Every year in the second week of November, we start getting the same call from homeowners asking whether we can still fit them in. Sometimes we can, but often the schedule is already full. If you want your lights up before the family arrives, this guide covers when to book Christmas light installation in Orlando and across Central Florida, and which dates matter most.
When to Book Christmas Light Installation: The Short Version
- August to September: This is the best time to book. Our schedule is wide open and you get first pick of install dates.
- October: This is still a good time. Most neighborhoods have dates available, but the popular week before Thanksgiving starts to fill.
- Early November: Availability is limited. You will likely get a date, but not necessarily the one you want.
- Thanksgiving week and after: At this point you are usually joining a waitlist. Cancellations do happen, but we would not plan on one.
Why the Schedule Fills So Early
A crew can only install a handful of homes per day, and nearly everyone wants the same window, which is the ten days before Thanksgiving. Multiply that by the number of homes in a single community like Lake Nona or Winter Garden, and the open dates run out quickly.
Supply matters too. We provide everything for your display, including commercial-grade LED Christmas lights, timers, clips and hardware. Homes booked in September are designed and cut before the rush, while homes booked in November are working with whatever is left in stock.
Month by Month: What to Expect
August and September
This is when our returning customers renew and when well-prepared new customers book. In most cases you are not committing to an exact install date yet. You are reserving a spot in the schedule, and we handle the design at a relaxed pace from your photos and satellite images.
October
We begin installs for commercial properties, HOAs and homeowners who like to be first. On the residential side, the schedule fills quickly through the month. The weather is usually cooler and drier by then, which makes for smooth install days.
November 1 to 15
This is peak installation season and our busiest stretch of the year. If you call now, we will probably offer you a date in late November or the first days of December. That still works for most families, but it is not the pre-Thanksgiving install many people have in mind.
Thanksgiving week to December 10
Remaining dates go to the waitlist. We do install through the first half of December, and cancellations open up slots, but we would not count on one.
After December 10
At this point, it makes sense to start thinking about permanent outdoor lighting for next year, or to book seasonal lights for the following season.
What Waiting Until December Really Costs You
Booking late mostly changes what you get for your money.
- Fewer nights lit. A display that goes up on December 10 runs about half as long as one that goes up the week before Thanksgiving. The work and the takedown are the same, but you get fewer evenings to enjoy it.
- Less say on the date. Late bookings take whichever opening is left, even if the lights go up after your holiday party.
- Less room for design. Larger or custom designs need time to plan and the product to build them, and that is hard to fit into a full December schedule.
- A real chance of no opening at all. Once our schedule is full, a waitlist is all we can offer.
Booking early gets you a longer season and the install date you want.
When Do the Lights Go Up?
Booking early does not mean your Christmas lights go on in September. Most Central Florida homeowners want their lights on the day after Thanksgiving, so we schedule installs from mid-October through early December. You choose your window when you book. If you prefer, we install and test the lights, then leave them off on a timer until your turn-on date.
When Do They Come Down?
We remove your lights after New Year’s and store them in our warehouse until next season. Most families ask for removal in the first two weeks of January, and many HOA communities set a deadline in their covenants. If you live in a deed-restricted community, see our guide to HOA Christmas light rules.
What Booking Early Gets You
- Your choice of install date, including the popular week before Thanksgiving.
- A longer season, with more nights of your house lit.
- Time to design without a rush, which leads to a better display.
- Time to plan the product for larger or custom designs.
How to Lock In a Date
Send us your address through the fast quote form. We quote Christmas lighting virtually from photos, measurements and satellite images, then text you a price range. If it works for you, we hold your spot on the schedule, and you do not need a deposit to start the conversation. If you are considering permanent lighting instead, get a free permanent lighting quote and we will send your exact price in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to book Christmas lighting in November?
Usually not, but your choice of dates will be limited. The earlier in the month you reach out, the better your options will be.
Can I book for next year right after Christmas?
Yes, and it is the easiest way to lock in your date. You can renew for the following season when we take your lights down.
How long do my Christmas lights stay up?
Your Christmas lights stay up and lit through the holidays. We take them down after New Year’s and store them in our warehouse, so there is nothing for you to pack away.
Do you install in the rain?
We install in light rain, but not during lightning or heavy storms. Florida weather is the reason we build flexibility into the schedule and include repairs all season.
How far in advance do commercial properties need to book?
Businesses and HOAs should book by early September. We install commercial displays in October so they are ready for the full shopping season. Learn more about commercial Christmas light installation.
