Every fall, the same question comes up on driveways across London: "So what does it cost to have someone install our Christmas lights?" The honest answer is that it depends — but it depends on five specific things, and once you know them, you'll understand exactly what you're paying for and why two neighbours can get two very different quotes.
We've been installing Christmas lights across London and area since 2012. Here's how the pricing actually works.
1. The size and shape of your home
A single-storey bungalow with a simple, straight roofline takes less light and less time than a two-storey home with multiple peaks, dormers, and valleys. High or complex rooflines also require more safety equipment and more careful work. The more linear feet of roofline you're lighting — and the harder it is to reach — the more your installation involves.
2. How much of your property you want lit
The roofline is the classic starting point. From there, homeowners often add lit wreaths on peaks, wrapped trees, stake lights along walkways and garden beds, and illuminated pillars and garland at the entrance. Each element adds beauty — and each adds materials and installation time. A good installer will design around your budget rather than push you to do everything at once. Many of our customers start with the roofline and add an element each year.
3. First season versus returning seasons
This is the part most people don't know. Professional installations use commercial-grade LED lights that are custom-cut to fit your home exactly — and with us, those lights are yours. You own them. That means your first season includes the lights themselves, and every season after that costs significantly less, because the lights are already bought, custom-fit, and waiting in storage. Returning customers are paying for installation, service, and takedown — not for lights they already own.
4. What's actually included
When you compare quotes, make sure you're comparing the same thing. A complete professional package includes design, installation, in-season service (if a bulb goes out in December, someone comes and fixes it), takedown in the new year, and storage until next season. A quote that looks cheaper but doesn't include takedown or service isn't cheaper — it's incomplete. Everything we quote at Classic Holiday Lights includes all five.
5. When you get your quote
Timing doesn't change the price, but the weather does. Homes quoted in September and October are usually installed before the snow and ice arrive, which makes for a smoother, safer install.
Getting an exact number for your home
Because every home is different, the only accurate price is a quote for your actual house — and that part is easy: send us a photo of your home, or book a quick visit, and we'll put together an exact, no-obligation number. Free quotes: 226-271-6952, serving London, St. Thomas, Strathroy, Dorchester, Ilderton, Komoka, Kilworth, Delaware, and Arva.
