67% of Homeowners Plan to Decorate With Holiday Lights—80% Expect Challenges

As the holiday season approaches, homeowners across America are preparing to string up their beloved, but often frustrating, holiday lights. According to an Angi-run survey, nearly ⅔ of homeowners plan to decorate their homes with holiday lights this year. For many people, these twinkling displays are an essential part of adding festive cheer and nostalgia, but the process of hanging them can be far from merry.

Our survey found that front yards, indoor Christmas trees, and windows are the most popular spots for holiday lighting. While holiday lights bring joy to 68% of homeowners who put them up, they also come with their fair share of snags. Last year, 81% of decorating homeowners reported running into trouble: 46% tussled with tangled lights, 46% dealt with burnt-out bulbs, and 27% found it difficult to secure their lights properly. 

“Holiday lights are all about creating a festive atmosphere, but let’s face it—untangling wires and climbing ladders can quickly turn holiday spirit into holiday stress and, in some cases, risk,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi. 

From navigating icy outdoor conditions to handling electrical components, holiday decorating can be tricky, and even dangerous, for homeowners. This year, 42% of decorating homeowners are considering hiring help, with many seeking professionals who can create both elaborate front yard displays and smaller indoor arrangements. For those who struggle to bring down decorations after the holidays—31% of decorating homeowners admit they’ve left lights up longer than intended—a professional can also help with timely takedowns. 

So, why do homeowners go through the trouble of putting up holiday lights? Sixty-eight percent of decorating homeowners enjoy seeing how other people decorate their homes for the holidays. On the other hand, for some people, it’s about the competition: 21% of homeowners who put up lights last year said they do it to engage in friendly competition with their neighbors. 

No matter your reason for decking the halls, hiring a professional holiday light installer is a great way to eliminate seasonal stress (and give you a leg up over your neighbor’s display). Plus, it’s easy to find someone to lend a helping hand. Whether your goal is a stunning display that lights up the whole block or a simple setup that brings comfort and warmth, holiday lights remain a cherished tradition—even if they come with a few tangled cords along the way.