There’s a moment every November when the idea of permanent holiday lights starts to make a lot of sense. You pull the lights out of the garage, plug them in, and discover that half a strand has given up. Then you look up at that second-story gable and remember you still have to take everything down in January.
Permanent holiday lights take that annual chore off the calendar. But once the Christmas colors are off, will you still be glad you installed them? That depends on how the lights look on an ordinary Tuesday, in daylight and after dark.
What are permanent holiday lights?
One common setup uses small, individually controlled LEDs set into a track under the eaves. The track stays up year-round, and an app typically lets you choose colors, adjust brightness, and set a schedule. A track that matches the trim can blend into the roofline, especially when it’s tucked under the fascia.
Christmas may get you interested, but the warm-white setting is worth a close look. You might use it when guests are coming over, switch to red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July, or put up school colors on a Friday night. Ask to see the system dimmed down in person. The soft glow you pictured and the effect you get on your brick or stone can look quite different.
What to look for in an installation quote
Start with the front roofline. On many homes, the front gables and porch give you most of the look you want from the street. If you spend more time on the back patio, price that area separately and ask whether it can run on its own schedule. Have each installer quote the same sections of the house so you can compare the work you’d actually receive.
- Daytime appearance. Ask to see a finished installation on a house with similar trim. Look at how the track follows the peaks and where the wiring crosses gaps in the roofline.
- Everyday settings. Try the warm-white setting, the dimmer, and the timer. Find out whether you can light just the porch or a few architectural features on a regular evening.
- Repairs and warranty. Ask whether a failed light can be replaced on its own and whether the warranty covers labor. Find out who services the system and what happens if the controller needs replacing.
- Roof and trim work. Ask how the track is attached and what happens if you need to repaint the fascia, replace gutters, or have work done near the eaves.
If you’re in an HOA community, check the current exterior-modification guidelines before you schedule installation. Ask specifically about a track that stays in place year-round and any rules covering when you can run colors or animated settings.
Are they worth the money?
If you already pay someone to install and remove your Christmas lights, add up what you spend each season and compare it with the price of the permanent system. Include any service costs you know about, and think about how long you expect to stay in the home. If you hang a few strands yourself and use them only in December, the convenience may be the biggest thing you’re buying.
From a real estate perspective, I’d treat permanent lighting as something to enjoy while you live there. A clean installation can make a home look inviting in the evening. For resale, I’d pay particular attention to how the track looks from the curb in broad daylight. If you do sell, keep the warranty paperwork and instructions for transferring app control handy for the next owner.
If you’re on the fence, take a walk around your McKinney neighborhood after dinner and look at the houses whose lighting you like. Then pass by again in daylight. If you like the house both ways, you’ll have a much better idea of what to ask for in a quote.
Jared Tye, Broker/Owner of Tye Realty Group in McKinney, Texas.