Table of Contents

• 1. Start with a Vision and Theme
• 2. Plan Your Lighting Layout
• 3. Choose High-Quality, Energy-Efficient Lights
• 4. Add Dynamic Effects
• 5. Keep Safety in Mind
• 6. Make it Last Beyond the Holidays 
• Benefits of Permanent Lighting 
• Enjoy a Brilliant Display Without the Hassle

Nothing brings the festive spirit to your home more than a beautifully lit home. A well-designed lighting display can transform your property into a glowing masterpiece that captures the magic of the season. Whether you love classic white lights or a colorful, musical show, planning your display takes creativity, coordination, and the right technology. 

Here’s how to create the ultimate holiday lighting display—without the stress of tangled cords or hours on a ladder.

1. Start with a Vision and Theme

Before a single light is installed, you need to decide on the look you want. Do you want something elegant and timeless or bright and playful? Choose a theme that matches or complements your home’s architecture and your personal style. Popular holiday lighting themes include:

Classic White Elegance — Warm, white lights along rooflines, windows, and trees.

Winter Wonderland — Icy blues and cool whites for a frosty effect.

Traditional Christmas — Reds, greens, and golds for a nostalgic charm.

Modern and Musical — Dynamic color changes synced to your favorite holiday songs. 

2. Plan Your Lighting Layout

Walk around your home at dusk and visualize where the lights will have the most impact. Focus on key features such as:

• Rooflines and eaves
• Windows and door frames
• Pathways and driveways
• Trees, shrubs, and landscape elements
• Architectural highlights like columns or peaks 

Ensure you have an even distribution of lights to avoid overloading one area. While you can highlight focal points to create interest, you also need to consider symmetry in your design. 

Sketch your layout or use a lighting design app to plan your display and calculate how many lights you’ll need. 

3. Choose High-Quality, Energy-Efficient Lights

For maximum brightness and efficiency, choose LED lighting. They’re durable, long-lasting, and use far less energy than traditional bulbs. Permanent lighting systems typically use LED lights, while also offering year-round use, app control, and programmable colors for every holiday or event. 

With permanent holiday lighting, you can switch from “winter white” to “Valentine’s pink” or “Fourth of July red, white, and blue” in seconds — all without ever climbing a ladder again. 

4. Add Dynamic Effects

Take your display to the next level with dynamic lighting features, such as:

• Color-changing sequences
• Animated transitions
• Music synchronization
• Pathway markers to guide visitors, such as red and white candy cane-shaped lights 
• Timed scheduling for automatic turn-on and shut-off

Modern permanent lighting systems make it easy to create professional-grade effects with just a few taps on your phone. 

To make your display even more unique, add:

• Projectors to cast holiday-themed animations, like falling snow
• Special features like lighted backdrops, Christmas lanterns, neon typography, or large-scale props
• Hanging decor, such as falling snowflakes or stars

5. Keep Safety in Mind

If you’re using traditional string lights, make sure cords and outlets are rated for outdoor use and keep connections off the ground. Avoid overloading circuits and secure lights safely to prevent falls or damage. If you don’t want to get on your roof, deal with tangled or burned-out lights, or put yourself at risk, invest in a professionally installed permanent lighting system designed for safety, durability, and all-weather performance.

6. Make it Last Beyond the Holidays 

One of the best parts of permanent holiday lighting is that your investment doesn’t have to stop at Christmas. With customizable colors and effects, you can celebrate:

• New Year’s Eve
• Valentine’s Day
• Independence Day
• Halloween
• Birthdays, game days, and more

Let your home shine beautifully all year long. 

Benefits of Permanent Lighting 

Weatherproof and Durable — Permanent lights can withstand rain, snow, and heat, so you don’t have to remove them each season. 

Low Maintenance — Once installed, you can enjoy years of use with minimal upkeep. 

Custom-Fit Design — Each system is professionally measured and installed to match your home’s architecture perfectly. 

Smart Control Options — You can change colors, brightness, and effects right from your smartphone or tablet. 

Energy Efficiency — You can save money and energy as LED technology uses 80% less electricity than traditional lighting. 

Enjoy a Brilliant Display Without the Hassle

Creating the ultimate holiday lighting display doesn’t have to include tangled cords, hours outdoors, or climbing icy ladders. With permanent outdoor lighting, you can enjoy a stunning display at the touch of a button, year after year. From elegant whites to festive color shows, your home can shine bright for every occasion — with the hassle of setup or takedown. 

Ready to Light up Your Holidays?

Contact Apex Smart Lighting for a free design consultation and discover how permanent holiday lighting can make your home shine year-round.