Winter is upon us, and you know what that means. It's time to get in the holiday spirit. Who doesn't love driving around and looking at the streets lined with festive light displays? If you've had your Christmas lights for a while, it may be time to upgrade. The good news is that you can keep various holiday lighting options up year-round for less maintenance.

For example, you could upgrade to color-changing LED lights that you could use throughout the year. Those old string lights you've had forever may feel nostalgic, but they can become a safety hazard and are going to rack up a huge energy bill.

If you've got questions, JellyFish Lighting has answers. From commercial to residential lighting, we have the tools to help you create the perfect holiday light display. But, before you purchase any lights, there are some things you need to know. So, let's get started.

When should you put holiday lights up?

If you've never put up holiday lights, you may be wondering when you should do so. A good rule of thumb is to wait until Thanksgiving weekend. Some may do so earlier to avoid cold weather but won't turn them on until later. It will depend on what climate you live in, your preference, and your neighborhood's etiquette.

When in doubt, always ask around. Your neighbors should be able to tell you the ins and out's of what goes in your area. You may even find out about holiday lighting display contests or community efforts you can participate in with your lights.

When should I take them down?

The next question is, when do you take them down? After Christmas is typically the obvious answer, but if lights are still up when Valentine's rolls around, you may have waited too long. If you have holiday string lights up, it's recommended that you take them down by the first week of January. For those in extremely cold climates, you may want to wait until it's warmer, but not turn them on.

This is for string lights and other fixtures specific to the holiday season. If you have permanent roof lights, all you need to do is change the colors or keep them off. The good news is that with permanent lighting, you don't have to mess with installation next holiday season.

Can I keep my holiday lights on all night?

This is going to depend on the type of lights you use and how long you leave them on. Some people like to leave their lights on all night, which is totally fine. Keep in mind that to do this, the lighting should not be disruptive to your neighbors.

Lighting left on all night should not be installed directly across from a close neighbor's window or cause any distractions to drivers. You should also check what type of lights you have before leaving them on for a long time.

Due to energy-saving technology, new LED lights can be left on safely throughout the night. The older color string lights with exposed wires your grandma gave you can overheat and be a fire hazard. If you have older lights, they shouldn't be left on for more than 4-6 hours at a time. Worried about forgetting? You can get a timer to install on the lights so they'll turn off on their own. Better safe than sorry.

When it comes to leaving your holiday lights on overnight, please do your research and be courteous.

How much does it cost to light your house for the holidays?

The cost of a lighting display will depend on a number of factors. For instance, professional holiday light installation will cost more than doing it yourself. It will also depend on whether you'd like your front yard to look like the north pole, or a subtle winter wonderland.

A simple display can cost between $100-300, while a more elaborate design could cost upwards of $1000. So before running out and buying the first lights you see, make sure you have a plan and budget in place. This will help you determine what type of display you should go with, and whether to have professionals install it or not.

What are the holiday lighting trends this year?

Every year, there are new Christmas trends to keep track of. Half the fun is looking at what's new and exciting. For 2022, we are moving away from color and embracing white Christmas lighting. Minimalist decor is in, along with cozy and simple setups inside and outside.

There are also different options to choose from when it comes to white lighting. When does it end? Warm white is the most popular choice due to its soft nature and ability to go with everything. It can be used easily as indoor or outdoor lighting to give a cozy ambiance to any holiday gathering.

We're also seeing all-white decor trends, including the tree. It's a minimalist approach that looks great in any setting. But, of course, you can always break out of the mold and create your own style, too.

White lighting looks fabulous with evergreen accents, such as your Christmas tree. Not to mention, it can be repurposed for all year lighting, with several types available as well. In addition, many trends this year focus on eco-friendly features such as all-natural decorations. One way to embrace this trend is to use new LED lights that are energy efficient and save power.

String lights

String lights have been a long-standing classic for spreading holiday cheer. They're a garland of lights that can be added to trees and lighting displays. Put them on the patio, in the house, or anywhere. As far as holiday light installation goes, they are simple and low-maintenance. Be sure to purchase high quality strands that last.

Permanent roof lights

Instead of string lights that require yearly installation and removal, custom permanent holiday lights are another option. With permanent LED lights, you can change the colors all year instead of sticking to Christmas. They are also energy efficient and will save you cash instead of buying new holiday lighting products yearly.

How can I choose the best holiday light display?

Choosing the right holiday light display for you can be overwhelming. There are so many options to choose from. While you can take from the current trends, what's most important is what YOU want your holiday light display to look like.

You can take Christmas light inspiration from nearly anywhere. Take a look around your neighborhood and see what everyone else is doing. Pick and choose what you like to create your own display. Along with lights, there are many decor options, from inflatables to figurines you can add depending on your vision.

Another great place to find holiday decoration inspiration is on the internet. People LOVE to share their holiday decor on social media platforms. They'll even document the process giving you step-by-step instructions on creating it yourself. Check out Instagram or Tik Tok for how-to's and tons of holiday lighting inspiration. (you can share yours, too.)

Green accents such as trees and wreaths will be great accent pieces, and you can play with other colors to find your own style. We can't wait to see what you come up with.

How can JellyFish Lighting help me with my holiday lights?

Ready to start turning your yard into the North Pole? JellyFish Lighting is here to help. We are a professional holiday lighting service with a variety of solutions. Our team wants to make your dream holiday display a reality.

We offer permanent holiday lights for commercial and residential properties that will last. Our custom designs are perfect for indoor or outdoor use. In addition, we offer energy-efficient LED lighting solutions to help you be eco-friendly all year.

Holiday lights are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer, and our installation team can help you avoid getting up on the ladders. So contact JellyFish Lighting today to get started.