The right lights can do more than dazzle. They can invite people in, deter crime, and turn a dark street into a vibrant destination.
But many cities think of it that way. Many cities only look at the number after the dollar sign.
Here’s a little secret: Holiday lights aren’t just a nice-to-have—they boost residents’ quality of life in ways that far outweigh the cost.
Decorative Lighting More Than Just Festive Fluff
Municipal lighting is often treated as a seasonal extra. But forward-looking cities know it’s an investment in community vibrancy, safety, and economic vitality.
We’ve seen lighting programs reduce crime, revive underused spaces, and make local businesses busier through increased foot traffic. In his recent Strategy Session webinar, Big Star Lights founder Daniel Cowan talks through his initial municipal lighting contracts. After illuminating a glowing alley in Victoria, BC or a Vancouver Island's famous Butchart Gardens for the holiday season, he was able to see firsthand how these cities weren't just decorated better—data from these installations supported the previous findings.
Lighting doesn't just brighten the city during the holidays, it's part of a whole municipal strategy to improve residents' lives.
Below, you'll find 6 Key Insights that municipalities can use to help them light up their communities.
Table of Contents
- Start with a Strategy, Not a String of Lights
- Choosing the Right Installation Type
- Power Planning & Product Quality
- Make Christmas Lights Work Year-Round
- How to Stretch Your Budget Over 5 Years
- Hiring Smart: RFP Tips & Install Crew Advice
1. Start with a Strategy, Not a String of Lights
Don’t try to light the whole city on a limited budget. Instead, focus on one or two high-impact focal points that will be photographed, shared, and remembered.
The most successful pilot projects are for one building or one park. Remember: having a successful proof of concept is better than having a disorganized hodgepodge of different lights throughout town.
Consider:
- Is the space for strolling, shopping, or snap-worthy moments?
- Will your audience be families with kids (think colorful) or couples out shopping (think warm white)?
- Will you host any community events in the space during the holidays?
💡 Pro Tip: Want visual depth in trees? Wrap branches that fork at the ends to avoid the dreaded “toothpick” look.
2. Choosing the Right Installation Type
Choosing a great holiday light display is a lot walking into a grocery store when you're hungry. You thought you had an idea of what you want, but now all the food looks tempting.
You can crave everything on the shelves, but you know you can't come home with literally everything.
You need to be strategic when looking at holiday lights. Here’s how different formats stack up:
| Format | Best Use | Cost | Maintenance | Visual Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tree Wraps | Parks, plazas | $$ | Medium | High |
| Streetlight Wraps | Main Street | $$ | Low | High |
| Building Trim (Chromaglow Pro) | Commercial streets | $$$ | Low | High |
| Sculptures | Downtown squares | $$$ | Low | Very High |
💡 Pro Tip: Consider Stretch Strings when wrapping trees. They expand, preventing damage and minimizing maintenance.
3. Power Planning & Product Quality
Power supply is one of the trickiest parts of civic lighting. It's not just because power isn’t always where you need it, but because energy demands change over time. Larger retrofit bulbs may seem appealing for their bold aesthetic, but they draw significantly more power than mini lights and degrade faster. Over a few seasons, their energy consumption can double, which means that what worked in year one may trip circuits or overload systems by year four. That’s why it's essential to understand power draw upfront.
- Mini lights are energy efficient (0.16 amps/100 ft) and ideal for tree wraps.
- Retrofit bulbs look bold but consume more power and degrade faster.
- Use plugs with dielectric grease to reduce tripped circuits.
And not all lights are made equal. If you were born in the last couple of centuries, you probably know that incandescent lights are out. LEDs are here to stay. LEDs are safer for the environment, draw a smaller energy bill, and won't break as easily.
But did you know not all LEDs are built the same? If you're a municipality looking to purchase Christmas lights for next year, you don't want to cheap out on big-box store lights. Instead you want to purchase lights that will continue to last with fewer maintenance calls.
Big Star Lights produces its lights with:
- 99.9% European copper
- Premium-grade components from Japan and the U.S.
- Watertight coaxial plugs to handle harsh winters
- Lower wattage than competitors
4. Make Christmas Lights Work Year-Round
Why tear down your display after just six weeks?
Holiday lights can actually serve your community all year. Many municipalities are shifting to permanent or semi-permanent lighting installations because the return on investment is simply better. Keeping lights up year-round reduces the need for repeat equipment rentals, traffic flagging, and lift work—expenses that can quickly add up season after season
- Saves on equipment rentals and traffic flagging
- Provides value 365 days a year
- Keeps high-use spaces safer and more attractive
💡 Pro Tip: Celebrate different holidays using Chromaglow Pro. These permanent lights allow you to change colors and effects via an app.
5. How to Stretch Your Budget Over 5 Years
Here’s a sample plan for a $100,000/year lighting program:
| Year | New Lights | Cumulative Display |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $50K | $50K |
| 2 | $25K | $75K |
| 3 | $12K | $87K |
| 4 | $6K | $93K |
| 5 | $5K | $98K |
Start small. Focus on anchor locations. Build each year with intention.
6. Hiring Smart: RFP Tips & Installation Best Practices
City installations aren't like residential jobs. You need crews who can handle power access negotiations with building owners; safely work around traffic, permits, and power lines; and manage large-scale equipment.
That's why RFPs are in place. The installation won't be delivered in time and under budget if you give the job to any installer. There are certain requirements each candidate needs to hit. For example, you wouldn't hire a Social Media Marketer without looking at their resume first.
Big Star Lights has a network of trusted installers across Canada and the U.S. We’re happy to connect you with a fantastic one that's in your area.
That said, if your project budget is over a certain threshold (each municipality has its own level), the project will go to RFP. That means you'll be able to attract professional installers in your area without having to find one yourself.
When writing your RFP:
- Include photos of target areas
- Describe the goal ("increase foot traffic downtown" vs. “make it look nice”)
- Share inspiration images
- Ask for references on municipal projects
Final Takeaway: Design With Purpose, Invest With Confidence
Decorative lighting isn’t a luxury. It’s a tool for community engagement, commerce, and safety. Whether you're lighting an alley or an entire downtown core, the goal is the same: create places people love to be.
Ready to bring light to your city? Contact us to start your plan or browse permanent lighting options now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we leave lights up all year?
Yes—with the right product (like Stretch String or Chromaglow), it’s both safe and smart.
Q: How long do high-quality lights last?
With BSL’s components, 5+ years. Cheap products typically degrade in 1–2.
Q: How early should we place orders?
Sculptures need 3 months lead time, but all other items can be shipped as soon as possible. To access preseason discounts (35–60% off), order by January.
Q: Can you help with installers?
Yes, we have a vetted network and can recommend pros for municipal-scale jobs.
Summary
- Start small, light it well—focus over spread.
- Choose high-quality, stable lights for long-term beauty.
- Plan year-round strategies for cost efficiency.
- Use detailed RFPs and qualified crews.
- Treat lighting as placemaking, not expense.
Want help bringing your lighting vision to life? Contact Daniel or Kevin at 1-888-444-4081 for expert guidance.