When Is the Best Time to Book a Holiday Lighting Company? Tips From the Pros

The holiday season sneaks up fast, doesn’t it? One minute you’re sipping lemonade under the sun, the next you’re wondering when to call EverLights before everyone else grabs your slot. Timing here matters—just like booking flights or snagging those unbeatable Black Friday deals.

Book ridiculously early. We’re talking August or September. If you want the pick of installation dates and the ability to actually chat with your preferred crew instead of their voicemail, this is your window. Most people don’t think about lights until the leaves have dropped, and by then, companies are sifting through a mountain of requests. According to the International Association of Lighting Management Companies, roughly 40% of customers who wait until after Halloween get on a waitlist or pay rush fees.

Aside from beating the rush, what’s the big deal about booking early? Well, prices for materials tend to creep up as winter gets closer and inventory tightens. Lighting companies often offer early-bird discounts, too. So planning ahead could mean a fatter wallet and a merrier start to your season. Ever try installing lights in mid-December? It’s freezing, and you’re one ladder slip away from an embarrassing holiday hospital story. Leave it to the experts and enjoy your cocoa indoors.

Maybe you’re a last-minute type. You like to live dangerously, huh? Some companies do keep flexible crews for those spontaneous calls, but expect higher prices and fewer time slot options. Consider your neighborhood, too. Some HOAs have strict decoration deadlines. Miss them, and Rudolph’s out of luck.

Don’t forget to ask about removal when you book. Some companies pull those decorations down right after New Year’s, while others offer mid-January slots to let you enjoy the glow a little longer. Clarifying installation and takedown makes the whole experience smoother.