Every year in the second week of November, our phones fill with the same question: can you still fit us in? Sometimes the answer is yes. Often it is not. If you want your lights up before your holiday guests arrive, this is the timeline that actually matters in Orlando and across Central Florida.
The Short Version
- August to September: the best time to book. Full calendar open, early pricing, first pick of install dates.
- October: still good. Most neighborhoods have dates available, but the popular pre-Thanksgiving week starts to fill.
- Early November: limited. You will likely get a date, but not necessarily the one you want.
- Thanksgiving week and after: waitlist territory. Cancellations happen, but you should not plan on one.
Why Calendars Fill So Early
A professional crew can install a handful of homes per day, and the window everyone wants is the same: the ten days before Thanksgiving. Multiply that by the number of homes in a single community like Lake Nona or Winter Garden and the math runs out fast.
There is also a supply side. Commercial lighting companies order product months ahead. Homes booked in September are designed and cut before the rush; homes booked in November are competing for what is left on the shelf.
Month-by-Month: What Actually Happens
August and September
This is when returning customers renew and when the smartest new customers book. You are not committing to an install date yet in most cases. You are reserving a spot in the schedule and locking in pricing. Design consultations happen now, at a relaxed pace.
October
Installs begin for commercial properties, HOAs, and homeowners who prefer to be first. On the residential side, most calendars are 50 to 70 percent full by Halloween. Florida weather is cooler and drier, which makes for smooth install days.
November 1 to 15
Peak installation season. Crews run six days a week. If you call now, you will probably be offered a date in late November or the first days of December. That is still fine for most families, but it is not the pre-Thanksgiving install many people picture.
Thanksgiving week to December 10
Remaining dates go to the waitlist. We do install through the first half of December, and cancellations open slots, but it is not something to count on. This is also when premium pricing applies with most companies.
After December 10
Realistically, this is when to start thinking about permanent outdoor lighting for next year, or to book seasonal lights for the following season at early pricing.
When Do the Lights Actually Go Up?
Booking early does not mean your lights are on in September. Most Central Florida homeowners want lights on the day after Thanksgiving, so installs are scheduled from mid-October through early December. You choose your window during booking. Lights are installed, tested, and left off on a timer until your turn-on date if you prefer.
When Do They Come Down?
Takedowns run through January. Most families ask for removal in the first two weeks of the new year, and HOA communities often have a deadline in their covenants. See our guide to HOA Christmas light rules if you live in a deed-restricted community.
What Booking Early Gets You
- Your choice of install date, including the popular week before Thanksgiving.
- Early pricing, before peak-season rates.
- A design consultation without the rush, which produces a better display.
- Guaranteed product availability for larger or custom designs.
How to Lock In a Date
Send us your address and the service you are interested in through the fast quote form. We text back a price range, and if it works for you, we hold a spot on the calendar. No deposit is needed to get the conversation started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to book Christmas lighting in November?
Usually not, but your choice of dates will be limited and you may pay peak-season pricing. Call early in the month for the best odds.
Can I book for next year right after Christmas?
Yes, and it is the easiest way to guarantee your date and pricing. Many of our customers renew for the following season during takedown.
Do you install in the rain?
Light rain, yes. Lightning or heavy storms, no. Florida weather is why we build flexibility into the schedule and why maintenance is included all season.
How far in advance do commercial properties need to book?
Businesses and HOAs should book by early September. Commercial installs happen in October so displays are ready for the full shopping season. Learn more about commercial Christmas light installation.
