Tired of climbing ladders every holiday season? You’re not alone.
For many homeowners, the annual ritual of hanging (and later removing) seasonal lights has lost its charm. Meanwhile, permanent lighting is making waves, promising year-round ambiance with a one-time install.
But is it worth the investment? Should you stick with the tried-and-true seasonal classics? The answer lies in your priorities—price, ease, aesthetics, and how you want your home to shine.
This guide breaks it all down to help you make the smartest decision for your home.
Table of Contents
- Permanent Installations: The Year-Round Glow
- Seasonal Setups: The Classic Tradition
- Head-to-Head Comparison Table
- How to Decide Based on Budget, Look & Lifestyle
- 💡 Pro Tips for Choosing the Right System
- Bright Choice, Brighter Home
- FAQs
- Summary
Permanent Installations: The Year-Round Glow
Permanent lighting, like Big Star Lights’ Chromaglow Pro system, is discreet during the day and customizable at night. Controlled via app, these LED systems can display any color or animation you choose—Christmas reds, Halloween oranges, or a soft white glow for dinner parties.
Key Benefits:
- One-time installation saves years of hassle and ladder work.
- Custom color control for holidays, sports games, or moods.
- Weather-resistant durability—designed to last through harsh winters and scorching summers.
- Increased curb appeal—especially valuable if you're planning to sell.
💡 Pro Tip: Installing permanent lights in August means you’re ready for every celebration before the first frost.
Seasonal Setups: The Classic Tradition
Seasonal lights, especially pro-grade ones like Big Star’s C9 Faceted Bulbs or Twinkle Minis, offer timeless charm. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, seasonal lights give you the freedom to refresh your look each year.
Key Benefits:
- Lower upfront cost, especially if you’re handy or hire a seasonal installer.
- Creative flexibility—try new colors or styles annually.
- Easy storage with compact string light designs.
- Big visual impact during the holidays with less commitment.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Permanent Lights (e.g. Chromaglow) | Seasonal Lights (e.g. C9 or Mini) |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Installation | One-time, pro-recommended | Annual setup/removal |
| Customization | High (color + animation control) | Moderate (fixed bulb color/style) |
| Durability | 5+ years with minimal maintenance | 5-year warranty with seasonal use |
| Look (Daytime) | Discreet, flush-mounted | Visible wires/clips (can be neat with professional installation) |
| Year-Round Use | Yes | No (holiday-specific) |
How to Decide Based on Budget, Look & Lifestyle
Choose permanent lights if you:
- Want long-term convenience and modern curb appeal.
- Love to decorate for multiple holidays or events.
- Prefer high-tech features and control from your phone.
Go with seasonal lights if you:
- Enjoy switching up themes every year.
- Prefer a lower initial investment.
- Don’t mind the annual setup—or hire pros to do it.
Bright Choice, Brighter Home
Whether you're leaning toward the year-round polish of permanent lighting or the nostalgic charm of seasonal displays, Big Star Lights has the tools, tech, and team to make your vision shine.
Explore our full selection of permanent lighting and seasonal classics—and get lit before the rush hits.
💡 Pro Tips for Choosing the Right System
💡 If you're leaning seasonal: Use high-quality, commercial-grade products like Big Star’s Mini Lights with 99.9% copper wire and water-resistant epoxy bases to avoid failures mid-season.
💡 If you’re going permanent: Get a system with a solid 5-year warranty, like Chromaglow Pro, and make sure it’s installed by a certified technician for maximum longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I install permanent lights myself?
A: It’s possible, but we recommend hiring a pro to ensure clean lines, weather-sealed connections, and proper app integration.
Q: Are permanent lights visible during the day?
A: High-quality systems like Chromaglow are designed to blend with your fascia and are barely noticeable during daylight.
Q: How long do seasonal lights typically last?
A: With proper storage and pro-grade materials, they can last 3–5 seasons. Lower-end versions may fail after just one or two.
Q: Do permanent lights use a lot of energy?
A: Not at all. LED systems are incredibly efficient, often using less than 1 watt per bulb.
Summary
- Permanent lights offer year-round use, convenience, and tech-savvy appeal—but come with a higher initial cost.
- Seasonal lights deliver flexibility and festive tradition with a smaller upfront price and greater annual effort.
- Think about your lifestyle, budget, and how often you want to change things up before deciding.