Cost & commitment
Permanent vs seasonal lighting
By Permanent Lights NW · Updated
Seasonal keeps the commitment smaller. Permanent gives you year-round use. Here is how we price each, what each averages with us and what repeats every year.
Compare all 7 brandsThe short version
What actually changes your decision.
Seasonal costs less upfront
On average, permanent lights run about $3,000 and Christmas lights about $600; smaller homes often cost less, and the free measure gives your exact written quote.
Seasonal repeats every year
Seasonal service is a charge each season: the first installation, then a re-hang every year after. Permanent lights are installed once.
Installation is not every cost
Electricity, maintenance, repairs and any service charges can still apply to permanent lights, so weigh them alongside the installation price.
Consider seasonal
If you want holiday lighting taken down afterward, expect to move soon, or prefer a lower initial spend.
Consider permanent
If you want lighting throughout the year and expect to enjoy the system long enough to justify the upfront cost.
The practical differences
Compare what you’ll live with.
| What matters | Seasonal Christmas lights | Permanent lights |
|---|---|---|
| How it’s pricedWhat each averages with us. | Priced by the foot · No hidden fees Average about $600; smaller homes often cost less, and the free measure gives your exact written quote. [2][1] | Priced by the foot · No hidden fees Average about $3,000; smaller homes often cost less, and the free measure gives your exact written quote. Controller included on track packages. [1] |
| When you payThe part that repeats. | Every season The first installation, then a re-hang each season after, using the lights we stored. [2] | Once The lights stay up. Electricity, maintenance and any repairs can still apply. [3] |
| Use & appearanceThe right choice is also about daily life. | Up for the season Lights and clips come down after the holidays. [2] | Stays up all year Pebble Track: lights in track matched to your finish. C9 Classic: a visible strand and clips. App-controlled colors on both. [3] |
Averages are planning figures, not a quote for your home. We charge by the foot: simple, honest, no hidden fees. Your written quote spells out everything before any work starts.
Beyond the headline
A few details worth a closer look.
Add up five years for your home
For seasonal service, five years is the first season plus four re-hangs. For permanent lights, it is the one installation. Set the two totals side by side for the same roofline, and change the number of seasons if you expect to stay longer or move sooner. One free measure gives you written prices for both.
[2][1]Lower cost is not the only reason to choose
Seasonal service suits someone who wants the roofline clear after the holidays. Permanent lighting suits someone who also values warm white on an ordinary evening. We provide both; the better choice depends on how you will use it.
[2][3]Before you decide
A little more clarity.
Are later re-hang prices guaranteed?
No. Confirm your next-season price and layout in the written service agreement.
Can seasonal payments be credited toward permanent lights?
An upgrade credit is not currently offered. Treat seasonal service and a later permanent installation as separate purchases.
Does permanent lighting have no future costs?
No. Electricity, maintenance, repairs and any service charges can still apply.
Check the details yourself
The information behind this guide.
Manufacturer information describes specific products; our pages describe the installation we offer. Terms and prices can change. Your current written quote should identify the model, scope and applicable coverage.
- Permanent Lights NW pricing & warranty outlineHow we price & our coverage
- Our seasonal installation serviceOur service & pricing
- Our lighting packages & mounting optionsOur installation specifications