"They’re rated for 50,000 hours—so why not leave them up?"
You’ve invested in beautiful, durable Christmas lights. Maybe even commercial-grade ones like C9 bulbs or G30 bulbs from a trusted name like Big Star Lights. So it’s a fair question: if they’re built to last, why can’t I just leave them up all year?
The answer comes down to more than just longevity. It’s about safety, materials, design intent, and how warranties are structured. Let’s pull back the curtain on why Christmas lights—yes, even pro-grade ones—are officially considered seasonal.
Table of Contents
- What "Seasonal Use" Actually Means
- Why Manufacturers Set Strict Warranties
- Material Realities: UV, Moisture, and Wildlife
- The Safety Code Behind Your Lights
- When to Choose Permanent Lighting Instead
- Final Thoughts: Use Lights the Way They're Meant to Shine
- FAQs
- Summary
What "Seasonal Use" Actually Means
In the holiday lighting industry, a "season" is typically defined as no more than 90 consecutive days of use. That means even the toughest commercial-grade products—like those from Big Star Lights—are covered by a 5-season warranty, or roughly 450 days total.
Anything beyond that is considered extended or permanent use, which voids most warranties. Why? Because these products aren’t built to live outdoors forever.
Why Manufacturers Set Strict Warranties
It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about engineering for purpose.
Seasonal lights are designed to be used, removed, and stored. Manufacturers like Big Star Lights openly communicate this, offering long-lasting components and a 5-year seasonal warranty—which is incredibly generous within industry norms.
But push them past their design window, and you run into issues like:
- Wire fatigue
- Moisture intrusion
- UV damage
- Diminishing LED brightness
Even top-tier diodes and seals will degrade faster when exposed year-round to sun, frost, and rain.
Material Realities: UV, Moisture, and Wildlife
Here’s where it gets real. Most “seasonal” lights—even pro-grade ones—use PVC-coated wires that aren’t UV-rated. Over time, sunlight breaks them down, making them brittle and dangerous.
💡 Pro Tip: Your light display will draw more power over time because the socket power cord degrades over time.
Other threats include:
- Animal damage from squirrels or birds nesting near exposed lines
- Ice buildup that weighs down and snaps clips or gutters
- Tree growth pulling on lights that weren’t meant to stretch
These aren’t flukes—they’re common reasons for call-backs and repairs.
The Safety Code Behind Your Lights
Seasonal lights meet particular UL standards that apply to temporary decorative lighting. They’re great for plug-and-play installs—but they’re not coded for permanent structures.
In fact, NEC (National Electrical Code) discourages permanent use of plug-in lighting for safety reasons. Want to stay compliant with building codes and keep your home safe? Seasonal use is the way to go.
When to Choose Permanent Lighting Instead
If you do want lighting that stays up year-round, the good news is—you’ve got options.
Big Star Lights offers Chromaglow Pro, a discreet, energy-efficient permanent lighting system built for long-term use. If you're exploring animated, colour-changing designs that are app-controller, Chromaglow Pro may fit your dream. It’s designed to:
- Stay subtle during the day
- Shine bright at night
- Handle every season, weather, and occasion
- Be controlled via app for custom colors & patterns
- Learn more about Chromaglow Pro
Comparison: Seasonal Lights vs. Permanent Systems
| Feature | Seasonal Lights (e.g. C9/G30) | Permanent Systems (e.g. Chromaglow Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 3–5 seasonal years (~270 days total) | Year-round use covered |
| Safety Rating | UL/CSA Approved (seasonal approval only) | UL/CSA Approved |
| Wire Type | UV-rated (if you choose Big Star Lights) | UV- and weather-rated materials |
| Installation | Clip-based, removable | Permanent mounting hardware |
| Control | Basic (on/off), can include timer for customizability | App-based, smart scheduling |
Final Thoughts: Use Lights the Way They’re Meant to Shine
We get it. Taking down lights is a pain, and good Christmas lights look amazing. But even the best seasonal lighting—like Big Star Lights' C9s and G30s—aren’t built to be permanent.
Use them in their ideal window, and they’ll deliver vibrant color, consistent performance, and joyful holiday memories for years.
Looking for year-round magic? Choose a system designed for it—one that protects your investment and your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if I leave my Christmas lights up all year?
A: You risk voiding the warranty and exposing your home to fire or electrical hazards from degraded wires.
Q: Are Big Star Lights bulbs better than store-bought ones?
A: Absolutely. BSL’s lights use 99.9% European copper, premium Japanese components, and superior waterproofing seals.
Summary
- Seasonal lights = ~90 days/year, up to 3 seasons warranty
- Pro-grade lights aren't UV-resistant or permanently coded
- Leaving them up = voided warranty + increased safety risks
- Permanent lighting options like Chromaglow solve these issues