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The length of time shouldn’t matter much if you stick with lightweight Christmas lights and similar decorations. Those shouldn’t pose risks to your stucco. You should avoid attaching anything to your stucco that could fall because it’s too heavy, which may take part of the stucco with it. Some methods, like using double-sided tape or adhesive hooks, will naturally wear out over time and lead to falling lights, so don’t expect to leave these lights up year-round.

Yes, you can synchronize Christmas lights with music to create a DIY light show. To do this, you will need several components. For hardware, you'll need standard holiday lights, decorations, lawn ornaments, tools, outdoor-rated extension cords, a computer, and a light show control system or digital controller. You will also need specialized software to program the show; popular options include Light-O-Rama (LOR), Vixen, xLights, and Animated Lights. Some, like Vixen and Animated Lights, are considered more beginner-friendly. The process involves using the software to program your lights, choosing an audio method such as speakers or an FM broadcast, and testing the entire system to make sure it's working correctly before the show.

There is no formal date for Christmas light removal, but January 2 is a standard day to take them down for many homeowners. However, some homeowners’ associations have strict rules around this topic, mandating that residents remove lights no later than two weeks after Christmas. Check with your local association or community for more information.

If you need to visually inspect your Christmas lights to determine which are good and which need replacement, there are a few things to look for. First, look for discoloration, such as a dark spot or two on the inside of the glass. The spot is an indication of a burnt filament. Also, look for missing filaments, cracked bulb glass, and broken sockets.