There is a distinct shift in the air when the holiday season approaches. The days get shorter, the coffee gets hotter, and neighborhoods begin to twinkle with the soft glow of festive lights. For many, decorating the exterior of the home is more than just a tradition; it is a way to signal joy and community spirit.
However, the days of untangling a single, frantic ball of multicolored incandescent bulbs are behind us. Today, holiday lighting is an art form. It combines technology, architectural design, and creative expression to create displays that are truly breathtaking. Whether you prefer a subtle, elegant glow or a show-stopping spectacle that rivals the department stores, this year’s trends offer something for every style.
If you are planning to upgrade your display or simply want to refresh your look, understanding current trends can help you make the best choices for your property. From smart technology to curated color palettes, here is how to make your home shine this season.
Top Trending Styles for the Season
The approach to holiday lighting has evolved significantly. Homeowners are moving away from chaotic, mismatched displays in favor of cohesive, thoughtful designs. Here are the styles dominating the conversation this year.
Minimalist Warm-White Outlines
Less is often more. One of the most enduring and popular trends is the minimalist approach. This involves using warm-white LED strands to trace the architectural lines of the home—roof peaks, gutters, and windows. This style highlights the beauty of the house itself without overwhelming the viewer. It feels sophisticated, timeless, and expensive.
The key here is precision. Professional installers and savvy DIYers use clips to ensuring every bulb points the same direction, creating a clean, uniform line of light that looks sharp from the street.
Smart Light Integration and Color-Changing LEDs
Technology has revolutionized holiday decorating. Smart lighting systems allow you to control your display from your smartphone, changing the vibe of your home with a single tap.
- App-Controlled Customization: You can change the colors of your lights instantly. Want red and green for Christmas, blue and silver for Hanukkah, or purple and orange for Halloween? Permanent smart track lighting allows for this versatility year-round.
- Timers and Schedules: Gone are the days of stepping out into the cold to plug in the lights. Smart timers ensure your display turns on exactly at sunset and off at bedtime, saving energy and hassle.
- Animation: Subtle twinkling or slow fades can add movement to your display without the frantic flashing of older systems.
Maximalist Displays vs. Simple Elegance
While minimalism is trending, there is still a strong love for the maximalist “Clark Griswold” aesthetic—but executed with better taste. The modern maximalist doesn’t just throw lights on every surface; they create layers. This involves wrapping tree trunks, draping bushes in net lights, lining pathways, and outlining the house. The difference this year is coordination. Even heavy displays are sticking to specific color palettes to keep the look intentional rather than chaotic.
Designing by Theme: Curating Your Curb Appeal
Choosing a specific theme can make shopping for lights and decorations much easier. Instead of buying random items, you are building a cohesive scene. Here are a few themes inspiring homeowners this year.
Winter Wonderland
This theme relies heavily on cool tones. Think crisp cool-white LEDs, icy blues, and twinkling snowflake motifs. The goal is to mimic the look of frost and ice.
- Lighting: Cool white C9 bulbs on the roofline.
- Accents: Icicle lights dripping from the gutters and blue uplighting on trees.
- Vibe: Crisp, modern, and magical.
Cozy & Warm
This is the digital equivalent of a fireplace. It uses warm-white lights (which mimic the golden glow of traditional incandescent bulbs) and gold accents.
- Lighting: Warm white mini-lights wrapped around pillars and railings.
- Accents: Gold bows, pre-lit grapevine deer, and lanterns on the porch.
- Vibe: Inviting, traditional, and nostalgic.
Classic Holiday Cheer
You cannot go wrong with the traditional palette. This theme is all about nostalgia.
- Lighting: Alternating red, green, and warm white bulbs.
- Accents: Large illuminated wreaths and red velvet ribbons.
- Vibe: Joyful, loud, and family-friendly.
Modern Minimal
This theme focuses on architecture and clean lines, often utilizing just one color and very few physical decorations.
- Lighting: Pure white or distinct colors like solid teal or magenta (for a non-traditional pop).
- Accents: Laser projectors or geometric light fixtures.
- Vibe: Artistic, bold, and high-end.
Combining Lighting with Seasonal Decor
Lights are the stars of the show, but they need supporting actors to truly shine. Integrating greenery and physical decor adds texture to your display, making it look good even during the day when the lights are off.
Wreaths and Garlands
A lit wreath on the front door or upper windows creates a focal point. Garlands wrapped around porch columns or draped over balcony railings bridge the gap between the house and the lights. For a cohesive look, ensure the color temperature of the lights in your greenery matches the lights on your roof.
Landscape and Uplighting
Don’t ignore the yard. You don’t always need string lights to make an impact. LED uplights placed at the base of trees or focusing on architectural columns can create dramatic shadows and depth. This technique, often used in professional landscape design, adds a layer of sophistication that string lights alone cannot achieve.
Path Lights
Lining your walkway guides guests to your door and ties the yard lighting to the house lighting. Use oversized C9 bulbs on ground stakes for a nostalgic look, or modern solar path lights for a subtle glow.
Post-Season Care and Maintenance
Once the holidays are over, the work isn’t quite finished. Proper removal and maintenance are essential to ensure your investment lasts for years to come. Neglecting this step is why many homeowners find half their strands dead the following November.
Clean Your Equipment
Outdoor lights are exposed to the elements for weeks. Dust, dirt, and grime can build up on the bulbs, dimming their shine. If you live in a coastal area or where roads are salted for snow, salt buildup on the wiring and connectors can cause corrosion.
- Wipe Down: As you take the lights down, wipe the bulbs and cords with a damp microfiber cloth to remove residue.
- Check Connectors: Inspect plugs for any green corrosion or rust.
Inspect and Organize
Before packing them away, plug each strand in one last time. Replace any burnt-out bulbs immediately so they are ready to go next year. Store your lights on reels or wrap them around cardboard pieces to prevent the dreaded “tangle” that costs hours of frustration.
Storage
Store your lights in a cool, dry place. Extreme heat (like in an attic during summer) can degrade the plastic on the wires and damage LED components. heavy-duty plastic bins are your best friend here to keep moisture and pests out.
Let Your Home Shine Safely
Creating a stunning holiday display brings joy to the whole neighborhood, but it also requires time, design planning, and a fair amount of physical labor on ladders. Whether you are going for a simple warm-white outline or a fully animated musical light show, the goal is to celebrate the season safely and stylishly.
If you’re ready to transform your property with professional holiday lighting installation, trust True Sentiment—your dedicated team of holiday light installers Los Angeles residents and businesses recommend for excellence. We handle everything from the custom design to the installation, maintenance, and removal, ensuring your holidays are bright and stress-free.
📞 Call us today at (818) 350-7233 to schedule your consultation.