Holiday Lighting Safety Checks When Your Lights Are Up

Once the lights are up, you’re bound to stop thinking about them. They’re up, you’ve done the job, time to enjoy.

Unfortunately, winter in our part of the world doesn’t stand still. Snow, wind, and temperature swings slowly put pressure on cords, plugs, and connections.

That’s where a simple mid-season safety check comes in.

You can catch small issues before they turn into bigger ones, keeping your display worry- and accident-free through the holidays.

1. Start With a Simple Visual Walk-Around

Do a slow walk around your home during daylight. You’re looking for obvious changes since installation:

• Sagging or drooping light strands
• Sections resting directly on shingles, gutters, or sharp edges
• Lights partially buried by snow or pressed under ice
• Flickering sections or bulbs that cut in and out
• Any cords that look twisted, pinched, or pulled tight

If something looks different than it did a few weeks ago, that’s your cue to take a closer look. Even what might seem like small changes can add stress to wiring and connections over time.

2. Ensure Cord Safety

Extension cords are often the weak link in holiday lighting setups, especially mid-season.

Make sure all cords are outdoor-rated and cold-weather approved. Indoor cords become brittle in low temperatures and crack more easily, even if they “look fine” at first glance.

Check that cords:

• Aren’t running under snow piles or ice build-up
• Aren’t stretched tight or rubbing against sharp edges
• Aren’t pinched in doors or windows
• Stay clear of walking paths to prevent trip hazards

Cold plastic doesn’t flex the way it does in mild weather. A small crack in insulation can allow moisture in, which is why mid-season checks matter just as much as proper installation.

3. Power Sources & GFCI Protection

All outdoor holiday lighting should run through GFCI-protected outlets. If they don’t, make sure to fix this. These outlets shut off power if moisture or an electrical imbalance is detected, reducing the risk of shock or fire.

Mid-season is a good time to:

• Press the “test” button on your GFCI outlet
• Confirm it resets properly
• Make sure outdoor covers are still sealed and intact

If a breaker keeps tripping, don’t ignore it. Repeated resets can point to overloaded circuits, moisture intrusion, or damaged cords. That’s a sign to shut things off and investigate rather than hoping it resolves itself.

Also, avoid daisy-chaining multiple extension cords together. Longer runs increase resistance and heat, especially when cords are buried under snow.

4. Weather & Moisture Checks

Snow, ice, and freeze–thaw cycles introduce moisture in ways you don’t see right away.

Pay special attention to:

• Plug connections sitting directly on the ground
• Snow melt dripping into outlets or connectors
• Ice forming around sockets or bulb bases

Whenever possible, keep plug connections elevated and protected with weather-rated covers. If you notice pooling water near ground-level connections during a mild spell, it’s worth repositioning cords before colder temperatures return.

5. Rooflines, Trees & Structural Safety

Lights attached along rooflines and trees take the most abuse from winter weather.

Look for:

• Strands rubbing against shingles
• Clips that may have shifted or loosened
• Tree branches pulling on cords when it’s windy
• Snow weight stretching light runs

Avoid climbing ladders in icy conditions. Many winter injuries happen during “quick fixes” that seem manageable until someone slips. If adjustments can’t be done safely from the ground, it’s better to leave them until conditions improve.

6. Check Clips, Fasteners, and Attachment Points

Clips and fasteners quietly take the brunt of winter weather. Wind, snow weight, and freeze–thaw cycles can slowly loosen even well-installed attachments.

Mid-season, take a look for:

• Clips that have shifted or popped loose
• Sections where the lights are sagging or pulling away from the roofline
• Strands rubbing against shingles, siding, or gutters
• Tension points where cords feel overly tight

Loose attachment points increase friction and strain on wiring, which can lead to insulation wear or unexpected disconnections later in the season. Avoid quick fixes like tape, nails, or staples. These can cause roof and siding damage and create new safety risks.

If attachments have failed and can’t be adjusted safely from the ground, it’s best to reduce tension on the strand or leave that section off until conditions are safer.

7. Timers & Usage Checks

We’ve said this in other articles, and we’ll say it again: timers aren’t just convenient but quite needed for lighting protection.

Mid-season, confirm that:

• Timers are still set correctly
• Lights aren’t running 24/7
• On/off cycles align with darkness and weather conditions

LED lights run cooler than older bulbs, but they still need airflow. Continuous use combined with snow build-up can shorten their lifespan and strain wiring unnecessarily.

8. Heat Build-up and Overloaded Sections

LED holiday lights are designed to run cooler, but that doesn’t mean heat isn’t a factor, especially mid-season.

Take a moment to check:

• Connection points where multiple strands meet
• Corners or tight clusters along rooflines
• Areas where lights are bundled or buried under snow

When lights are packed tightly or covered by snow, airflow is reduced. Over time, this can cause connectors and wiring to warm up more than intended. Always check for heat only when the lights are turned off and safe to touch.

Warning signs include:

• Warm or soft-feeling insulation
• Warped sockets or connectors
• A faint burning or plastic smell

What to Do If You Spot a Problem

Some fixes are simple. Others aren’t worth the risk.

It’s usually safe to handle minor adjustments only when conditions are dry and footing is solid. Things like:

• Re-seating a loose plug
• Clearing snow away from ground-level cords
• Adjusting a timer or outlet cover

However, there are clear situations where the safest move is to shut the lights off and leave them off. If you see:

• Exposed wiring
• Sections that repeatedly trip a breaker
• Lights that flicker unpredictably
• Ice forming directly around plugs and connections
• Signs of lights heating up

These all point to problems that shouldn’t be ignored. Trying to “power through them” can turn a small issue into property damage or a safety hazard.

Holiday lighting should never feel urgent or risky. If something doesn’t feel safe, trust that instinct. Professional holiday lighting services exist for this exact reason. Sometimes peace of mind comes from knowing when to step back and let trained hands take over.

Enjoy the Season Without the Stress of Unsafe Lighting

Holiday lights are meant to lift the holiday spirit, not add worry. A quick mid-season check ensures your display stays safe, steady, and enjoyable through the rest of winter.

Conditions change. Snow shifts. Temperatures swing. Taking a few minutes to look things over now can prevent headaches later.

And if you’d rather not worry about any of it, Green Drop’s professional holiday lighting services handle everything from secure installation and mid-season adjustments to takedown when the season wraps up. Our WCB-insured crews know how to work safely in winter conditions and use systems designed to protect your home while keeping your display looking sharp.

We provide services across Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Regina, helping homeowners enjoy their holidays with confidence.