What do permanent Christmas lights cost?

The cost of permanent Christmas lights can vary significantly depending on factors such as the size of your property, the type of lights you choose, and the complexity of the installation. Permanent Christmas lights are designed to be installed year-round, often integrated into the architecture of a building or home, and are typically more durable than temporary lights. Here's a breakdown of the costs you can expect:

1. Initial Setup Costs

The installation of permanent Christmas lights involves several key components: the lights themselves, wiring, control systems, and labor for installation. Here’s a rough estimate:

Lights and Materials

• LED Lights: Permanent LED lights are the most popular option due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and vibrant colors. They typically cost more upfront but save money in the long run on electricity bills.

  • Cost per foot: LED strip lights for permanent installations typically cost around £3 - £7 per meter (depending on quality, brand, and type). The more intricate or advanced the lighting (e.g., color-changing LEDs), the higher the cost.

• Control Systems: Many permanent Christmas lights come with smart features, such as the ability to control them through an app or remote control. Some systems allow for programmable effects like twinkling or color changes.

  • Control units can cost between £50 - £200 depending on the sophistication of the system (e.g., basic remote control vs. app-based smart control).

• Wiring & Connectors: Durable wiring and connectors are essential for permanent lights to withstand the elements. Depending on the type of installation (e.g., roofline, gutter), you’ll also need to account for wiring materials, which can cost an additional £100 - £500 depending on your setup.

Installation

• Professional Installation: Installing permanent Christmas lights can be tricky and may require professional help, especially if the lights need to be mounted on the roofline, trees, or other hard-to-reach places.
  • The cost of professional installation varies, but you can expect to pay between £200 - £800 for a typical residential installation. If you have a larger home, more intricate designs, or a more challenging installation (e.g., high roofs), the price can go higher.
  • Some installation companies may also offer a maintenance plan to keep the lights in good working order throughout the year, which may add an additional £100 - £200 per year.

2. Ongoing Costs

Since permanent Christmas lights are designed to be left on year-round, the ongoing costs are generally lower than traditional holiday lights.

Electricity Costs

The ongoing electricity cost of permanent Christmas lights depends on:

• The wattage of the lights
• The total length of the lights
• The number of hours the lights are on each day

For example, if you have 500 feet of LED lights (roughly 150 meters), and they use about 0.05 watts per bulb, here’s a rough estimate for the cost of running them for 10 hours per day:

• Power Consumption: If the lights consume 0.05 watts per bulb, and you have 500 feet of lights, you might have approximately 1000 bulbs.
  • Power consumption = 1000 bulbs × 0.05 watts = 50 watts
  • Daily consumption = 50 watts × 10 hours = 500 watt-hours (0.5 kWh) per day.
  • Monthly consumption = 0.5 kWh × 30 days = 15 kWh
  • Cost: If the electricity cost is around £0.34 per kWh, the monthly cost of running the lights would be:
    • 15 kWh × £0.34 = £5.10 per month

So, running 500 feet of LED lights for 10 hours a day will cost you around £5 - £7 per month on your electricity bill.

3. Total Costs for Permanent Christmas Lights

Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay:

Small to Medium Home (Up to 100 feet/30 meters of lights):

• Initial setup (lights, wiring, installation): £500 - £1,500
• Ongoing electricity costs: £4 - £10 per month

Larger Homes or Extensive Display (Over 200 feet/60 meters of lights):

• Initial setup (lights, wiring, installation): £1,500 - £5,000+
• Ongoing electricity costs: £10 - £30 per month

High-End Installations (With advanced control systems, intricate designs):

• Initial setup: £3,000 - £10,000+
• Ongoing electricity costs: £20 - £50 per month

4. Additional Costs

• Maintenance: Over time, you might need to replace bulbs or fix wiring. Some companies offer annual maintenance packages, which can range from £100 - £300 per year.
• Storage: If you decide to take down the lights at the end of the holiday season, you might need storage solutions (e.g., boxes, hooks, or bins) for the lights when they’re not in use, though this is a relatively minor cost.

Conclusion

• For a small to medium home, the initial installation cost for permanent Christmas lights ranges from £500 - £1,500, with ongoing electricity costs of around £4 - £10 per month.
• For larger homes, the initial setup could go up to £5,000+, while the monthly energy cost would be higher.

While the upfront investment can be significant, permanent Christmas lights are durable, energy-efficient (especially LEDs), and offer the convenience of being up year-round. Plus, they can add a touch of festive cheer to your home every holiday season with little additional effort.