How to Time Your Post-Holiday Light Removal the Smart Way
The sparkle and warmth of holiday lights bring joy to homes throughout North Hills Pittsburgh, but as the season winds down and the new year arrives, many homeowners face the same question: When should I take down my holiday lights?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a smarter way to approach holiday light removal, especially if you want to avoid weather-related risks, preserve your lighting investment, and keep your property looking well-maintained. Continue reading to learn the optimal time and method for takedown of holiday lights.
Most people think the hard part is getting the lights up, but taking them down the right way is just as important.
Proper timing affects:
Failing to plan your takedown can lead to damaged bulbs, broken clips, or even personal injury. And in the North Hills, where snowstorms and freezing temperatures are common well into January, the risks only increase the longer you wait.
The most common timeframe for removing holiday lights is between January 1st and January 6th. This timing keeps your home festive through the first week of the new year while avoiding the impression that decorations have been forgotten.
For many North Hills homeowners, this schedule strikes the perfect balance between seasonal spirit and practical cleanup.
Another smart strategy is to base your takedown around the local weather forecast. In Pittsburgh, late December to early January often sees a break in storms before deeper snow and ice return mid-January through February.
Taking down lights during a mild stretch can protect:
If you plan to remove your lights yourself, it’s critical to choose a dry, sunny day with stable ladders and proper footwear.
In some neighborhoods around Wexford, Ross Township, or McCandless, homeowners’ associations may have guidelines about when exterior decorations must be removed. Even if there are no formal rules, leaving lights up past mid-January can start to feel out of step with the season, especially if they're still turning on each evening.
Taking lights down in a timely manner helps maintain your home’s clean, polished curb appeal into the new year and prevents neighbors from assuming the task has been forgotten.
Beyond appearances, prolonged exposure to winter weather can wear down your lights faster, especially if you’re using retail-grade strands not built for Pittsburgh’s climate.
While commercial-grade systems are more resilient, even the best lights can degrade if they’re left exposed for too long.
For homeowners in North Hills Pittsburgh, post-holiday light removal doesn’t have to be a burden. With MAT Lighting, everything is handled for you, including:
We pride ourselves on offering stress-free holiday light services, backed by local expertise, commercial-grade materials, and a commitment to excellence. Our trained crew is fully insured and experienced in roof work, so you can trust every detail is handled with care.
While it’s tempting to focus all your energy on the fun of holiday decorating, knowing when and how to take down your lights is just as important.
Taking them down too late can result in damage, safety risks, and visual clutter. Doing it too early can dampen the festive mood. But by planning ahead, you can enjoy a seamless transition out of the holiday season.
We proudly serve only the North Hills area of Pittsburgh, including Ross Township, McCandless, Wexford, Franklin Park, and surrounding communities. We specialize in elegant, energy-efficient, and professionally installed holiday lighting, and we handle every part of the process, from first light to final takedown.
Let us take care of your holiday lights, so you can focus on enjoying the season.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation or join our waitlist for next season’s installation dates.
