Christmas Lights Installation and Holiday Lighting Costs in Charlottesville and Central Virginia

What influences the cost
Several factors determine what you’ll pay for Christmas light installation. In Charlottesville (and generally in this part of Virginia), here are the key variables:
Factor | How it affects cost |
---|---|
Size of the house / property | Bigger roofs, multiple stories, long rooflines, many trees or bushes mean more materials and more labor. |
Type of lights & materials | Pricing varies for C9 lights, mini lights, specialty lights, net lights, holiday greenery, wreaths, color changeables, etc. |
Complexity & design | Simple roofline outlines are cheaper; custom features (garlands, arches, wreaths, wrapping trees, lighting hard-to-reach spots) cost more. |
Access and safety | Steep roofs, tall trees, tricky angles require more time/ladders/scaffolding or special equipment. That adds to labor costs. |
Included services | Removal after the season, storage, maintenance (repair of broken bulbs, etc.), programmable/timer setups, etc. All of this is included in the costs with Charlottesville Christmas Lights but would be extra with many other companies. |
Labor rates & local market | Charlottesville’s labor and business costs will influence the rate charged per linear foot or per job. Local taxes, permit fees (if any), and supply costs also matter. |
Average Costs and Range

If you live in Charlottesville and want a nice Christmas lighting setup, the average price range for a holiday lighting project will be between $1200-$1800 for a typical house if the work is reasonably straightforward. The normal pricing range for professional companies with insurance would be between $900 - $2500. Multiple building projects or multiple tree projects can bump Christmas lights installation projects up higher.
What cost includes / what to ask
When you’re budgeting or getting quotes, make sure you know what is included. These are things you should check or ask about:
- Does the installer supply the lights, or do you provide them? If they supply, what colors or types are available?
- Is removal and storage included (after the holidays)?
- Are there maintenance/replacement warranties for bulbs, strands, etc., if something goes out? At Charlottesville Christmas Lights, maintenance is part of our white-glove service.
- Are timers or remote control features included?
- What is the schedule / seasonal timing? Early booking can often get a discount at Charlottesville Christmas Lights
How to save money / get good value

Here are tips for keeping your costs reasonable while getting good results:
- Plan early – booking early may give you better pricing, more availability, and possibly early-season discounts.
- Keep design simpler – focus on a few focal points rather than lighting every inch. Sometimes smaller, well-placed lighting has more visual impact.
- Choose a Professional Company – going with a professional company with a strong standing will prevent costly problems associated with the project.
- Ask for a Line Item Cost Breakdown – seeing the prices broken down by line item on the estimate will allow you to analyze what you really want
- Bundle services – sometimes paying a bit more to include removal, storage, or maintenance is worth it for peace of mind.
Bottom line
Charlottesville and Central Virginia residents that are interested in a nice Christmas lighting setup should expect to pay fair rates for a professional holiday lighting service around a $1200 to $1800 range. More elaborate designs (multi-story, many landscape features, custom effects) will push the cost upward, possibly into the $2,000+ range.
Contact Charlottesville Christmas Lights Today!