Calgary Lighting: How to Make Your Holiday Lights Last For Years

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the magic of twinkling lights turning Calgary’s frosty nights into a sparkling utopia.

But let’s be honest; nothing dampens that initial excitement of lighting up more than dealing with the tangled mess of broken bulbs and wires from last year. If only there were a way to keep your holiday lights in tip-top shape so that they were ready to go the following year!

Good news: there is! With a few handy tips, your lights can shine bright for seasons to come.

Tips to Make Your Holiday Lights Last

1. Choose Quality Lights

When it comes to holiday lights in Calgary, quality matters, because winters can throw everything from frost to blizzards at your festive displays. You want to invest in high-quality, durable lights—a decision your future self will thank you for.

LED options are your best bet. They last longer, use less energy, and are kinder to your electricity bill. Plus, they’re available in an array of colours and styles to suit any aesthetic. Go for weather-resistant and shatterproof bulbs. These are designed to withstand the cold and resist cracking or breaking in case of sudden drops in temperature or surprise snowball fights.

2. Inspect and Test Before Hanging

Before you start hanging your lights up, take a moment to inspect them. A quick check can save you hours of frustration and possibly a frosty emergency repair run. Look for damaged wires, frayed cords, and burnt-out bulbs that might turn into full-blown safety hazards down the line.

Testing your lights is a must. Plug in each strand to ensure all the bulbs are working. If you find a few duds, don’t panic; you can get spare bulbs or fuses, so replacements are quick and easy. And if the whole strand refuses to cooperate, it might be time to say goodbye to those lights and upgrade.

3. Use Proper Installation Techniques

Hanging holiday lights is both an art and a science. You want your Mona Lisa without the chaos of tangled cords and fused bulbs.

• Start by using the right tools, like plastic clips or hooks, to secure your lights. Not only do these prevent damage to your home’s exterior, but also ensure your wires stay intact. Avoid the temptation to use staples or nails; they may puncture the wires and create electrical hazards.
• Be mindful of your circuits. Overloading them can lead to outages or even overheating, so check the packaging for wattage limits and spread your light displays across multiple outlets. Consider timers to automatically turn your lights on and off. They save energy and reduce wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your lights.
• Think about the layout before starting. Plan where each string of lights will go and ensure nearby outlets are accessible. This will prevent mid-hanging frustration and ensure even coverage. Use extension cords sparingly and only those rated for outdoor use to maintain safety and durability.
• Check the weather before hanging your lights. Installing them on a calm, dry day ensures safety and prevents mishaps caused by slippery surfaces or icy wires. Lastly, secure light strands snugly to prevent them from being dislodged by Calgary’s notorious winds.

4. Cleaning Your Lights After Each Season

Once the festivities are over, your holiday lights need some aftercare before you put them away for the year. Gently clean each strand using a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Your lights have been exposed to harsh winter elements; the build-up can dull their sparkle over time.

Avoid using water or harsh chemicals on any electrical components, as moisture can damage the wiring or corrode metal parts. Instead, focus on dry cleaning techniques and be gentle. You don’t want to snap delicate wires or break any bulbs. A little care now will make unpacking your lights next season a joy rather than a chore and ensure they’re ready to shine again.

5. Coil and Store Properly

Storing holiday lights properly is half the battle and can make for stress-free decorating season after season.

• Start by coiling your lights neatly to prevent knots. Wrap them around your hand or use a sturdy piece of cardboard, spool, or light storage reel to keep them secure. Use zip ties, twist ties, or rubber bands to hold everything in place. Just don’t tie them too tightly to avoid damaging the wires.
• Choose the right storage containers. Plastic bins with lids are excellent for keeping out moisture, dust, and pests. Avoid cardboard boxes, as they can weaken over time and absorb moisture. Consider using transparent bins so you can quickly find your lights next year.
• Store your lights in a cool, dry place, like a basement or closet. Avoid garages or sheds where extreme temperatures or humidity can degrade the insulation and bulbs. If you’re using specialty lights, like icicle strands or net lighting, label the bins to make reinstallation a breeze.

Proper storage not only saves you time but also extends the life of your lights. Green Drop can help you with that! A little extra effort now means you’ll spend more time sipping cocoa and less time dealing with holiday light headaches next year.

6. Avoid Overuse and Damage

Holiday lights are festive, but overuse can shorten their lifespan and even lead to hazards. While it’s definitely tempting to let them shine 24/7 (they look great, so we don’t blame you!), limit runtime to six to eight hours a day. You can use timers to make this effortless and ensure lights turn off at night or during daylight hours.

Surge protectors are another must-have to protect your lights from electrical spikes. Keep an eye on weather conditions and unplug lights during extreme storms to prevent damage from wind, ice, or power surges.

Be mindful of the environment around your lights. Avoid running wires across high-traffic areas where they can be stepped on or tripped over. Similarly, keep strands away from sharp objects, snow shovels, or areas prone to heavy ice build-up.

7. When to Replace vs. Repair

Not all holiday lights are built to last forever, and knowing when to replace them can save you from unnecessary risk and frustration. If strands have frayed wires, cracked insulation, or significant discoloration, it’s time to let them go. Burnt-out bulbs on newer LED lights are often replaceable, but if the same issues keep recurring, replacement might be a better option.

Dispose of old lights responsibly. You should be able to find recycling programs for holiday lights, where they ensure the materials are reused instead of ending up in landfills. When in doubt, upgrading to energy-efficient, weatherproof LED lights is always a good call!

Let Us Light Up Your Holidays in Style

If only there were a way that your home could be brilliantly lit with dazzling holiday lights without you lifting a finger or thinking about storage…

With Green Drop’s holiday lighting packages, that can happen.

We handle it all—from installation and removal to storage too. No tangled cords, no ladder mishaps, no post-holiday clean-up stress. We use durable, energy-efficient lights to create a custom display that suits your home and style.

And when the holidays are over? We pack it all up and store it for next year, so you don’t have to.

We have limited slots and get booked out pretty quickly, so make sure to book ASAP.
Serving not just Calgary but Winnipeg, Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, and Saskatoon as well, we make holiday lighting effortless.