When should Christmas lights go up — and when should they come down? There's the traditional etiquette answer and the practical Texas-weather answer, and they don't always agree. Here's a clear timing guide for DFW homeowners, plus why the smart move is earlier than you think.
When to put Christmas lights up
The traditional window is the weekend after Thanksgiving — but in practice, early-to-mid November is the smart time to install, even if you don't turn them on until after Thanksgiving. Here's why: installing in mild November weather is far safer and more pleasant than on a freezing December roof, and it beats the rush when every installer in DFW is slammed. You control when they switch on; you don't control the weather on installation day.
When to turn them on
Most households flip the lights on the day after Thanksgiving, kicking off the season. Etiquette-wise, anytime from late November onward is widely accepted. Put them on an automatic dusk-to-late-evening timer so you're not running them overnight or remembering to switch them each night.
When to take Christmas lights down
Tradition points to a few markers: New Year's Day for the practical, January 6th (Epiphany / Twelfth Night) for the traditional, and "whenever it's a nice enough day to get on the ladder" for the realistic. Most DFW homeowners take lights down in the first two weeks of January. Leaving them up much past mid-January starts to read as neglect rather than festivity — though unlit permanent-style systems are a different story.
Why booking a pro early matters most
Here's the timing factor people miss: professional installers book up. The best companies fill their November and early-December calendars by October. If you wait until you see your neighbors' lights go up to start calling around, you may not get installed before the dates you want. Booking in early fall locks in your preferred install window and often the best pricing.
The Texas weather factor
North Texas weather is unpredictable in December — cold fronts, ice, and wind can make rooftop work dangerous or force delays. Installing in November sidesteps most of that risk. And if a cold front knocks a section down mid-season, a professional service includes repairs, so you're not the one on a ladder in 30-degree wind in late December.
Lock in your install date now
Our best November and December dates fill up by October. Reserve your spot across DFW and skip the December scramble.
Reserve Your Date →Frequently asked questions
When should you put up Christmas lights?
Early-to-mid November is the smart time to install, even if you wait until after Thanksgiving to turn them on. November weather is milder and safer for rooftop work, and you avoid the December installer rush.
When should you take Christmas lights down?
Most people take them down in the first two weeks of January. Traditional markers are New Year's Day or January 6th (Epiphany). Leaving them up much past mid-January tends to read as neglect.
When do professional installers book up in DFW?
The best companies fill their November and early-December calendars by October. Booking in early fall locks in your preferred install window and often the best pricing.
Is it bad to install Christmas lights in December in Texas?
It's riskier — North Texas cold fronts, ice, and wind make December rooftop work dangerous and can force delays. Installing in November sidesteps most of that, which is why pros recommend booking early.