Tis The Season: Christmas Lights Go Up Early

There are differing opinions on the appropriate time to put up Christmas lights. While some people believe that the first day of Advent, which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas, is the ideal time, others argue that the start of December or even earlier in November is acceptable. Some surveys indicate that December 1st is the most common response, but many people plan to put up their lights earlier, in early to mid-November. There are also variations depending on where you live and the type of property you have, with commercial properties and younger, more festive neighbourhoods tending to put up lights earlier.

Thanksgiving to Christmas Day

There are differing opinions on the best time to put up Christmas lights. Some people prefer to stick to tradition and put up their Christmas lights after Thanksgiving, with the first day of December being a popular date. However, others like to start sooner, with some people in Georgia, USA, saying that October is the earliest they would display lights.

In the UK, some people put up their Christmas trees and decorations on the first day of Advent, which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This can fall as early as the last Sunday in November.

If you're in the US, a good rule of thumb is to put up your Christmas lights the day after Thanksgiving. This is also known as Black Friday. It's generally agreed that this is the first day that Christmas lights won't irritate your neighbours. However, if you're in a more traditional or conservative area, you might want to hold off until later in December.

If you're keen to get going earlier, it's worth noting that most people in a survey of 4,000 US homeowners said that any time before Thanksgiving is too early for Christmas lights. But, if you're in a younger area with lots of children, you might get away with putting your lights up earlier in November.

Whatever you decide, it's a good idea to be considerate of your neighbours. If your lights are outside your neighbour's bedroom window, for example, it might be polite to skip that area. You could also put your lights on a timer to save power and avoid disturbing anyone.

Before Thanksgiving

While there is much debate on the topic, with some people preferring to wait until after Thanksgiving, there are several reasons why you might choose to put up your Christmas lights before then.

Firstly, it's important to consider your personal circumstances. If you have a busy schedule in December, filled with holiday get-togethers and Christmas shopping, you might find it more convenient to put up your lights before Thanksgiving. This way, you can avoid the rush and stress of trying to decorate during the busy holiday season.

Another factor to consider is the weather. Depending on where you live, the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving may offer more favourable weather conditions for hanging outdoor lights. Taking advantage of milder temperatures and drier days can make the task more enjoyable and less challenging.

In some communities, particularly those with a younger demographic and a high number of children, it is considered acceptable and even welcomed to turn on Christmas lights earlier in November. Joining in with the festive spirit of your neighbourhood can foster a sense of community and enhance the holiday experience for everyone.

Additionally, with the increasing popularity of LED Christmas lights, many enthusiasts are motivated to extend the holiday season and get more use out of their energy-efficient lights. By putting up your lights earlier, you can enjoy them for a longer period, maximising the return on your investment.

However, it's important to be mindful of your neighbours' preferences. While some may embrace the early holiday cheer, others may find it disruptive to the flow of the seasons. Communicating openly with your neighbours and being considerate of their views can help maintain harmonious relationships.

December 1st

The most common response in a survey of 4,000 US homeowners was that December 1st is the most acceptable date to put up Christmas lights. This date is also backed by tradition, with the first day of Advent considered the appropriate time to put up Christmas trees and decorations. In 2023, this date fell on December 3rd.

Regional Differences

While December 1st is a popular choice, there are regional differences. In more traditional and conservative areas, putting up Christmas lights before December will attract criticism. However, in areas with a younger demographic and more children, it is often welcomed to put lights up earlier in November.

Commercial Properties

Commercial properties, especially in Florida, are increasingly putting up lights in mid-November and even as early as November 1st.

Personal Preferences

Ultimately, the best date to put up Christmas lights is a personal choice. Some people prefer to wait until after Thanksgiving, while others like to get into the holiday spirit earlier. Hakiem Simmons, a Black Friday shopper in Beacon, New York, summed it up well:

> "I highly recommend whatever day feels comfortable for you and your family, start there."

Mid-November

If you're eager to get going with your Christmas lights, you're not alone. While the first of December is often considered the acceptable time to start decorating, many people are choosing to put their lights up earlier.

In fact, a survey by House Method found that the majority of respondents planned to hang their lights in mid-November. Specifically, many people choose to put their lights up around Thanksgiving and Black Friday, which falls on the fourth Friday in November. This is a practical choice for many, as December can be a busy month, and it's nice to have the lights up for the holidays.

If you're in the US, you might want to consider that your neighbours may not approve of lights going up too early. While some states are more relaxed, a majority of states—34 out of 50—believe that hanging lights before Thanksgiving is too soon. However, if you live in an area with a younger demographic and lots of children, you might find that your neighbours are more welcoming of early Christmas lights.

If you're in the UK, tradition dictates that Christmas trees and decorations should go up on the first day of Advent, which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas. However, in recent years, it has become more common for people to put up their decorations earlier, with some even setting up their trees as soon as Halloween is over!

October

While the unofficial start of the Christmas decorating season is the weekend of Thanksgiving, with many people waiting until 1 December, some people are choosing to put up their Christmas lights earlier.

In a survey of 4,000 US homeowners, 12% said they believed that "before Thanksgiving" in November was acceptable, while 10% said 1 November, and 10% said Black Friday. Another 10% said anytime after Black Friday in November, and 8% said the week before Christmas was the earliest one should hang lights. However, 34 out of 50 states believe that hanging lights before Thanksgiving is too early. The notable exceptions were Georgia and Delaware, where residents were more likely to put up Christmas lights in October.

In the UK, the tradition is to put up Christmas trees and decorations on the first day of Advent, which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year, that falls on 3 December 2023. However, some people are putting their trees up as soon as Halloween is over.

So, if you're decorating the outside of your home for Christmas in October, you're likely in a minority. But if you're in Georgia or Delaware, you're probably not alone!

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