Angi's Data Reveals Holiday Decorating Trends, Joy, and Safety Concerns
The holiday season is nearly upon us, and for a majority of homeowners, that means the annual tradition of hanging lights is quickly approaching. At Angi, we surveyed homeowners across the country to uncover their decorating habits – where the lights go, the struggles they face, and how often they call in a professional to help bring their holiday vision to life.
The Sparkle is Real: Holiday Lights are a Must-Do
For most homeowners, holiday lights are a non-negotiable part of the season.
Yearly Tradition: A dedicated 59% of homeowners decorate their home with lights every single year.
The Intent to Decorate: Following 72% who decorated last year, 68% are already planning to put up lights this year (with another 17% still deciding).
The Parent Effect: Families with children under 18 are the most committed decorators, with 88% having put up lights last year and 86% planning to do so this year.
Timing, Budget, and the Joy Factor
Homeowners start early, spend a little (or a lot), and ultimately agree that lights are an essential source of good cheer.
Getting Started Early: A significant majority (77%) of those putting up lights this year are planning to have them up (or already do) by the end of November.
Take-Down Timing: Most homeowners take down their decor in the new year: 45% during the week of January 1, and 31% by mid-January. (Though 5% still have them up in February!)
The Budget: About one in four homeowners (28%) plan to spend more than $200 on holiday lights this year, though 20% plan to spend nothing.
Ultimately, holiday lights are a key source of joy. 69% of homeowners say holiday lights make them happy, and 70% enjoy seeing how others decorate their homes. For those who find putting up lights stressful (17%) or dread taking down the tree because of the mess (20%), hiring a pro can be the perfect solution to keep the focus on holiday cheer.
DIY vs. Calling a Pro: When the Ladder is Too High
Putting up lights is a labor of love. Many homeowners tackle the task themselves, but a significant portion knows when to call in backup, especially when it comes to tricky,or more intricate, or large-scale jobs.
DIYers Rule: 50% of those who have decorated in the past put their lights up entirely on their own.
Hiring Rate: Overall, 9% hired someone to help or used a professional service.
The Task for Pros: Among all decorating tasks, professionals are most commonly hired for putting up roofline lights (6%).
Parents Need Help: The demand for professional services skyrockets for households with kids: 46% of homeowners with children under 18 say they’re likely to hire a professional service to help this year. For context, that number drops to 25% among all homeowners.
The Hazards of Hanging Holiday Lights
While the results are joyful, the process can be stressful – and even dangerous. A striking 84% report running into issues or injuries during the light-hanging process.
| Common Issues When Putting Lights Up | Safety & Injury Concerns |
|---|---|
| Burnt out bulbs (60%) | 16% have been injured while putting up lights. |
| Tangled or damaged lights (53%) | 17% have had a household member injured. |
| Difficulty hanging or securing lights (32%) | 13% have required medical attention due to such an injury. |
Concerns about putting up lights this year mirror past experiences, with tangled or damaged lights (53%) and burnt-out bulbs (51%) topping the list of worries. About 23% of homeowners are concerned about their safety while decorating.
Despite the risks, many people practice safe habits: 67% typically use a spotter or have someone steady the ladder, and 50% typically use safety gear.
Where the Lights Go
Homeowners are illuminating every corner of their property, but some areas remain timeless favorites:
Indoor Decorating: Among those who put up lights last year, the indoor Christmas tree was the most popular spot by far (78%).
Exterior Displays: The front yard (57%) and porch/patio (53%) are the main outdoor focus areas.
Architectural Accents: Nearly half (49%) decorate windows, mantels, or banisters with lights
From navigating tangled wires and burnt-out bulbs to the physical risk of climbing ladders, homeowners face real challenges in achieving that perfect holiday sparkle. Given that more than one in six homeowners has been injured while decorating, the data clearly shows that safety concerns are valid, and professional help can be a worthwhile investment.
Whether you're vying for the best-decorated house on the block (like the one in ten who admit to being competitive with neighbors) or just decorating for the joy it brings, remember that safety comes first.
If your decorating plans involve high ladders, complicated rooflines, or simply avoiding the annual pre-lit-tree headache, consider booking a local pro through Angi. That way, you can skip the stress – and the emergency room visit – and jump straight to enjoying the lights!