When Should I Remove My Outside Christmas Lights?

Christmas lights bring parts of the previous year into the new one, and many people opt to take them down as soon as they are over. The best time to take down Christmas lights is generally before February 1st, with many choosing to do so by the first week of January or prior to Three Kings Day. If you’re smart, you can take advantage of some of the warm weather over the next few days and take your lights down then.

When taking down your Christmas lights this year, follow the 3 “S”s – safety, strategy, and storage. After implementing these, you won’t go back to your old ways. To hang Christmas lights outside safely, use a paint roller extension pole with a hook on the end or a wire coat hanger.

January 6th marks the Epiphany, celebrating the 12 days of Christmas and the time for all holiday decorations to come down. For some, the second week of January is a typical time for the holiday lights to be unplugged and stored away until next year. Family rules for taking down Christmas lights include the first day after Dec 25th in which the temperature is over 40F, or (if there is a prolonged period) if there is a prolonged period.

Some believe that January 6th is the final day to keep Christmas lights up until the holiday season is truly over. Twelfth Night, which can vary depending on your country and custom, is when decorations can come down. Some LED light creations may only be used outdoors for up to 90 days, leaving them exposed to the weather over a period.

Those who believe in tradition take down Christmas lights and other decorations on January 6th to commemorate the Feast of the Epiphany. If possible, take down the lights during the daytime, as it is usually the warmest and provides the most light. Turn off your lights when you go to sleep or leave your home, as suggested by Sharon Cooksey, fire safety educator at Kidde.

When should outdoor Christmas lights be taken down?

Christmas lights should be removed before Three Kings Day (January 6th) to maintain etiquette and avoid the “it’s-too-soon-for-Christmas-stuff” shock experienced by shoppers. In the United States, the etiquette is clear after Thanksgiving, but in Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated earlier, making it too early to put up Christmas lights. Some advocate waiting until after Remembrance Day (Nov 11), while others believe nothing should be turned on until the beginning of Advent (December 1st). Alternatively, lights can be put up earlier but not turned on until later in the season.

It is safe to leave lights up and on through New Year’s Day in early January, but etiquette advises taking them down before Three Kings Day. If the weather is particularly chilly, consider removing lawn decorations and leaving the lights turned off until the weather warms up. These tips help maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the Christmas season and ensure a pleasant experience for all involved.

When should you turn off Christmas lights in your house?

Prior to leaving the lights on, it is advisable to ascertain from the label whether the bulbs and wattage are suitable for a prolonged period of illumination. TopTech Electric and Plumbing recommends that the lights be extinguished prior to retiring for the night to mitigate potential hazards. The Christmas season is intended to be a joyful time, and thus it is of the utmost importance to adhere to safe lighting practices and extinguish lights at night.

How long can you safely leave Christmas lights on?

To prevent fires and save money on electricity bills, it’s crucial to turn off Christmas tree lights every time you leave the house or go to bed. Use a light timer to set a time to turn off lights at night and back on the next day, or use a wireless control or smart plug to shut them off through an app on your phone. Store lights properly until next season to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. Remember to turn off lights when leaving the house or going to bed at night.

Why do you leave Christmas lights up till January 6th?

Christmas decorations come down on the Twelfth Night and the 6th of January marks the end of the festive season with the Epiphany. Epiphany is a Christian feast celebrating the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. The word “fainomai” means “reveal” and “fos” is derived from it. By the start of the new year, a real tree may not look its best, so it’s better to leave a live tree in a pot outside in a shed before being replanted in Spring. Some believe leaving Christmas decorations up is bad luck, but this belief has little to no basis in reality.

Many people wait for Candlemas on February 2nd to pause their Christmas vibes for next year, which is close to the 1st when Tudors completed their festive period. The bad luck rumor likely started with the Victorians trying to enforce the new law.

Do Christmas decorations come down on 5th or 6th January?

The Feast of Epiphany, an ancient Christian celebration, marks the conclusion of the festive season on January 6th. The celebration commemorates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist and the arrival of the Three Wise Men. Special services are held worldwide, with the Pope presiding over the Vatican’s annual Holy Mass. It is imperative that environmentally conscious practices be employed when selecting and utilizing Christmas wrapping materials.

Is it OK to leave outdoor lights on all the time?

Leaving your outdoor lights on at night can create the illusion of someone is home and help neighbors monitor your property. However, leaving them on all day and night can be a negative signal, making it difficult to maintain a sense of security. To counter this, consider investing in smart lights with automated timers that can be controlled from anywhere. Motion sensor lights are an effective solution for ensuring porch lights are on when needed, catching burglars off guard with flashing lights and scaring off wild animals. When the lights are triggered, it’s a clear sign to check your yard for potential dangers, such as falling branches or floating trash.

How long is too long to leave Christmas lights up?

In accordance with the National Fire Protection Association’s National Electric Code, the use of Christmas lights is recommended for a maximum of 90 days to prevent electrical issues and prevent serious damage to residential properties. Furthermore, this timeframe helps to mitigate the risk of house fires and reduce electricity costs, as continuous operation of Christmas lights throughout the month can be financially burdensome.

Can you leave outdoor Christmas lights up all year?

Outdoor trees can be used to leave lights year-round, provided they are used in accordance with the specific design of outdoor lights. These lights are specifically designed to withstand temperature extremes and elements, especially during winter and summer. LED lights are ideal for this purpose, as they are energy-efficient, last longer, and are better suited for outdoor use due to their ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.

How long can you leave outdoor string lights on?

Outdoor string lights should be used with caution, as they can overheat and cause fires if exposed to dry leaves or flammable substances. LED lights are safe and energy-efficient when used correctly, but they can also be dangerous if not used correctly. Tri-State, a not-for-profit cooperative of 44 members, delivers reliable, affordable, and responsible power to over a million consumers across nearly 200, 000 square miles of the West. To ensure safety, follow these safety tips and avoid using outdoor string lights for extended periods or overnight.

Is it okay to leave outdoor Christmas lights on all night?

Christmas lights can become a fire hazard if left on for too long, according to Sharon Cooksey, fire safety educator at Kidde. To avoid this, turn off lights when going to sleep or leaving the house, and consider purchasing a timer to automatically turn them off. Cooksey also advises being mindful of the type of lights you buy, ensuring they are approved by a recognized testing laboratory. Look for lights labeled with UL, meaning they have been tested by Underwriters Laboratories for fire and electrical safety.

Indoor lights should be rated for indoor use and should not be hung outside. Cooksey also recommends purchasing LED lights, which emit less heat than incandescent ones and are more energy-efficient than other alternatives.

When should outdoor lights be turned off?

Turn off the porch light and other indoor lighting fixtures before going to bed to indicate that your home is in use and help you rest well. If you’re concerned about nighttime security, consider purchasing a burglar alarm or motion detection camera. The symbolism behind leaving the porch light on at night signifies that the house is occupied, deterring burglars who typically look for unoccupied homes. This tradition also holds deeper meanings in hospitality and safety.

Whether to turn the porch light on or off depends on your security requirements and various situations. Some scenarios include setting the porch light to turn on at specific times, such as when you’re going to sleep or when you’re going to visit a friend or family member. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your home is safe and secure at night.