Get matched with top holiday decorators in Helena, MT

Permanent lights can save you big in labor costs down the line, as you’ll only need to invest in installing them once. As with regular lights, costs vary based on the display and the size of your home. Costs are similar to hanging regular lights, typically falling between $220 and $650. 

How many string lights can be on one outlet depends on a number of varying factors, including the total wattage of your circuit, the type of lights, the energy needs of the lights, and cord specifications. It’s better to play it safe here to protect your circuit, so figure out the max wattage of your circuit, compare that to the lights, and move on from there. Generally speaking, LED string lights require less energy than incandescent bulbs, translating to a higher number of lights per circuit. 

Professional holiday decorating services cost between $300 and $2,500 or more, with an average cost of about $1,500. The total price depends on the size of your home, the extent of the work, your location, and whether materials are included. Simple interior decoration may cost around $300, while a combination of interior and exterior work often totals around $800. For large or extensive design services, you could pay $2,500 or more. Common service costs can include: exterior holiday light installation ($400), Christmas tree decoration ($200–$600), interior holiday design ($50–$200 per hour), and holiday landscaping ($50–$100 per hour). Note that some prices may only include labor, not the cost of the decorations themselves.

When it comes to bang for your buck, LED lights are the clear winner for Christmas lights. While these will cost more upfront, they’ll last you for many holidays to come—far longer than your basic halogen bulbs. Along with that, they also save you big on energy costs throughout the season.