When it comes to decorating homes and commercial properties for the holidays—or adding
year-round exterior lighting—many property owners face the same question: Should I invest in
permanent lights or stick with traditional temporary holiday lights?
For homeowners and business owners across Iowa and the Midwest, this decision isn’t just
about looks. It’s about cost, convenience, durability, safety, and long-term value.
As an Iowa-based professional lighting company specializing in permanent LED lighting
systems, we’ve helped hundreds of customers make this exact choice. In this guide, we’ll break
down the real differences between permanent lights and temporary holiday lights, so you
can decide which option makes the most sense for your property.
What Are Temporary Holiday Lights?
Temporary holiday lights are the traditional string lights most people are familiar with. These are
the lights that are:
● Installed seasonally (usually late fall)
● Removed after the holidays
● Stored in boxes, bins, or garages until next year
They are commonly used for:
● Christmas and holiday decorating
● Short-term events
● One-time seasonal displays
Pros of Temporary Holiday Lights
Temporary lights remain popular for a reason. Some of their benefits include:
● Lower upfront cost: You can buy a set of lights for relatively little money.
● DIY-friendly: Many homeowners install them themselves.
Cons of Temporary Holiday Lights
Despite their popularity, temporary holiday lights come with several drawbacks:
● Time-consuming installation every year
● Risky ladder work, especially on multi-story homes
● Frequent bulb failures and tangled wires
● Ongoing replacement costs
● Limited durability in harsh Iowa winters
Over time, these downsides add up—both financially and physically.
What Are Permanent Lights?
Permanent lights, also known as permanent holiday lights or permanent LED exterior
lighting, are professionally installed lighting systems designed to remain on your home or
building year-round.
These systems are:
● Discreetly mounted under eaves or rooflines
● Nearly invisible during the day
● Fully customizable via app or controller
● Designed for long-term outdoor use
Permanent lighting systems are commonly used for:
● Christmas and holiday lighting
● Accent lighting
● Game days and special events
● Architectural highlighting
● Commercial branding and visibility
Permanent Lights vs Temporary Holiday Lights: A
Side-by-Side Comparison
- Installation and Convenience
Temporary Holiday Lights
● Installed and removed every year
● Requires ladders, clips, and extension cords
● Often rushed due to weather
Permanent Lights
● Installed once by professionals
● Controlled with a smartphone or remote
● Turn on and off instantly
Winner: Permanent lights - Safety
Climbing ladders in freezing temperatures is one of the biggest risks associated with temporary
holiday lighting.
Temporary Holiday Lights
● Increased fall risk
● Electrical hazards from worn cords
● Ice and snow complications
Permanent Lights
● No annual ladder use
● Professionally installed wiring
● Designed for outdoor safety standards
Winner: Permanent lights - Durability and Weather Resistance
Iowa weather is no joke. From freezing winters to summer storms, lighting systems need to hold
up.
Temporary Holiday Lights
● Often fail after one or two seasons
● Not designed for extreme temperature swings
● Prone to water damage
Permanent Lights
● Built for year-round outdoor exposure
● Commercial-grade LEDs
● Designed to withstand Midwest weather
Winner: Permanent lights - Appearance and Curb Appeal
Temporary Holiday Lights
● Visible wires and clips
● Inconsistent spacing
● Often sag or shift over time
Permanent Lights
● Clean, uniform look
● Hidden during the day
● Enhances architectural features
Permanent systems provide a polished, professional appearance that works for holidays and
everyday use.
Winner: Permanent lights - Customization and Control
Temporary Holiday Lights
● Limited color options
● Manual on/off control
● Little to no programmability
Permanent Lights
● Millions of color options
● App-controlled scheduling
● Pre-set holiday and event themes
From Christmas to the Fourth of July to game day colors, permanent lights adapt instantly.
Winner: Permanent lights - Long-Term Cost
This is where many homeowners are surprised.
Temporary Holiday Lights
● Annual purchases of lights and replacements
● Potential professional installation fees each year
● Storage costs and time investment
Permanent Lights
● Higher upfront investment
● Minimal maintenance costs
● No yearly installation or removal
Over 5–10 years, permanent lighting systems often cost less than repeatedly installing
temporary lights.
Winner: Permanent lights (long-term)
Are Permanent Lights Worth the Investment?
For many homeowners and businesses, the answer is yes.
Permanent lights are especially worth it if you:
● Decorate every year
● Own a multi-story home
● Value convenience and safety
● Want year-round lighting options
● Plan to stay in your home long-term
Businesses benefit even more due to:
● Increased visibility
● Branding opportunities
● Professional appearance
● Elimination of annual decorating costs
Permanent Lighting for Iowa Homes and Businesses
As an Iowa-based company, we understand local architecture, weather conditions, and
homeowner expectations. Whether you’re in Ames, Des Moines, or serving customers across
the Midwest, permanent lighting systems provide reliable performance year after year.
Permanent lights are ideal for:
● Residential homes
● Retail storefronts
● Office buildings
● Restaurants and hospitality
● Municipal and community spaces
Environmental Impact: LEDs vs Traditional Lights
Temporary Holiday Lights
● Often use less efficient bulbs
● Short lifespan leads to more waste
● Frequently discarded each year
Permanent LED Lights
● Energy-efficient
● Long lifespan (often 30,000+ hours)
● Reduced material waste
Permanent LED lighting is a more sustainable option for environmentally conscious property
owners.
Common Myths About Permanent Lights
Myth 1: They’re Only for Christmas
Permanent lights can be used year-round for:
● Accent lighting
● Landscape highlights
● Seasonal themes
● Special events
Myth 2: They’re Ugly During the Day
Modern systems are designed to blend seamlessly into your home’s exterior and are barely
noticeable when off.
Myth 3: They’re Too Expensive
While the upfront cost is higher, the long-term savings and convenience often outweigh the
initial investment.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choose temporary holiday lights if:
● You decorate occasionally
● You prefer changing styles yearly
● You’re comfortable with annual installation
Choose permanent lights if:
● You decorate every year
● You want year-round functionality
● You value safety and convenience
● You want a clean, professional look
Final Thoughts: Permanent Lights vs Temporary Holiday
Lights
Temporary holiday lights have their place, especially for short-term or budget-conscious
decorating. However, for homeowners and businesses looking for a long-term, hassle-free,
and professional lighting solution, permanent lights clearly stand out.
With superior durability, safety, customization, and long-term value, permanent lighting systems
are quickly becoming the preferred choice across Iowa and beyond.
If you’re considering upgrading your lighting, a professional consultation can help determine
whether permanent lights are the right fit for your home or business.
Ready to Explore Permanent Lighting?
If you’re located in Iowa or surrounding states and want to learn more about permanent lighting
options, reach out to a local professional for a consultation and see how permanent lights can
transform your property year-round.
