How to Start a $120k/Month Christmas Lights Installation Business
Getting Started · 10 min read read · By daniilsells
Learn how to start a profitable Christmas lights installation business, price jobs correctly, use the leasing model for recurring revenue, and scale past $120k/month using the same systems top service companies rely on.
Why Christmas Lights Installations Are So Profitable
Christmas lights installation is one of the highest-margin seasonal services in home improvement. While most service businesses slow down in December, professional lights installers often make at least $120,000 per month.
Here’s why:
Low startup cost
Ladders, light wire, bulbs, clips, and a few basic tools.
High-ticket jobs
The industry standard is $8–$12 per foot, meaning most homes start at $2,000+.
Fast jobs
A typical install takes 1–3 hours once you’re organized.
Built-in recurring revenue
Because the installer owns all materials, customers return every year for reinstallation at a lower cost than switching to anyone else.
Understanding the Leasing Model (The Key to Recurring Revenue)
The biggest mistake new installers make is letting the customer “buy” the lights.
Professionals use a leasing model, which works like this:
You (the installer) buy all materials
You custom-cut the bulbs and wires to the customer’s exact roofline
You store or label the materials for next year
The customer pays you for installation + removal
Next year, they only pay for installation/removal again
Because you own the lights, customers are locked into using you and your renewal rate becomes 90%+.
This creates automatic December income, every single year.
What You Need to Start
You don’t need a huge crew or expensive tools. A professional Christmas lights setup typically includes:
Essential Materials
C9 Light Socket Wire
C9 LED Bulbs (warm white, cool white, or custom colors)
Male & Female Plugs
Universal Light Clips
Outdoor Extension Cords
Timers & Smart Plugs
Electrical Tape (weatherproofing)
Glue Gun (for windows, dormers, or tricky spots)
Tools
24–32 ft extension ladder
Storage bins for labeled strands
This entire setup typically costs $400–$600 and can be used for dozens of installs.
How to Price Christmas Lights Jobs (With Real Numbers)
Most professionals charge by the linear foot of roofline:…