I just finished a new build and the thought of climbing ladders every December is… not great. So, I’m exploring permanent holiday lights. Here’s what I’ve found.

I’m standing in front of my new house, and honestly, it feels great. We just wrapped up the build, and everything is exactly how we pictured it. But as I’m admiring the clean lines of the roof, a familiar sense of dread creeps in. It’s August now, but I know what’s coming in a few short months. The annual ritual of untangling Christmas lights, climbing a wobbly ladder, and spending a whole weekend trying to get everything just right. This year, I want to do something different. I’ve been looking into permanent holiday lights, and I think I might be onto something.

A couple of local installers I’ve talked to both use a system called Everlights, which sent me down a rabbit hole of research. So, what did I find? Let’s get into it.

So, What Exactly Are Permanent Holiday Lights?

The name is pretty straightforward. Instead of buying string lights you have to put up and take down every year, permanent holiday lights are professionally installed on your home and stay there for good. They consist of small, high-efficiency LED lights housed in a discreet channel that’s matched to the color of your home’s trim or soffit. During the day, you can barely see them.

But at night, you can control them with a smartphone app. You’re not just stuck with classic white or multi-color. You can create custom patterns, change the colors for any occasion (think orange for Halloween, red and blue for the 4th of July, or your favorite team’s colors on game day), and even program animations. It’s not just about Christmas anymore; it’s about year-round architectural and accent lighting.

An In-Depth Look at Everlights

Since it’s the brand I keep hearing about, I decided to dig specifically into Everlights. Their whole philosophy seems to be about blending in. The lights are individually addressable, meaning you have precise control over every single bulb on the strand. Want to make every third bulb green and the rest red? You can do that. Want to create a chasing effect? Easy.

One feature I found particularly clever is their design that allows the system to seamlessly “jump” over things like downspouts, keeping the spacing of the lights consistent all the way around the roofline. You can learn more about their specific tech on the official Everlights website. The app seems to be the heart of the system, giving you a huge library of pre-set patterns and the ability to design your own from scratch. This is a big step up from the single-function remote that comes with most store-bought string lights.

The Big Question: Are Permanent Holiday Lights Worth the Cost?

Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price. This is not a cheap upgrade. A professional installation can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the size of your house and the complexity of the roofline. It’s a significant investment, and it’s easy to see why someone might hesitate.

So, is it worth it? I think it comes down to what you value most.

Here’s how I’m breaking it down:

• Convenience: The idea of never climbing a ladder in the cold again is incredibly appealing. Pushing a button on my phone instead of wrestling with tangled wires sounds like a dream.
• Safety: Ladder accidents are no joke. Removing that risk from my annual to-do list is a huge plus, especially as the years go on.
• Year-Round Use: I’m not just paying for Christmas lights. I’m paying for custom lighting for every holiday, birthday, and special event. It can also serve as beautiful architectural up-lighting year-round, which adds to the home’s curb appeal.
• Durability & Energy Use: These systems are built to withstand the elements for years, and LEDs are incredibly energy-efficient. No more replacing entire strands because one bulb went out.

The main drawback is that high upfront cost. You’re paying for years of convenience all at once. There’s also the fact that you’re relying on a single company for installation and, potentially, repairs.

What Are the Alternatives?

Everlights is a big name in the space, but it’s not the only one. Other popular systems include Govee (which offers some popular DIY-friendly options) and Trimlight. Each has slightly different features, app functionality, and price points. It pays to get quotes from installers of different systems to compare. For a great technical breakdown of different options, CNET has a helpful guide on permanent outdoor smart lights.

After looking at everything, I’m genuinely torn. The cost is significant, but the long-term benefits are undeniable. I love the idea of creating a unique look for my home for any occasion with just a few taps on my phone. The safety and convenience are probably the biggest selling points for me.

I haven’t pulled the trigger just yet, but I’m leaning heavily toward “yes.” The thought of a future without tangled wires and wobbly ladders might just be worth the investment.