May 7, 2025

What Factors Can Affect the Cost of Permanent Holiday Lighting Installation?

By Adam Foeller

Let’s clear something up before we dive in., People use terms like permanent soffit lighting, holiday lighting, and Christmas lighting but they all mean the same thing—decorative lights on a house. Sure, they’re great for Christmas, but they work for any holiday, really. Plus, they just look good year-round, which is why “permanent soffit lights” is a pretty accurate name.

Now that we have cleared that up…

There is one main factor that is the strongest determinant of cost, but there are also a handful of smaller factors that need to be considered that are not always obvious.

Linear Footage

This is the big one. The main driver of the cost of permanent soffit lighting is how much material is needed, and that is determined by the total length of the installation area. Generally, you can expect costs to range from $25 to $40 per linear foot, though prices can vary significantly depending on regional market rates and individual providers.

*Always confirm if the quoted price per foot includes essential equipment, such as controllers, or if these will be charged separately.

Jumps (or Breaks in Installation)

Jumps refer to breaks or gaps in the design, commonly resulting from architectural features like gables, dormers, or structural elements. Each jump necessitates additional wiring, connectors, and attention to detail to ensure a clean and professional finish. These extra steps add cost in both material and labour.

Custom Tracks

Not all permanent soffit lighting systems use tracks to house the lights, but the ones that do – systems like Celebright and Gemstone – make their tracks in-house, which ensures a high level of quality control as well as more predictable supply timelines. They have many colour and shape options pre-made, but for custom shapes or colours, there may be longer production timelines and additional costs.

Accessibility of Installation Area

Ease of access to installation areas will significantly impact installation costs. A one-story rancher that requires only a short step ladder would have lower costs than a 3 story home featuring steep roof pitches, significant height, intricate architectural details, or challenging landscapes.

Some projects require specialized equipment such as boom lifts, scaffolding, or temporary roof anchors to ensure a safe environment in which to complete an installation effectively. Equipment rentals and additional labour hours can add significantly to the final price of a project.

The Value of Investing in Permanent Soffit Lighting

Having a permanent soffit lighting system installed can come with a substantial upfront cost, but the value over time can more than justify the expense. Some of the benefits of permanent soffit lighting include:

Enhanced curb appeal and aesthetic charm
Increased property value
Safety and security through improved illumination
Flexible and convenient lighting solutions for seasonal decorations, celebrations, and daily use
Low maintenance and high reliability compared to temporary lighting setups

Financing Options Available

Recognizing that this initial investment may seem substantial, many providers offer financing options to help homeowners manage the costs more comfortably. Financing typically includes reasonable interest rates and flexible payment terms, making permanent soffit lighting accessible to a variety of budgets.

Free Quote and Friendly Advice from Light Right

At Light Right, we offer complimentary, no-obligation quotes and are always happy to answer any questions about permanent soffit lighting. Our goal is to provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.