Permanent holiday lights are a low-profile track mounted on the roofline with color-changing LEDs you control from an app. Published guides put installed cost near $3,000–$3,500 for a typical home. Glow My House models $15–$30 per linear foot, before the story multiplier, for planning.
What are permanent holiday lights?
Permanent lights are a weather-rated channel or track fixed along the eaves, holding LED pixels that can show any color. The same lights can be warm white and gold for Diwali, red and green or multicolor for Christmas, cool white for New Year, and other colors the rest of the year. There is nothing to hang or take down each season.
How much do permanent holiday lights cost?
| Roofline | Stories | Estimated range |
|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | 1 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| 150 ft | 1 | $2,250–$4,500 |
| 200 ft | 2 | $4,050–$8,100 |
| 250 ft | 3+ | $6,375–$12,750 |
Last updated: October 22, 2026. Modeled estimates, not quotes. Design concept and rough estimate only, not a quote. The installer sets the final price after inspecting your home.
For comparison, Fixr’s cost guide, updated in January 2025, reports that permanently installed lights average roughly $3,000–$3,500. Prices vary with roofline length, home height, wiring and the brand of system. Our own figures are modeled estimates.
Is permanent lighting cheaper than seasonal lights over time?
It depends on how many seasons you keep it. For a 150-foot, one-story roofline, a full-service lease models at about $750–$1,500 per season and permanent lighting at about $2,250–$4,500 once. That puts break-even roughly 2 to 6 seasons out in this model, before any maintenance or change in the lease price. A lease can be cheaper if you may move or like to change designs.
| 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 |
What should you check before installing permanent lights?
- Electrical: new wiring and a dedicated outlet or controller usually need a licensed electrician, and some villages require a permit.
- HOA and historic districts: fixed hardware on the exterior may need approval.
- Roof and trim: the installer should check the surface and fastening method.
- Warranty and support: ask what is covered and who repairs failures.
Which themes work well with permanent lights?
Permanent lights shine for the three themes on Glow My House: warm white and gold for Diwali, multicolor or warm white for Christmas and cool white for New Year. Preview each on your own house before you decide.
Preview lights on your house → · Chicagoland suburbs
Common questions
How much do permanent holiday lights cost?
Published guides put installed cost near $3,000–$3,500 for a typical home. Glow My House models $15–$30 per linear foot before the story multiplier. Installers set the final price after inspection.
Are permanent lights worth it versus seasonal lights?
They can pay off over several seasons and avoid yearly installation, but cost more upfront. A seasonal lease can be cheaper if you may move or like to change designs.
Do permanent holiday lights need a permit or electrician?
New wiring or a dedicated outlet usually needs a licensed electrician, and some villages require a permit. Check with your installer and your village or HOA.