How Much Does Professional Christmas Light Installation Cost in Illinois?
Photo by Gautam Krishnan on Unsplash
Hiring professionals to install Christmas lights has become a popular choice for homeowners who want a beautiful holiday display without climbing ladders, risking injuries, or spending hours untangling wires.
But before booking a service, many Illinois homeowners want to know one thing: How much does professional Christmas light installation cost in Illinois?
The answer depends on several factors, including home size, roof height, design complexity, and regional labor rates, but there are clear pricing patterns that can help you budget confidently for the holiday season.
Average Cost of Christmas Light Installation in Illinois
Based on regional and national pricing data, most homeowners in Illinois spend between $300 and $800 for professional Christmas light installation on a typical 1–2 2-story home.
The state falls within a mid-range pricing bracket, with rates higher than some southern and rural regions but lower than premium coastal metro markets.
Here’s the general breakdown:
- Low-End Installations: $250–$350 (simple roofline or single-story homes)
- Mid-Range Installations: $400–$700 (two-story homes with roofline and window outlines)
- High-End or Complex Designs: $800–$1,500+ (large homes, steep roofs, custom patterns, landscaping, or tree lighting)
On average, Illinois tends to run slightly higher than some Midwest states due to labor and insurance costs, as well as the prevalence of two-story suburban homes that require additional safety equipment and time.
Cost Per Linear Foot in Illinois
For example, licensed electricians in Naperville charge $2.50 to $6.50 per linear foot, which includes:
- Labor
- Use of professional-grade LED lights (if provided by installer)
- Roofline and window installation
- Clips and mounting materials
Higher costs near Chicago and its suburbs may reach $7 per foot, especially on steep or multi-level roofs.
Cost Breakdown by Type of Installation
Basic Roofline Installation
$250–$1,000
Includes outlining eaves, gutters, or the front-facing roofline. This is the most common package for homeowners wanting a classic, clean holiday look.
Full Holiday Lighting Packages
$700–$3,500+
Includes rooflines, windows, garage doors, porches, trees, shrubs, and walkway lighting. Prices rise with design complexity and property size.
Tree Lighting
- Small trees: $100–$300
- Medium to large trees: $300–$2,000+, depending on height and density
Tree lighting is one of the most labor-intensive parts of any holiday display, especially for tall oaks and maples common in Illinois yards.
Permanent Lighting Systems
$2,000–$10,000+
These systems, such as smart RGB LEDs mounted along rooflines, allow year-round lighting control. They eliminate the need for annual installation but come with a much higher upfront cost.
Takedown/Removal Service
$100–$400
Many companies include this in the installation cost, but it’s important to confirm before booking.
Regional Differences Within Illinois
Installation prices vary based on location:
Higher-Cost Areas
- Chicago
- Naperville
- Schaumburg
- Arlington Heights
- North Shore communities
These areas often have taller homes, steeper roofs, and higher labor rates.
Moderate-Cost Areas
- Springfield
- Bloomington-Normal
- Rockford
- Peoria
Lower-Cost or Rural Areas
- Small towns and rural counties
- Areas with lower demand or simpler home designs
Homeowners in rural Illinois typically see lower prices due to reduced overhead costs and simpler rooflines.
What Affects Christmas Light Installation Cost in Illinois?
Several factors influence the final price:
1. Roof Height & Complexity
Two- and three-story homes require more safety equipment and time, raising labor costs.
2. Lights Provided by You vs. the Installer
Using your own lights can save $100–$200, but installers typically prefer professional-grade LEDs for durability.
3. Design Complexity
Custom color schemes, patterns, and wrap-around designs cost more than simple roofline installations.
4. Seasonal Demand
Prices increase the closer you get to Thanksgiving — early booking often means better rates.
5. Weather Conditions
Illinois winters can be icy and windy, making December installs more difficult and sometimes more expensive.
How to Save Money on Christmas Light Installation
Homeowners can keep costs down with a few smart choices:
- Book early — many companies offer pre-season pricing.
- Provide your own lights if compatible with installer requirements.
- Choose a simple roofline design rather than wrapping trees or outlining every window.
- Bundle installation and removal with one company.
- Ask about returning customer discounts for next year.
Final Thoughts
For most homeowners, professional Christmas light installation in Illinois costs between $300 and $800, with the statewide average falling around the mid-$500 range for standard two-story homes.
The final price depends on your home’s layout, your lighting design, and your regional market.
While hiring professionals is more expensive than doing it yourself, many homeowners find the convenience, safety, efficiency, and polished result well worth the investment, especially during the busy holiday season.
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