A Christmas decor program takes thoughtful planning, an understanding of budget priorities, and a commitment to quality that ensures each season builds on the last. Done right, it becomes an investment in reputation, community spirit, and long-term value. Check out our buyer's guide on commercial holiday lights and decorations, and visit ChristmasDesigners.com to get started with commercial decor.
2025 Holiday Planner 1 From Lights to Lasting Traditions Proven Strategies for Successful Commercial Holiday Lighting and Decorating Programs
Table of Contents
p. 5 p. 10 p. 11 p. 12 p. 16 p. 17 p. 18 p. 23 p. 25 p. 27
Planning and Budgeting Your Holiday Display
Installation Safety
DIY Programs Hiring a Pro
Takedown and Off-Season Storage Planning
Understanding Christmas Lights, Decorations, and Accessories
Holiday Lighting
Dimensional and Fiberglass Displays
Commercial Christmas Trees
Decorations: Greenery, Ornaments, Bows
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Introduction The holiday season is more than a date on the calendar. It is a season of light, joy, and shared meaning that has the power to transform ordinary places into something extraordinary. Every community, no matter its size, feels the shift when the first lights come on. A plaza glows with new warmth, a church courtyard becomes a beacon of welcome, a neighborhood entrance feels alive with pride, and a small business storefront suddenly stands out with charm. These moments do more than decorate a space. They connect people. For municipalities, a well-executed holiday display can transform a downtown into a destination, drawing shoppers, encouraging gatherings, and putting the town on the map for visitors. For churches, décor is an expression of faith and fellowship, creating an environment where worshippers feel welcomed and inspired. For homeowners’ associations, the right program brings unity, strengthens neighborhood identity, and turns residents into ambassadors for their community. And for businesses, from local shops and restaurants to shopping centers, hospitals, and airports, holiday décor becomes a symbol of care for customers, patients, travelers, and employees alike. But achieving that kind of impact doesn’t happen by accident. It takes thoughtful planning, an understanding of budget priorities, and a commitment to quality that ensures each season builds on the last. A holiday decorating program should never feel like a one-off purchase. Done right, it becomes an investment in reputation, community spirit, and long-term value. Imagine a mid-sized city with an aging downtown. For years, its streets have gone dim by December, while nearby towns sparkle. Shoppers drive elsewhere, and community events feel half-hearted. Now imagine the same city investing in a holiday program: pole-mounted snowflakes lining Main Street, a 50-foot tree in the plaza, and warm roofline lighting stretching across storefronts. Overnight, the city center feels alive. Families gather, merchants thrive, and the annual tree lighting becomes the new tradition people look forward to all year. That is the power of holiday décor done right.
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This whitepaper is designed to show how organizations like yours, including municipalities, churches, HOAs, universities, corporate campuses, small businesses, retail centers, airports, hospitals, and more, can create holiday programs that last, inspire, and deliver results. Inside, you’ll learn how to: • Plan strategically so your program balances vision, budget, and timeline. • Invest in durable, professional-grade products that maintain beauty year after year. • Choose lighting and décor that inspire pride and elevate your space. • Simplify installation and storage so the process feels manageable, not overwhelming. • Maximize ROI by transforming holiday displays into experiences and destinations that people share and return to.
For over 45 years, Christmas Designers has been at the heart of the commercial holiday decorating industry. Our experience has shown us that when organizations and businesses invest in quality and creativity, the results ripple through entire communities. The glow of a single lit tree can draw families together, festive pole-mounted snowflakes can turn an ordinary street into a holiday showcase, and a professionally lit hospital lobby can bring warmth to those who need it most. A small business with a carefully designed holiday program can stand out on a crowded street, drawing customers in and creating an atmosphere that keeps them coming back. The holidays only come once a year, but the memories created by a thoughtful holiday program can last a lifetime. This guide will help you build a display that delights your audience, strengthens your brand or community, and stands the test of time.
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Planning & Budgeting for Your Holiday Display The most successful holiday displays begin long before the lights turn on. They start with a clear vision, a thoughtful plan, and a realistic budget that ensures every detail comes together smoothly. A great program is never the result of last-minute decisions; it’s built on preparation and intentional choices that set the stage for success. No matter the setting, the steps you take early will determine how impressive, durable, and cost-effective your program becomes. Careful planning allows you to make smart investments, stretch your budget over multiple years, and choose products that will last well beyond a single season. It also gives you the flexibility to phase in new elements each year, ensuring your display grows stronger and more impactful over time. In short, the sooner you begin shaping your holiday program, the easier it is to deliver results that thrill your community and build lasting value over time. Start with a Clear Vision
The first question isn’t what to buy, it’s why you are decorating. Holiday décor is more than lights and greenery; it is a statement of purpose. It tells a story about what your community, organization, or business values and how you want people to feel when they experience your space. Clarifying that purpose helps you make better choices and avoid wasted spending. • Municipalities may want to boost foot traffic downtown, support local businesses, or establish an annual event that puts their town on the map. • Churches often aim to highlight the spiritual meaning of the season, using décor to create a warm and welcoming environment that extends beyond their congregation. • HOAs usually want to reinforce community pride and make residents feel that their dues are contributing to something meaningful. • Businesses, from small shops and restaurants to large retail centers, hospitals, and corporate campuses, often seek to create inviting spaces for customers, patients, or employees, setting themselves apart during the busiest time of year. Having this clarity shapes every decision. A city trying to attract tourism might prioritize a large community tree and photo-friendly installations. A church may focus on a nativity scene framed by
subtle roofline lights. An HOA may invest in cohesive entryway displays that tie neighborhoods together. A small business might highlight its storefront with roofline C9s, garland-wrapped doorways, and a welcoming tree inside to draw in customers and set itself apart during the busiest season of the year.
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Map Out the Space Once your purpose is clear, look at the canvas you’re working with.
High-visibility zones will vary depending on the type of entity, but they should always receive the largest investment. For a municipality, this could mean plazas, main streets, or downtown gateways. For an HOA, it may be neighborhood entrances or common parks. For a church, the courtyard or sanctuary entrance might be the priority, while for a business it could be storefronts, building fronts, or customer gathering areas. Identifying these focal points ensures your resources go where they make the greatest impact. Power access should be identified early to prevent expensive last-minute electrical work. It is not enough to simply know where outlets are located. You should also understand how much power is available in those areas, ideally in amperage, to confirm you can support the lighting and décor planned for each location.
Traffic flow matters: Decorations should do more than add visual appeal; they should also influence how people move through a space. A well-placed archway, pathway of C9 stake lights, or cluster of displays can guide visitors naturally into underused areas such as side streets, courtyards, or secondary entrances. At the same time, pathways, sidewalks, and doorways must remain clear and safe. Good design balances aesthetics with function, ensuring the flow of people feels natural, inviting, and free from congestion or hazards. For large projects, many municipalities and HOAs now use scaled site plans or digital mapping tools to visualize layouts. Churches and businesses can benefit from simple sketches that highlight focal points. Imagine a shopping center that only lights its main entrance. The result is a bright welcome that fades quickly once inside. But with a mapped plan, the same budget could light rooflines along the storefronts, add wreaths to light poles, and place a 20-foot tree near the food court. The entire experience feels connected, and visitors are encouraged to linger longer. Invest in Quality: It Pays for Itself One of the biggest mistakes organizations make is choosing décor based solely on upfront cost. Consumer/retail grade lights and decorations might seem like a savings at first, but they often fail within a short period of time. They are not designed to hold up to the rigors of commercial decorating applications, where lights and décor are expected to perform reliably in demanding environments and over long operating hours. The standard to follow is to use commercial grade Christmas decorations and lights, the same products professional Christmas installers rely on.
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Professional installers do not use consumer grade products because they know those products cannot withstand the demands of repeated seasonal use. By choosing the same grade of lights and décor that the professionals trust, you set your program up for long term success. Commercial grade products offer: • Durability against weather extremes such as snow, rain, and strong winds.
• Consistency in brightness and color across multiple years. • Lower maintenance due to stronger manufacturing standards. • Peace of mind knowing the display will hold up through the season.
When organizations invest in quality, they create displays that not only look better but last longer. Just as importantly, this approach saves money over time because lights and décor do not need to be repurchased as often. Commercial grade products turn holiday decorating into a long-term investment that continues to pay dividends year after year. Pro Tip: Think of holiday décor as capital investment, not a disposable expense. High-quality products add long-term value to your program. Build Your Program Over Multiple Years You don’t need to achieve your dream display all at once. Many successful programs follow a phased approach: • Year 1: Establish key anchors such as roofline lighting, a community tree, or a signature focal point. • Year 2–3: Expand coverage to secondary areas, add pole-mounted décor, or introduce specialty items like animated displays or RGB lighting. • Year 4 and beyond: Refresh with new technologies, seasonal themes, or interactive elements while maintaining your core investment.
This strategy not only spreads costs but also creates excitement each year as the display grows. Residents and visitors look forward to “what’s new this season,” keeping the program fresh without starting from scratch. Imagine an HOA that begins with a single entryway wreath in Year 1. By Year 3, every entrance has matching garlands, a central park features a lit tree, and the clubhouse boasts a walk- through ornament photo spot. The steady growth builds pride and anticipation at a manageable pace.
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Budget Smart and Early Holiday decorating is not just about buying lights. A complete budget should include: • Products and décor (lights, displays, accessories). • Installation labor and equipment (if needed) • Electrical costs (potential upgrades or added outlets and circuits). • Maintenance supplies (extra light sets, bulbs, clips, cords). • Photographer or videographer services to capture the magic and splendor of the displays for marketing, community engagement, or future promotions. • Storage solutions for the off-season (containers, boxes, warehouse space).
Planning early, ideally in spring or summer, ensures: • The best selection of products before peak season. • Access to volume pricing and early order discounts. • Enough time to line plan out the installation logistics
Pro Tip: One of the best times to begin planning your holiday program is actually right after the season ends. The previous Christmas is still fresh in everyone’s mind, making it easier to evaluate what worked well, what could be improved, and what new ideas might be worth exploring. Team members are more engaged in the discussion because they’ve just experienced the display firsthand, and their feedback is specific and actionable. As the year progresses, enthusiasm for holiday planning naturally fades and it can become harder to get decision-makers excited about details. By capturing that energy early, you set yourself up for smoother approvals, more thoughtful planning, and a program that continues to improve year after year. Work with the Right Partner Even the best plans can unravel without the right supplier. Holiday decorating is too important to leave in the hands of a vendor who is not prepared to meet your needs. The supplier you choose should be more than just a seller of products. They should be a true partner who understands your goals, helps guide product choices, and provides reliable support when challenges arise. At Christmas Designers, we bring more than 45 years of experience to the table and have worked alongside municipalities, churches, HOAs, shopping centers, airports, hospitals, small businesses, and more. Our expertise ensures: • Commercial grade product lines built for long-term use
• Strong inventory to fulfill even last-minute needs • Responsive support for troubleshooting and planning • Flexible ordering for phased programs and growing displays When you choose a partner with proven expertise, you are not just buying products, you are buying peace of mind.
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But if you do decide to work with another supplier, it is important to know what to look for. Here are the key factors that separate a reliable, professional supplier from a seasonal or discount vendor: • Longevity: How long has the company been in business? A supplier with decades of experience has weathered market shifts, refined their processes, and built trust over time. This history translates into more reliable products and service. • Hands-on installation experience: Has the supplier worked directly with commercial installations? Suppliers who understand the realities of installing a 40-foot tree or lighting an entire downtown bring practical insights that help you avoid costly mistakes. • Direct importers: Work with suppliers who import their own products directly from Asia. This avoids unnecessary markups and ensures the supplier has control over product design, quality, and consistency. Middlemen often add cost without adding value. • Ethical sourcing and factory quality control: Does the company spend time in their overseas factories, verifying quality and ensuring ethical labor practices? Regular factory visits and strong relationships with manufacturers are critical to guaranteeing consistent quality and responsible sourcing. • Early order options: Reputable suppliers offer early order programs that reward you with lower pricing and guaranteed inventory if you plan ahead. This is a key way to stretch your budget. • Large product selection: Look for a supplier with a broad inventory that includes everything from lights and clips to large commercial trees and fiberglass displays. A wide selection ensures consistency in style and eliminates the need to piece together products from multiple vendors. • Year-round operation: Avoid companies that only operate seasonally. A year-round supplier provides support whenever you need it, from off-season planning and budgeting to mid- season troubleshooting and storage guidance. • Proven customer support: Strong suppliers have knowledgeable staff available to answer questions, suggest design alternatives, or troubleshoot technical issues. The ability to speak to real experts when you need help can make all the difference. • Warranty and transparency: Confirm warranty policies are clear and fair. Suppliers who are confident in their product quality stand behind it with strong warranty coverage and transparent terms.
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By evaluating these factors, you protect your investment and ensure your holiday program runs smoothly. At Christmas Designers, we meet or exceed all of these standards, which is why thousands of professional installers and organizations across North America rely on us year after year. Choosing the right partner is one of the most important decisions you will make in your holiday decorating journey. Whether you work with us or not, demand the same standards that professionals do. It is the only way to build a program that lasts, inspires, and delivers results season after season. Pro Tip: Wondering if you can source Christmas lights and
decorations that are 100% Made in the USA? Unfortunately, this is not possible. Virtually all holiday lighting and decorating products are made in Asia. Christmas lights have not been mass produced in the United States since 1977. While some commercial displays are produced domestically, all lights, bulbs, and the majority of greenery come from overseas. This makes it even more important to choose a supplier with strong manufacturer relationships, rigorous quality control, and proven reliability so you know the products you receive will perform. Bottom Line
Watch this video to learn more
Planning and budgeting are not just preliminary steps, they are the foundation of a holiday program that grows stronger each year. With a clear vision, smart phasing, durable products, and the right partner, your display becomes more than decorations. It becomes a tradition that people look forward to, a builder of community spirit, and a reliable return on investment that pays off season after season. Careful planning now ensures that every year your program becomes easier to manage, more impactful for your audience, and more valuable for your organization. The earlier you begin shaping that vision, the sooner you will see your display evolve from simple décor into an experience that inspires pride and creates lasting memories.
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Installation & Safety: Protecting People, Property, and Peace of Mind A holiday display only works if it comes together smoothly and safely. Even the most beautiful décor loses its magic if installation is chaotic, unsafe, or poorly executed. Whether you’re managing a church courtyard, a city square, a shopping center, or a corporate campus, the way you install and maintain your holiday program will determine how reliable, impressive, and stress-free it feels. DIY vs Professional Installation One of the most important decisions you will make in your holiday program
is whether to handle installation yourself or hire a professional. Both approaches can work well, but the right choice depends on the size of your project, the resources you have available, and the level of polish you want to achieve. Smaller programs can often be installed internally with careful planning and the right equipment, while larger projects demand the expertise and efficiency of seasoned professionals. Understanding the differences between these two paths will help you choose the approach that delivers the best results for your organization. Pro Tip: From our decades of experience, we have found that municipalities who attempt to manage holiday installations entirely with their own staff rarely achieve the level of results they envision. Municipal employees already have year-round responsibilities, and adding a large seasonal project often stretches resources too thin. Holiday programs at this scale benefit greatly from professional installers who bring dedicated crews, specialized equipment, and proven methods that ensure the display is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. DIY Installation: Right for Smaller Programs For smaller projects, such as a boutique storefront, a small neighborhood HOA entrance, or a church fellowship hall, installation can often be handled in-house. Volunteers, maintenance crews, or staff members can successfully complete a display if given proper preparation and tools. Keys to Success for DIY programs:
• Plan in detail: Measure rooflines, trees, walkways, and display areas ahead of time to calculate exact product needs. A little extra time spent planning will save hours during installation. • Invest in equipment: Quality ladders, safety harnesses, gloves, and outdoor rated extension cords are essential for both safety and efficiency. • Use lift equipment when needed: For tall trees, multi story rooflines, or wide courtyards, renting a boom lift or scissor lift greatly reduces labor time and improves safety. The upfront rental cost is often offset by smoother, faster installation. • Team up with the right supplier: Partnering with an experienced and well resourced supplier makes a big difference. The right supplier can guide you through installation challenges, recommend the best products for your application, and ensure you avoid costly mistakes.
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• Do not underestimate the undertaking: Hanging Christmas lights and setting up displays may look simple, but in reality it requires significant planning, manpower, and coordination. Many DIY efforts run into trouble because the workload is underestimated. Be realistic about what it will take to achieve a professional result. • Work in stages: Begin with the anchor pieces such as rooflines, major trees, or large displays. Once the key focal points are in place, layer in smaller and secondary décor elements for a balanced look. • Test everything in advance: Confirm lights, cords, and displays are working before installation. Troubleshooting is far easier on the ground than after everything has been hung. This becomes even more important as your lights and décor age, since older products are more likely to develop issues after storage. DIY installation is cost effective and gives you direct control over the process. It allows you to work on your own schedule, reuse trained staff or volunteers year after year, and keep costs contained in the early stages of your program. However, it does require careful coordination, a willingness to learn, and a strong commitment to safety. What may seem like a simple project can quickly become complex without proper planning and realistic expectations. Many organizations find success by starting small with DIY efforts, focusing first on foundational elements such as roofline lighting or a single community tree. Over time, as their program grows in size and ambition, they transition to professional installers for larger and more complex projects. This blended approach allows them to build confidence, stretch their budget, and ultimately achieve professional results without overwhelming their team.
Professional Installation: When to Bring in the Experts Hiring a professional installer is not just for large scale commercial projects. Even small and mid- sized projects can benefit from the skill, efficiency, and polish that a professional team provides. Whether it is a boutique storefront that wants to stand out, a neighborhood HOA entry that needs to look cohesive, or a university campus preparing for a major holiday event, professional installers can take the stress out of the process and ensure the final result exceeds expectations. The choice often comes down to resources, timelines, and the level of quality you want to achieve. Keys to success when hiring a professional installer: • Verify insurance: Always confirm that the installer carries general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects your organization in the event of accidents, injuries, or property damage.
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• Review their portfolio: Look for proven experience with projects similar to yours. An installer who has safely decorated a 40 foot tower tree or illuminated a business district has a different skillset than one who only handles small residential jobs. Past work provides confidence in their ability to meet your expectations. • Clarify the scope of service: Get every detail in writing before work begins. Will they handle takedown after the season? Do they provide mid-season maintenance if something goes wrong? Can they offer storage solutions for your décor? Having clarity up front prevents costly surprises later. • Understand product arrangements: Some commercial installers provide décor and lights on a lease or rental basis, while others give you the option to purchase the
products outright. The most common business model is the rental or lease option, which can be convenient because it typically includes installation, takedown, and storage. However, it is still important to verify the quality of the products being provided and ensure they are in good condition. Ask whether the installer allows you to purchase and supply your own commercial grade products for them to install. Owning your décor ensures consistency in style, durability over multiple years, and flexibility if you ever change providers. Keep in mind that a professional installer with a strong reputation in your area has likely earned it by using high quality products, but it is always wise to confirm these details in advance. • Look for strong communication: The best installers act as partners, keeping you informed through the planning, installation, and takedown process. Reliable communication helps avoid delays and ensures the project stays aligned with your vision. Professional installation is often the right choice when time is short, resources are limited, or the desired look requires experience and specialized equipment. The added investment pays for itself in peace of mind, safety, and the assurance that your display will be executed at the highest standard. For many organizations, even smaller ones, hiring professionals is what allows them to achieve a polished, memorable display that becomes a true highlight of the season. Pro Tip: Some organizations choose a blended approach — hiring a professional installer for the majority of the work while adding their own DIY touches such as tree wraps, hedge lighting, stake lighting, or additional displays. This can be a cost- effective way to expand your program while still ensuring the core elements are installed professionally. If you take this approach, make sure your installer is aware of which décor is yours so they do not accidentally remove it during takedown. Clear communication upfront prevents confusion and ensures your investment is protected.
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Safety: Protecting People, Property, and Peace of Mind Holiday displays are meant to inspire joy, not create hazards. Whether you are managing a storefront, a church property, a residential entryway, or an entire city program, safety must be built into every stage of planning and installation. Ignoring safety risks injuries, property damage, and liability issues that can outweigh all the benefits of your display. Electrical Safety • Use commercial grade products: Light strings, extension cords, and connectors designed for professional use are built to withstand long run times, outdoor weather, and repeated installation year after year. • Calculate your load in advance: Determine how much power your display will require and spread it across multiple circuits. Overloading circuits is one of the most common causes of electrical failures. • GFCI protection: Always use ground fault circuit interrupter outlets for outdoor connections. These shut off instantly if moisture is detected, preventing shocks and potential damage to equipment. Ladder, Lift, and Height Safety
• Extension ladders: Always use a ladder rated for the weight it will carry. Keep three points of contact at all times and never lean beyond your natural reach. • Lift equipment: For tall buildings, large trees, or wide rooflines, scissor lifts or boom lifts are far safer and more efficient than ladders. Only allow trained operators to use this equipment. • Weather awareness: Do not install during high
winds, rain, or icy conditions. Wet surfaces and gusts dramatically increase the risk of falls or accidents. Public Safety and Liability • Anchor all displays securely: Heavy winds or storms can turn unsecured decorations into dangerous projectiles. Ensure trees, pole-mounted decorations, and large displays are properly braced or weighted. • Manage cords carefully: Keep walkways, entrances, and gathering areas free of tripping hazards. Use cord covers, route cables overhead, or bury them safely underground when possible.
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• Consider visibility for drivers: Avoid placing bright or flashing displays in positions where they could distract motorists or obstruct visibility on busy roads. • Insurance coverage: Review your organization’s insurance policy or require proof of coverage from any installer. Confirm that holiday décor installations are specifically covered.
Seasonal Maintenance for Safety • Regular inspections: Walk your display weekly to check for loose cords, damaged clips, or bulbs that need replacing. • After storms: Inspect displays following high winds or heavy precipitation. Re-secure any shifted décor and replace components exposed to water. • Quick repairs: Keep spare bulbs, clips, and connectors on hand for immediate fixes. Addressing small issues right away helps prevent larger failures. Bottom Line on Safety A safe holiday display is a successful holiday display. Building safety into your planning not only protects your organization from accidents and liability, it also ensures your visitors can fully enjoy the magic of the season without worry. By prioritizing electrical standards, height safety, and public precautions, your program will shine brighter, last longer, and deliver joy without risk.
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Takedown and Off-Season Storage Planning
Installation is only half the job. The other half begins when the season ends. Proper takedown and storage are critical to protecting your investment. In fact, if not planned and executed properly, more wear and tear happens during removal and storage than at any other stage. Lights pulled down too quickly, garlands packed too tightly, or decorations crammed into bins that are not big enough can all shorten the useful life of your décor. Tangled light strings, crushed bows, and damaged fiberglass pieces are common results of poor storage practices. Treating takedown and storage with the same care as installation ensures your products last for many seasons. • Plan for gentle takedown: Train crews or volunteers to handle lights and décor carefully during removal. Avoid pulling or yanking light strings, which can damage sockets and wiring. Use ladders and lifts properly to ensure displays are removed safely rather than hurriedly. • Designate clean, dry storage: Large programs often require warehouses or shipping containers, while smaller ones may only need a climate-controlled room. The key is consistency — avoid damp, dusty, or unprotected areas where products can deteriorate between seasons. • Organize by category and location: Labeled bins, reels, shelving systems, and clear documentation make next year’s installation faster and smoother. Knowing exactly where each item goes prevents confusion and minimizes handling. • Protect fragile items: Wrap bows, ornaments, and fiberglass pieces to prevent scratches, chips, and crushing during stacking and transit. Heavy-duty storage bins with dividers or padded liners are well worth the investment. • Wrap mini light sets properly: Improperly stored lights are one of the leading causes of product damage. Mini lights should be either balled up with the male plug on the outside or matched up bulb to bulb for problem free installations the following year. • Plan for growth: As your program expands, make sure your storage capacity grows with it. Overcrowded storage areas often lead to broken, crushed, or prematurely worn décor. Adequate space protects your investment and makes reinstallation easier. Bottom line: Takedown and storage are every bit as important as the installation itself. By dedicating time and resources to careful removal, organized packing, and proper storage environments, you can extend the life of your products, save money on replacements, and make the next season’s setup faster, easier, and far less stressful. Pro Tip: Always consult with your product supplier for storage guidelines that are specific to the products you have purchased. Different types of lights, garlands, displays, and fiberglass pieces may require different handling and packing techniques. Following the manufacturer or supplier’s recommendations can add years to the life of your investment and save you money on premature replacements.
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Understanding Christmas Lights, Decorations, and Accessories Every memorable holiday program begins with light. Lighting sets the mood, defines the structure of a display, and creates the glow that people remember long after the season ends. Yet lights alone cannot carry the full story. Decorations and accessories add the character, scale, and finishing touches that transform a well-lit space into a complete holiday experience. When selected thoughtfully and paired with the right hardware and accessories, these elements work together to turn ordinary streets, storefronts, campuses, or neighborhoods into destinations that inspire pride, attract visitors, and capture the true spirit of the season. It is also important to remember that not all products are created equal. Consumer grade décor may look appealing on the shelf, but it will not withstand the rigors of commercial use. To build a program that looks professional, lasts for many seasons, and provides the best return on investment, always choose commercial grade lights and decorations, the same standard that Holiday lighting is the backbone of every display, but there is no single “best” light for every situation. Each type of light serves a different purpose, from outlining rooflines to wrapping trees, from highlighting architectural details to filling large spaces with color and sparkle. The key is understanding the role each option plays and matching the right product to the right application. Rooflines set the framework, mini lights add texture and depth, specialty lights create unique focal points, and stake lighting defines pathways and landscapes. When combined thoughtfully, these different lighting elements work together to create balance, dimension, and impact. professional Christmas installers use. Christmas Lighting Options
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Roofline Lighting: The Foundation of Holiday Displays For most holiday programs, the roofline is the anchor that sets the tone for the entire display. Clean, crisp roofline lighting outlines the architecture, creates visibility from a distance, and gives a property an instantly recognizable holiday look. Whether it is a small business storefront, a church, a neighborhood entryway, or a downtown block of retail buildings, the roofline is often the first impression visitors receive. C9 Bulbs: The Professional Standard
C9 bulbs remain the industry standard for roofline lighting in commercial applications. Their larger size and brighter output make them visible from long distances, ensuring a bold and polished look. Available in LED for maximum efficiency, C9s can be customized in color and style to match any theme. Options include smooth finish, faceted for extra sparkle, or twinkle for subtle motion effects. C7 Bulbs for Finer Details Slightly smaller than C9s, C7 bulbs are often used when architectural details call for a tighter scale. They work well on smaller buildings, intricate rooflines, or where a more delicate aesthetic is desired. Like C9s, they are available in
commercial grade LED versions designed to last season after season. Empty Socket Light Line for Professional Results One of the hallmarks of a professional display is the use of empty socket light line, cut to custom lengths on-site. This eliminates messy excess cord and ensures that every bulb is spaced evenly for a clean, tailored look. Professional installers use this method exclusively because it guarantees both visual consistency and long-term reliability. Design Options and Themes • Classic White: Timeless, elegant, and versatile, warm white C9s are a favorite for municipalities, HOAs, and businesses alike. • Multi-Color: Bright, playful, and full of energy, multi-color rooflines create a festive, family- friendly atmosphere. • Custom Color Patterns: Alternating red and green, blue and white, or other combinations help reinforce branding or community identity. • Twinkle or Animated Effects: Adding sparkle or subtle motion can bring rooflines to life and make them stand out against more static displays.
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Why Roofline Lighting Matters A well-done roofline pulls the entire display together. It gives structure to the design, highlights architectural features, and establishes visibility from both near and far. Poorly executed rooflines, on the other hand, can make even high-quality decorations look unpolished. Pro Tip: Roofline lighting is one of the most cost-effective investments in a holiday program. It creates maximum impact with relatively low product cost compared to large displays, and it can serve as the foundation that other décor elements are built upon over time.
Mini Lights: Adding Depth and Texture Mini lights are one of the most effective tools for bringing foliage to life in a holiday program. While roofline lighting creates structure and visibility, mini lights provide the sparkle, density, and depth that transform trees and greenery into glowing works of art. They are especially well- suited for wrapping trunks, covering shrubs, and highlighting natural elements that larger bulbs cannot accentuate as effectively. 5mm Conical LEDs These are considered the installer’s go-to choice. The conical lens distributes light evenly in every direction, producing a bright, consistent glow even on dense foliage. Their compact size allows them to nestle deep within branches, making coverage look fuller and more professional. M5 and T5 Mini Lights
5mm conical lights
M5 lights
M5 and T5 lights feature slightly different lens shapes, offering unique sparkle patterns and textures. They are often used alongside 5mm Conicals to add variation and dimension, particularly in larger installations. Applications • Tree wraps: Wrapping trunks and branches with minis creates dramatic vertical lines and turns trees into radiant focal points. • Bushes and shrubs: Dense, random wrapping with mini lights produces a vibrant, natural glow that makes greenery stand out at night. • Tree canopies: Covering the canopy with thousands of minis creates a magical overhead glow, perfect for parks, courtyards, and city squares.
T5 lights
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• Palm fronds: In areas where palm trees are prevalent, wrapping palm fronds with minis creates a unique tropical holiday look that is both striking and memorable. Mini lights are the backbone of foliage lighting. They add depth, texture, and atmosphere, transforming greenery into illuminated centerpieces that enhance the overall program. When paired with commercial grade quality, they provide even brightness, durability, and reliable performance season after season.
C9 Landscape Lighting: Bringing the Ground and Canopies to Life C9 bulbs are the workhorse of professional holiday lighting. While they are most recognized for outlining rooflines, they are equally effective when used in landscapes — from lighting the canopies of large trees to creating glowing borders along sidewalks and pathways. Their larger size and bright output make them stand out in ways that smaller bulbs cannot, giving both foliage and ground-level features a bold, polished look. C9 Stringer Sets C9 stringer sets, where the bulbs are pre-molded directly into the light line, are often the most budget-friendly option for landscape and canopy lighting. They are quick to install and well-suited for wrapping the canopies of large trees where a high volume of bulbs is needed. Their lighter construction makes them easier to handle, and they are a practical choice for For organizations that want a higher level of brightness, durability, and customization, C9 empty socket light line with retrofit bulbs is the gold standard. The cord can be cut to any length on-site, ensuring a perfectly tailored installation without excess slack or gaps. This system is more robust, handles repeated installations better, and provides a noticeably brighter, more polished look compared to stringer sets. Though the upfront investment is higher, the long-term durability and flexibility make it the preferred choice for many professional installers. Stake Lighting Applications While C9s are dramatic in the trees above, they also bring structure and order to landscapes at ground level. Using stakes, C9 bulbs can define borders, guide traffic, and enhance the overall symmetry of a display. • Pathways and sidewalks: C9 stakes create glowing borders that guide visitors safely at night while adding elegance to walking areas. organizations wanting to maximize coverage at a lower cost. C9 Empty Socket Light Line with Retrofit Bulbs
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• Driveways and entry roads: Outlining these with C9s provides a dramatic entrance, especially effective for HOAs, churches, and businesses welcoming large numbers of guests. • Flowerbeds and plazas: Stake lighting adds structure and polish to landscaped areas, making them pop after dark. • Public spaces: Parks, plazas, and courtyards benefit from stake lighting’s ability to define spaces and lead people toward focal points such as trees or displays. C9 bulbs are one of the most versatile and impactful tools in holiday decorating. Stringer sets offer a cost-effective solution for lighting large canopies, while empty socket light line with retrofit bulbs provides unmatched brightness, durability, and customizability. At ground level, C9 stakes turn ordinary walkways and landscapes into glowing guides that elevate both safety and design. Choosing the right C9 system ensures your landscape lighting looks professional, lasts for years, and becomes one of the defining features of your holiday program. Specialty Lighting: Creating Focal Points and Unique Effects While rooflines, mini lights, and C9s provide the foundation of a display, specialty lighting creates the signature moments that make people stop, look, and remember. These products add dimension, movement, and atmosphere, turning a good display into an extraordinary one. When used thoughtfully, specialty lighting elements draw attention to key areas and provide variety so the overall program feels dynamic and layered. Icicle Lights Icicle lights are a holiday classic, hung from eaves, roof edges, and overhangs to create a vertical drop effect that adds variety and texture to a display. While they are not as popular as they once were, they remain a good option for those who want a different style of lighting that breaks up the straight lines of roofline C9s or minis. They are especially effective along long rooflines or across covered walkways where their vertical design creates a softer, more varied outline. Spheres, Starbursts, and Light Balls Hanging light spheres or starbursts in trees and courtyards creates dimension by filling vertical space above eye level. These 3D shapes look impressive both day and night, adding structure even before they are illuminated. In the evening, they transform into floating orbs of color and sparkle. Grouping multiple spheres of varying sizes together enhances the effect, making them ideal for plazas, parks, and shopping center courtyards. Larger spheres, which typically range from 16 inches up to 40 inches in diameter, are also excellent as illuminated ground décor. Positioned along walkways, in landscaped beds, or at building entrances, these oversized spheres add another layer of illumination and create a striking contrast to elevated lighting elements. By mixing both suspended and ground-level spheres, you can bring more depth and visual balance to an overall holiday program. Meteor Shower Lights Meteor shower lights mimic the natural beauty of falling snow or streaking comets. When installed vertically in tree canopies, they create the illusion of glowing droplets cascading through the branches. The effect is mesmerizing, especially when multiple tubes are used
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together to create movement across the canopy. These lights work well in large trees in parks, plazas, and city squares, adding a dynamic element that makes the space feel alive and festive. RGB and Color-Changing LEDs RGB lighting allows full customization, from solid colors to intricate sequences and animations. These systems are ideal for organizations that want to go beyond static displays, creating dynamic shows that can be reprogrammed for multiple events throughout the year. While they require a larger upfront investment and more technical setup, RGB systems deliver unmatched flexibility and impact. Net Lights Net lights are the quickest way to achieve uniform coverage on hedges, shrubs, and smaller trees. Their grid design eliminates gaps and tangles, saving installation time while ensuring a consistent, polished look. They are especially useful for HOAs, shopping centers, and municipalities that want neat, professional-looking foliage lighting without the hours of manual wrapping. Specialty Lights Specialty lights are the creative accents that elevate a holiday program from ordinary to unforgettable. Icicle lights add motion and elegance to rooflines, spheres and starbursts bring depth to open spaces, meteor shower lights create dazzling tree canopies, RGB technology offers dynamic flexibility, and net lights ensure clean, uniform coverage. When integrated with rooflines, minis, and C9s, these specialty elements provide balance, variety, and that extra sense of magic that keeps people talking about your display.
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Displays: 2D, 3D, and Fiberglass Lighting sets the foundation of a holiday program, but displays tell the story. They provide the visual anchors that give a space character, create focal points, and deliver the iconic moments that people photograph and share. Displays come in many forms, from simple 2D silhouettes to large freestanding 3D structures and timeless fiberglass figures. Each type has a unique role to play in shaping a program’s identity and impact. 2D Displays Two-dimensional displays are flat-frame motifs, such as snowflakes, candy canes, stars, or banners, mounted on poles, fences, or building facades. They are: • Cost effective: They deliver high visibility at a lower price point compared to large freestanding structures. • Easily scalable: Multiple motifs can be installed along streets or walkways to create a cohesive look throughout a district or property. • Highly visible from roadways: Their flat, illuminated designs make them easy to see and recognize at a distance, especially for drivers passing through. A recent trend in this category is the rise of 2D photo op displays. These are freestanding pieces with a built-in support bracket that allows them to stand upright on the ground. While still technically two-dimensional, they function as interactive photo stations where guests can pose with the display. This innovation adds more value to 2D products by turning them into engaging, shareable experiences rather than just background décor. 3D and Fiberglass Displays
Three-dimensional displays are designed to stand out from every angle and invite people to step closer. They provide scale, character, and interaction, making them some of the most memorable elements in any holiday program. Whether constructed from steel frames wrapped in lights or durable fiberglass molded into iconic figures, these displays bring personality and visual weight that anchor a holiday scene. Types of 3D and Fiberglass Displays
• Walk-through ornaments or tunnels: Immersive structures that encourage guests to step inside, creating a memorable experience and a perfect backdrop for photos and social media sharing.
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• Oversized gift boxes, sleighs, or stacked ornaments: Bold statement pieces that serve as focal points and photo spots for families, often placed near community trees, plazas, or retail entrances. • Smaller accent displays: Freestanding stars, wrapped presents, or decorative props that add extra layers of design and help tie the overall program together. • Fiberglass icons: Nutcrackers, toy soldiers, reindeer, Santas, and other classic figures that bring tradition and character to a display. These are built to last for years and often become landmarks that visitors look forward to each season. Why They Matter 3D and fiberglass displays deliver both visual and emotional impact. They create focal points that draw visitors in, anchor gathering spaces, and become the images most often shared on social media. Their durability makes them a long-term investment, ensuring that with proper care, they continue to add value season after season. By combining large-scale showpieces with smaller accents and timeless
fiberglass figures, you create a layered design that feels complete, balanced, and unforgettable. The Power of Photo Opportunities In today’s social media focused world, one of the most effective ways to maximize the impact of a holiday program is to create dedicated photo opportunities. Guests are eager to capture and share their holiday experiences, and displays that invite interaction become the most memorable and the most talked about. Whether it is a 2D freestanding motif designed for posing, a walk-through ornament tunnel, a sleigh large enough for families to sit in, or oversized fiberglass characters, photo op displays amplify the reach of your program far beyond the immediate audience. Every photo shared on social media extends your investment, drawing more visitors and building stronger community engagement.
To get the most out of photo op areas, consider adding custom signage with your organization’s name, logo, or a branded holiday hashtag. Encouraging guests to tag their photos increases visibility online, drives buzz, and creates a lasting digital footprint of your holiday program. Pro Tip: Think about traffic flow when planning photo op displays. Place them in high-visibility, easily accessible areas where people naturally gather, and ensure
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