Professional Christmas light installation in the US typically costs $2–$7 per linear foot, or roughly $220–$685 for an average home, according to published cost guides. Glow My House’s modeled full-service lease runs $5–$10 per foot because it also covers lights, maintenance, takedown and storage.
How much does holiday light installation cost?
| Package | Per linear foot | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Full-service lease | $5–$10 (up to $12 in high-cost metros) | LED lights, installation, maintenance, takedown, storage |
| Installation only (you own the lights) | $2–$5 | installation |
| Permanent track lighting | $15–$30 | LED lights, installation, maintenance |
Last updated: October 22, 2026. Our figures are modeled estimates (pricing model 2026-10-22), not installer rate cards.
How does the number of stories change the cost?
| Home height | Multiplier | Full-service lease on 100 ft |
|---|---|---|
| 1 story | ×1 | $500–$1,000 |
| 2 stories | ×1.35 | $675–$1,350 |
| 3+ stories | ×1.7 | $850–$1,700 |
What do worked examples look like?
| Roofline length | Home height | Estimated range |
|---|---|---|
| 75 ft | 1 story | $375–$750 |
| 125 ft | 1 story | $625–$1,250 |
| 150 ft | 2 stories | $1,010–$2,025 |
| 200 ft | 2 stories | $1,350–$2,700 |
| 250 ft | 3+ stories | $2,125–$4,250 |
| Roofline length | Home height | Estimated range |
|---|---|---|
| 75 ft | 1 story | $250–$375 |
| 125 ft | 1 story | $250–$625 |
| 150 ft | 2 stories | $405–$1,015 |
| 200 ft | 2 stories | $540–$1,350 |
| 250 ft | 3+ stories | $850–$2,125 |
What do trees, bushes and wreaths cost?
| Add-on | Range |
|---|---|
| Tree wrap (each) | $60–$150 |
| Bush or shrub (each) | $20–$50 |
| Wreath (each) | $40–$100 |
What do published cost guides say?
| Source | What it reports |
|---|---|
| Angi (national) | Average about $444; most homeowners pay roughly $220–$684. |
| Angi (Chicago) | Average about $600; typical range roughly $264–$937; about $2.50–$7 per linear foot all-in. |
| HomeAdvisor | About $2.50–$7 per linear foot for professionally installed lights. |
| Fixr (January 2025) | About $250–$650 per job and $2–$5 per foot; multi-story and hard-to-reach roofs cost more; permanent lights average roughly $3,000–$3,500. |
These are third-party estimates gathered in October 2026 and paraphrased here; check each source for its current figures. Our own numbers are modeled estimates. They are higher than the headline ranges above on purpose: the lease model includes commercial-grade lights, in-season maintenance, takedown and storage, which many hang-only quotes exclude.
What is included in each package?
A full-service lease bundles commercial LED lights, installation, in-season maintenance, takedown and storage. Installation-only covers labor when you supply the lights. Permanent lighting is a one-time installed track that can change color for each holiday. Always confirm inclusions in the installer’s written quote.
What can make a real quote higher or lower?
- Roof pitch, height and material.
- Access, lifts and ground conditions.
- Electrical outlets and circuits.
- HOA rules, permits and other local requirements.
- Minimum job charges, which most installers apply to small homes.
Design concept and rough estimate only, not a quote. The installer sets the final price after inspecting your home.
Where can I get a price for my own house?
Preview your lights to get a range for your roofline, or see local pages such as Naperville, Evanston and all Chicagoland suburbs. For longer-lasting options, read about permanent holiday lights.
Common questions
How much does it cost to hang Christmas lights in Chicago?
Published guides put Chicago-area installation near $2.50–$7 per linear foot, with an average around $600 and a typical range of roughly $264–$937. In our model, a full-service lease runs about $5–$10 per foot for a one-story home. Installers set final prices.
How much does it cost to hang Christmas lights?
In our model, a full-service lease runs about $5–$10 per linear foot for a one-story home, with a $250–$300 minimum. Taller homes cost more. Installers set final prices after inspecting your home.
Is leasing lights cheaper than buying them?
Leasing costs more in cash but includes lights, maintenance, takedown and storage. Buying lights and hiring labor-only installation costs less in cash but leaves storage, repairs and replacement to you. See our lease vs buy guide.
Can I preview Christmas lights on my house before paying?
Yes. Upload a photo to the Glow My House designer, mark your roofline and see lights on your own home for free, with no account or card.
Are these figures market averages?
No. They are modeled estimates maintained by Glow My House, not installer rate cards or researched national averages.