At Brightness Window Cleaning, we’ve noticed New Yorkers in Orange and Rockland counties typically begin holiday decorating right after Thanksgiving, though many now start as early as November 1st. The trend for early decorating has grown substantially, with professional installation services booking up by mid-October. Weather conditions in Bergen, Passaic, and Sussex counties in New Jersey also push residents to plan ahead, with many homeowners scheduling Christmas light installation in October to avoid the rush and harsh winter conditions that make outdoor decorating difficult.
In this article we will cover;
How Early Do New Yorkers Start Decorating for the Holidays?
The Holiday Decorating Timeline in New York and New Jersey
The holiday season seems to arrive earlier each year in New York and New Jersey neighborhoods. While traditionalists might wait until after Thanksgiving, many residents across Orange County, Rockland County, Bergen County, Passaic County, and Sussex County now begin their holiday preparations as early as Halloween ends.
The timing varies across communities. In Nyack and New City, many homeowners put up lights and decorations by mid-November. Meanwhile, residents in Middletown often wait until closer to Thanksgiving weekend. However, the common thread across all these communities is clear – professional installation services are booking earlier than ever.
Most professional holiday lighting installers report being fully booked by early November, with the most popular installation dates (weekends in late November) filling up by mid-October.
Why Early Booking Is Becoming Essential
The shift toward earlier holiday decorating isn’t just about enthusiasm for the season. Several practical factors drive this trend:
- Weather considerations – November in the Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey can bring unpredictable conditions, including early snow and freezing temperatures
- Limited daylight hours as winter approaches
- Increased demand for professional installation services
- Supply chain concerns for specialty lighting and decorations
According to the Rockland County government, permit applications for large commercial holiday displays have been trending earlier each year, with many businesses submitting paperwork in September and October.
This early scheduling isn’t limited to business window cleaning and commercial property maintenance. Homeowners are equally eager to secure their spots with professional installers.
Community Decorating Trends Across New York and New Jersey
Different communities have established their own decorating traditions and timelines:
In Rockland County, neighborhoods like Nyack embrace a community-wide approach where many streets coordinate their decorating schedules, creating stunning displays when everyone puts up lights simultaneously, typically starting the second weekend of November.
Across Orange County, cities like Middletown often follow a more traditional schedule, with most decorations appearing the weekend after Thanksgiving. However, the planning and booking for these installations happen much earlier.
In New Jersey’s Bergen County, the competitive spirit drives earlier decorating, with some neighborhoods known for their elaborate displays beginning their planning in September and installation in early November.
The mountain communities in Sussex County tend to decorate earlier due to harsher winter conditions, with many homes fully decorated by mid-November before the heaviest snows make installation challenging.
Passaic County residents often split the difference, with indoor decorations going up early November and outdoor lighting following mid-month.
The Dangers of DIY Holiday Decorating
While the holiday spirit might motivate homeowners to tackle decorating themselves, this enthusiasm comes with significant risks:
- Falls from ladders cause thousands of injuries each holiday season
- Electrical hazards from improper installation
- Weather-related accidents from icy roofs and freezing temperatures
- Property damage from improper attachment methods
According to safety organizations like the Professional Window and Door Cleaning Association, holiday decorating leads to approximately 15,000 emergency room visits annually nationwide.
The risk increases substantially when homeowners attempt to install lights on second-story rooflines or trees without proper equipment or training. Professional window cleaners already have the proper equipment, safety training, and experience working at heights.
Transition Services: From Halloween to Christmas
One challenge many homeowners face is the overlap of seasonal decorations. Removing Halloween or Thanksgiving displays while preparing for Christmas can be overwhelming.
At Brightness Window Cleaning, we’ve responded to this need by offering transition services. When you book a Christmas light installation package, our team can assist with taking down your current seasonal decorations, ensuring a smooth transition between holidays.
This service has become particularly popular in towns like New City and Bergen County communities, where Halloween decorations are often elaborate and time-consuming to remove.
Professional Installation vs. DIY: The Time Factor
Beyond safety concerns, the time investment for holiday decorating is substantial. Professional installation teams can complete in hours what might take homeowners entire weekends.
For businesses focused on maintaining professional appearance and business curb appeal, this time savings is especially valuable during the busy fourth quarter. Commercial window cleaning clients often add holiday decoration installation to their regular window cleaning schedule, making the most of their scheduled window cleaning visit.
Professional installers also bring expertise in:
- Proper attachment methods that won’t damage gutters or rooflines
- Electrical load management to prevent circuit overloads
- Weather-resistant installation techniques
- Design experience for maximum visual impact
Early Booking Incentives
Recognizing the trend toward earlier holiday preparation, Brightness Window Cleaning is offering a 25% discount for Christmas installation packages booked in October. This incentive not only provides cost savings but ensures you’ll secure your preferred installation date before the calendar fills up.
This discount has been particularly popular with our commercial window cleaning clients in Orange County and Bergen County, who appreciate being able to plan their holiday business curb appeal well in advance.
Early booking also provides flexibility for potential weather delays, ensuring your display is ready well before holiday gatherings and events begin.
What Professional Holiday Lighting Installation Includes
When you book with a professional service like Brightness Christmas Lights Installation, the package typically includes:
- Custom design consultation
- Professional-grade lighting and materials
- Complete installation with proper clips and attachments
- Electrical connection and testing
- Maintenance throughout the season if needed
- Post-holiday removal and storage
Many of our customers in Rockland and Orange counties combine their professional window maintenance with holiday lighting, taking care of both tasks before winter weather arrives.
FAQs About Holiday Decorating in New York and New Jersey
When should I book my holiday lighting installation?
For prime installation dates (weekends in November), book by mid-October. For any November installation, we recommend booking no later than Halloween.
How long does professional installation take?
Most residential installations take 3-5 hours, depending on the size and complexity. Commercial properties may require 1-2 days.
Can professional installers work with my existing decorations?
Yes, we can incorporate your existing decorations or work exclusively with them if you prefer not to purchase new items.
What happens if there’s a problem with my lights during the season?
Most professional installers offer maintenance service throughout the season, fixing any issues that arise with the lighting or displays.
Is it too early to book for next Christmas?
Many of our commercial window cleaning clients in Bergen and Rockland counties book their holiday decorating a full year in advance to secure preferred dates and early booking discounts.
Start planning your holiday decorating now by visiting our Christmas lights installation page or contact us to learn how we can help transform your home or business for the holiday season.