Should You Leave Your Christmas Lights Up All Year? Pros & Cons from the Experts at Grey Rock Group
Christmas light removal in Calgary, protect your lights from UV damage and Alberta weather.
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been tempted to leave our Christmas lights up past the holidays. Whether it’s because they still look great or because taking them down just feels like a chore, you’re not alone. At Grey Rock Group, we install Christmas lights on homes, businesses and large trees across Calgary and surrounding areas, and we’ve seen it all, from mid-September installs to lights still twinkling in June.
But is it actually a good idea to leave your Christmas lights up all year? Here’s our take on the pros and cons of year-round holiday lighting, so you can make the right choice for your home.
Pros of Leaving Your Christmas Lights Up All Year
1. Convenience
Skipping the take-down process saves time and effort. No ladders, no storage, and no trying to untangle wires next winter. For busy homeowners, this can be a huge win.
2. Budget-Friendly (in the short term)
Keeping your lights up can reduce costs associated with seasonal Christmas light removal and reinstallation. If you’re not planning to change your design year to year, this might make sense for a year or two.
3. Year-Round Ambience
Some people use holiday lighting creatively throughout the year, adding soft white lights to backyard spaces or trees for summer BBQs and evening patio vibes. The right lights can transition beautifully from Christmas to cozy.
Cons of Leaving Your Christmas Lights Up All Year
1. UV Damage & Wear
Most Christmas light strands aren’t designed to withstand sun exposure for 12 months straight. UV rays can crack plastic, fade colours, and shorten the life of your lights, especially if they’re not commercial-grade. On top of that, Calgary’s hailstorms can easily damage light strands, as they aren’t designed to withstand that kind of impact.
2. Higher Long-Term Costs
While it might seem cheaper to leave your lights up, it can actually be more expensive over time. Prolonged exposure to the elements means the product will wear out faster, leading to more frequent replacements and potentially higher material costs in the long run.
3. Potential HOA or Bylaw Issues
In some Calgary neighbourhoods, homeowners’ associations or community guidelines may not permit visible holiday lighting outside of certain months. Always check before making it a year-round feature.
4. Curb Appeal
While twinkling lights look magical in December, they can look out of place come summer. What looks festive in the snow might look forgotten in July.
5. Safety Hazards
Weather can shift quickly in Alberta. Winds, ice, and storms can loosen or damage unsecured light strands. Over time, that can create electrical hazards or fall risks, especially with second-storey or peak installations.
Our Recommendation
As professional Christmas light installers in Calgary, we recommend taking your lights down each year after the season ends. It helps protect your investment, keeps your home looking sharp, and reduces risk. Plus, it gives you a fresh canvas to try something new next holiday season!
Not ready to deal with the ladder and tangled cords? Let Grey Rock Group handle it. Our team offers full Christmas light takedown services so you can enjoy the magic without the hassle.
Need Help with Christmas Light Removal or Installation?
Whether you’re prepping for the holidays or finally ready to take those lights down, Grey Rock Group has you covered. From rooftops and peaks to tree wraps and custom designs, we install and remove residential and commercial Christmas lights that stand out, without standing up there yourself.
