Everything You Need To Know Before Installing Christmas Lighting for Your Calgary Yard

As the holiday season nears, it’s time to pull out the big guns and get ready for the best time of the year—Christmas!

Cue in Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas.

Today, we help you unravel the mysteries of Christmas lighting without the menace of tangling up in a web of extension cords. You want your Christmas cheer to light up your house and yard, and not the fuse box!

Planning Your Christmas Display in Calgary

Start early with your Christmas lighting prep and get the best seat in the house when the lights come on. You’re basically choreographing the perfect routine where all your lights and decorations have parts to play.

• Begin with a sketch. Yes, actually draw out where you’d like the lights to go. This saves time and helps allocate resources. You don’t want to end up buying more lights than you need. Use a notepad to map out your roofline, windows, trees, and bushes. The sketch can serve as your blueprint down the line.
• The best designs are born under the cover of night. Take a stroll around your yard after sunset to understand how shadows and existing lighting play into your vision. Notice how the light falls and where shadows loom. It’s the perfect time to envision how the lights could interact with the natural and architectural elements of your home.
• Ever walked into a holiday sale only to find the shelves empty? Likewise, professional holiday lighting installers get booked fast. Scheduling your lighting installation early not only guarantees you a spot but also often secures better rates. Plus, it leaves you ample time for adjustments and weather-related rescheduling.

The Right Lights for the Occasion

The type of lights you choose can make a significant difference in both the spectacle and your electric bill. Aim to get lights that are efficient, durable, and suitable for Calgary’s climate.

Here are some options to consider:

Incandescent vs. LED vs. Fluorescent

• Incandescent Lights: The traditional choice for many, these bulbs are known for their warm, inviting glow. However, they're not the most energy-efficient and tend to have a shorter lifespan. If you're going for a classic look and don't mind the higher energy costs, these will be your go-to.
• LED Lights: If longevity and energy efficiency are your priorities, LED lights are the champions. They use up to 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Plus, they come in a vast array of colours and styles, making them versatile for any theme.
• Fluorescent Lights: These are less common for holiday decor due to their specific colour output and bulkier size, but they offer a middle ground in energy efficiency between incandescent and LED.

Novelty Lighting Options

• Net Lights: Perfect for draping over bushes or wrapping tree trunks, net lights provide an even distribution of lights, making installation a breeze. No more tangling yourself in strands—just unfold and place.
• Projector Lights: For those who prefer the dramatic, projector lights can splash your home with moving images or patterns. From snowflakes to dancing Santas, you can get a cinematic alternative to traditional string lights with project lights.
• Icicle Lights: These mimic the look of hanging icicles, perfect for eaves, overhangs, and fences. Their cascading effect creates a cool winter scene, adding a touch of natural elegance.
• Fibre Optic Lights: Fibre optic lights have tiny, illuminated fibre optic strands that produce a shimmering effect. They’re ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings and create a subtle, enchanting glow.

Sustainability and Weather Considerations

Choosing lights that look good and are also good for the planet is a win-win. LED lights reduce your carbon footprint substantially while withstanding colder temperatures better, making them ideal for Calgary's frosty winters.

Ensure your lights are rated for outdoor use to handle the snow, wind, and temperatures typical of the winter. This means checking for water resistance and cold impact resilience.

Safety Comes First This Christmas

When decking your eaves and trees, safety is just as important as the spectacle. Here are some essential safety tips for yourself and your lighting display:

• Always choose a sturdy ladder that reaches higher than the area you intend to decorate. Make sure it's on stable ground and, if possible, have a buddy support the base while you climb. Avoid overreaching or leaning too far to one side when on the ladder. Better to get off and move the ladder instead of taking a risk.
• Instead of using nails or tacks that can pierce and damage wiring, go for insulated clips specifically designed for holiday lights. These clips ensure that lights stay securely in place without risking damage to the wires or your home’s exterior.
• Double-check that all your outdoor connections are weatherproof, and consider using a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet for outdoor light setups. This device will cut power if it detects an imbalance, reducing the risk of electric shock.
• It's easy to get carried away with festive cheer, but overloading your electrical circuits can be dangerous. Use multiple circuits if available, and never plug more than three standard-size sets of lights into a single extension cord to prevent overheating.

Choosing and Managing Power Extensions

The quality of extension cords and power outlets is essential to your whole operation. To start, always opt for extension cords that are rated for outdoor use. These cords are designed to withstand Calgary’s frigid winter temperatures and moisture, ensuring they don't crack or fray under the strain of the elements.

Next, let’s talk about power outlets. We’ve already mentioned GFCI outlets, and they’re paramount in preventing electrical shocks and fires. If your outdoor areas aren't equipped with GFCI outlets, portable outdoor GFCI adapters are an affordable and effective solution.

Another key consideration is where you’re routing your cords. To avoid tripping hazards, run cords along the edges of walkways or bury them slightly under mulch or soil, where possible. Make sure they’re clearly marked or covered by cord protectors if they cross pedestrian paths. Avoid running cords through high-traffic areas or under carpets and furniture, where they can become damaged or cause accidents.

Tips for Installing Christmas Lights

• Organizing Lights Before Installation: Unbox all lights and lay them flat to address any tangles. This will save time during the installation process and prevent damage to the bulbs. Also, test each string of lights to ensure functionality. Replace any non-working bulbs before hanging them.
• Securing Lights on Hard Surfaces: Use adhesive clips or magnetic hooks for surfaces where traditional clips won’t hold, such as metal railings or plastic surfaces. Use clear zip ties for temporary installations on structures like pergolas or trellises. Make sure they’re tight enough to hold but not so tight that they cut into the wire insulation.
• Lighting for Trees: When wrapping trees, start from the top for trees over 10 feet to control the descent of the string lights gracefully. Weave lights in and out of the inner branches instead of just wrapping the exterior, creating depth and a fuller luminous effect.
• Efficiently Using Extension Cords: Plan the layout to use as few extension cords as possible by starting your light display near an electrical outlet and expanding outward. Use cord reels to manage extra lengths of cords to keep the setup neat and reduce tripping hazards.
• Utilizing Timers and Smart Plugs: Connect your lights to an outdoor timer or a smart plug to automate the lighting display. This ensures your lights are only on when it's dark and can significantly save on electricity.

Get Lit This Christmas with Green Drop

As the festive season twinkles on the horizon, it's never too early to start planning your Christmas light spectacle. Whether it's a cozy corner or your entire yard, early planning ensures your holiday lights dazzle and delight.

To get your Christmas lighting done right, don’t hesitate to call in the cavalry! Our local Calgary pros are ready to help string up your seasonal sparkle safely and stylishly. Come Christmas, you’ll be free to revel in the glow of your winter wonderland.

Green Drop lights up not just Calgary but also Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg.

So, don't be left in the dark and get your estimate today!