Get matched with top holiday decorators in Murdo, SD

A blinking, or twinkle, bulb makes Christmas lights blink. Usually, this type of bulb has a silver or red tip, making it easily distinguishable from other non-blinking bulbs. Most packages of Christmas lights come with additional blinking and non-blinking bulbs. Additional bulbs can be purchased at a hardware store or online retailer.

Most contractors will include removal of your lights in the price of installation, but it’s always a good idea to double check. Storage of the lights is often also part of the package when you hire an installation professional, since you might choose to use the same lights for several years.

Good news, Christmas lovers: you can keep your lights up all year, provided you choose the type. It's critical that you choose holiday lights made for outdoor use, as these can withstand winter weather conditions. In addition, it's best to use LED lights instead of incandescent ones. LED bulbs can withstand temperature shifts and are energy efficient. 

If you are considering leaving your holiday lights up year-round, ask your lighting installer about permanent installation. This project costs around $3,500 but gives you about six to 10 years of LED lights and adds a pleasing aesthetic to your home.

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.