas light installation and removal.
By Thumbtack Staff•Last updated Apr 13, 2026
Last updated Apr 13, 2026
The national average cost to have Christmas lights installed ranges from around $260-$661, according to Thumbtack data. Pricing depends on a range of factors including where you want the lights hung, the square footage of your property, whether you’ll need the installer to provide the lights, and whether you will also want the lights removed.
Christmas light installation cost
| National average cost | $260-$661 |
|---|---|
| Low-end cost | $133 |
| High-end cost | $1,338 |
Christmas light installation and removal services can be a huge help for anyone who wants to brighten their home for the holidays (and make sure Santa doesn’t miss their house on Christmas Eve). Professional installers will take care of the tedious and often dangerous task of hanging holiday lights at the beginning of the season, and will return to remove everything after the holidays are over. Let’s get a sense of what you can ask for in terms of Christmas lighting installation and how much it will cost you.
Christmas light installation prices
Average Christmas light installation fees range from $1.25 to $3 per linear foot of lights if you already own the lights you need installed. Most installers charge twice as much to hang lights on the second story of a home as they do on the first. If your roof is hard to reach for anyone without a sleigh, that may cost an additional 20 percent because of the special equipment needed for the job.
Christmas lights price per strand
If you don’t already own Christmas lights, expect to pay between $4 and $30 per strand of lights on average, depending on the quality and type of lights.
Most average-sized homes between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet require at least 10 to 20 strands total. If you want the company installing your holiday lights to provide the lights, you can expect to pay between 50 cents and $2 per linear foot for the strands of lights alone.
Different kinds of lights are available, which will affect the cost. For example, LED lights cost more than incandescent lights, but use less energy and last longer, which can save money in the long run.
Cost of lights to wrap around trees
Wrapping outdoor trees with Christmas lights can cost anywhere from $60 for a small tree to $1,200 for a large tree, depending on the type, shape, and height of the tree. A deciduous tree with open branches requires tight wrapping of the light strings around the branches to achieve the best look, whereas putting lights in a conifer with a typical cone shape may take less time and require fewer lights.
Christmas light removal cost
Having the lights removed when the holiday season is over typically costs about half of what you paid to have the lights put up. Some installers include the cost of removal in the total price, so be sure to ask upfront.
How to save money on holiday light installation
You don’t need light up your entire house to make spirits bright. There are lots of ways to save money on holiday light installations and still have an end result that brings joy to the world. A few things to consider:
- Purchase your own lights instead of buying lights from the installer.
- Buy your holiday lights during the off-season or when they go on sale after the holidays.
- Choose LED lights that will use less electricity and last for more holiday seasons: They may cost more upfront, but save on energy costs over time.
- Be selective: Pick just a few areas to light in the exact way you want, rather than your entire home.
- Schedule your light show: Have your installer put your holiday lights on a timer in order to keep your electricity bill down.
Find holiday light installers near you
Spruce up your home with a little bit of holiday cheer. Start searching for a holiday light installation pros near you on Thumbtack.
A note about project costs featured in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.
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