Book holiday light installers as soon as you have a design. Diwali is November 8, 2026, Thanksgiving is November 26 and Christmas is December 25, and installers fill their calendars through the season. Many Chicago-area homeowners aim to be lit by Thanksgiving weekend, so request installers by early November.
When should I book holiday light installers?
| Occasion | Date | Our guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Diwali | Sunday, November 8 | Request as early as you can and choose the “Before Diwali” window. |
| Thanksgiving weekend | November 26–29 | The common start of the lighting season. Request by early November. |
| Christmas | Friday, December 25 | Request by mid November for an early-December install. |
| New Year’s Eve | Thursday, December 31 | Request by early December, or keep Christmas lights up and switch colors. |
Last updated: October 22, 2026. Guidance only: availability depends on each installer’s calendar.
Why book early?
Installers schedule crews by neighborhood, and the weeks before Thanksgiving and in early December are the busiest. Early requests give you the window you want, time to check HOA rules and room to adjust the design. Late requests may mean a later install or no availability.
What happens after I submit a request?
In Chicagoland, we send your photo, light map and rough estimate to up to three local installers, who contact you to inspect the home and quote. Outside Chicagoland, your request joins a waitlist and is not shared until installers are available there.
When do lights come down?
Many households remove lights in the first half of January. A full-service lease includes takedown, so agree on a removal window when you book.
Start your design → · Chicagoland suburbs
Common questions
How far ahead should I book Christmas light installation?
Request installers as soon as you have a design. Many Chicago-area homeowners aim to be lit by Thanksgiving weekend, so request by early November.
Can I get Diwali lights installed in time?
Diwali is November 8, 2026. Request as early as possible and choose the earliest window. Availability depends on local installers.