8 Holiday Lighting Tricks to Save You Money

The holidays are magical.

Well, at least until your electricity bill shows up.

Suddenly, those gorgeous Christmas lights don’t look quite so charming anymore.

Don’t worry, though, saving money on your holiday lights doesn’t mean spending your holidays in the dark. With a few smart tweaks to your setup and schedule, you can enjoy a stunning holiday display and keep your energy bill down.

Here are easy, proven tricks to make your home shine bright without the post-holiday shock.

1. Go All In on LED Lights

LED holiday lights use up to 80–90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 20 times longer. They also run cooler, which makes them safer for both your home and outdoor use.

Think of it like this. Running ten strings of incandescent mini-lights for six hours a day over a month could cost around $20 in electricity. Switching to LEDs brings that down to roughly $2–3, and that’s before you factor in longevity.

Bonus tip: Look for Energy Star–certified LEDs. They’re built to higher efficiency and safety standards, so you get brighter colours, longer life, and fewer burnouts.

2. Focus on Key Areas, Not Every Corner

A stunning holiday display doesn’t mean covering every surface. In fact, the most eye-catching designs are strategic.

• Highlight architectural features like rooflines, eaves, and windows.
• Frame the entryway to draw attention to your home’s focal point.
• Add accent lighting to one or two trees or shrubs for depth.

3. Use Timers or Smart Plugs

Leaving your lights on all night is like leaving money on the lawn. Plug-in timers or smart outlets are one of the simplest ways to save energy. They automatically switch lights on at dusk and off around midnight, trimming hours of unnecessary power use.

You can even go high-tech with Wi-Fi smart plugs. These plugs let you control lights from your phone, set schedules, or adjust for holidays and travel. Many have built-in sensors that sync with sunset times, so your display always turns on at the right moment and never burns electricity past bedtime.

Pro tip: Pairing timers with LED lights multiplies your savings. Shorter run times + energy-efficient bulbs = a big difference on your winter bill.

4. Check Your Connections and Extension Cords

Energy waste isn’t always about the bulbs. Damaged or inefficient wiring can cause unnecessary power loss and shorten the life of your lights.

Before each season:

• Inspect cords for frayed wires, cracked insulation, or rusted plugs.
• Replace anything showing wear.
• Use outdoor-rated extension cords that can handle cold temperatures and moisture.
• Avoid daisy-chaining too many strands together. It can overload circuits, causing lights to dim or fail prematurely.
• Weatherproof covers or cord protectors also help prevent energy loss and electrical shorts during storms or freeze-thaw cycles. Fewer failures mean fewer replacements, and that’s real savings.

5. Invest in Quality Clips and Hardware

Here’s a hidden money-saver most people overlook. Cheap plastic clips may cost less upfront but break easily in the cold, leading to sagging lights or replacements each year.

All-weather clips are reusable for several seasons and maintain your display’s clean lines, no drooping strands or uneven spacing. And don’t use nails or staples. They damage shingles, gutters, and siding, causing repairs that quickly outweigh any savings.

6. Layer Your Lighting Strategically

We understand you want your lighting display to look like it’s covering the whole house. There’s a way to do that without adding more lights.

Instead of overloading one area, mix and match styles:

• C9 bulbs for bold roofline outlines
• Mini LEDs for shrubs and trees
• Net lights for bushes or hedges

This layered approach gives visual depth while using fewer bulbs overall. Fewer bulbs mean lower wattage, less draw on your circuits, and a lower bill.

Stick to one colour temperature (like warm white) for cohesion, it creates that Insta-worthy, professional look without using extra power.

7. Reuse and Repurpose Lights from Previous Years

Not every holiday upgrade requires new lights. A little maintenance goes a long way in extending what you already own.

Before tossing old strands:

• Plug them in and check for broken or missing bulbs.
• Replace individual bulbs instead of entire strings.
• Store lights neatly after the holidays. Keep them coiled, dry, and elevated to avoid moisture damage.
• Properly stored lights can last five to seven seasons easily. The fewer replacements you make, the more you save.

Our clients get free off-season storage and pre-season inspection, meaning their lights are tested, labelled, and ready for flawless reinstallation every year.

8. Consider Professional Installation

Hiring a professional lighting service might seem like a splurge, but it can actually save money and stress in the long run.

Here’s why:

• Precision planning: Custom-cut lights mean no wasted product or tangled cords.
• Energy efficiency: Pros calculate the ideal power load to avoid overloads and wasted current.
• Durability: Professional-grade LEDs and hardware last years longer than store-bought alternatives.
• No repair costs: Expert installers eliminate the risk of roof or gutter damage from DIY setups.
• Time is money: Your weekends stay free, and your lights are perfect from day one.

Bonus Tip: Buy Lights and Supplies Off-Season

Timing your purchases can save a bundle. Retailers heavily discount holiday lighting after New Year’s, sometimes by 50–70%. Stocking up in January or February means you can afford higher-quality LEDs and accessories next year at a fraction of the price.

Better yet, premium-grade lights don’t change design yearly, so you’re not buying outdated models. Even if you move to a professional service later, you can repurpose these lights for indoor or accent décor.

Smart Lighting Shines Brighter (and Costs Less)

Holiday lighting doesn’t have to drain your bank account or your energy grid. Small choices like switching to LEDs, setting timers, focusing your design, and caring for your lights add up to big savings over the season.

If you want a holiday lighting display that’s as efficient as it is beautiful, leave it to the professionals.

Our holiday lighting services take care of everything, from design to takedown, using energy-efficient, CSA-approved LEDs that cut costs and keep your home glowing safely.

Our WCB-insured crews serve Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Regina, bringing efficiency and expertise to every installation.

Book now to secure your installation date, and enjoy a season that’s bright, beautiful, and budget-friendly.