Professionally installed permanent Christmas lights typically cost $20 to $40 per linear foot, or about $2,000 to $8,000 for an average home, according to HomeGuide's 2026 cost guide. A DIY setup with Govee permanent outdoor lights and a GlowTrax aluminum track costs a fraction of that in materials, roughly $5 to $9 per foot in our worked examples below. The tradeoff is your own time and ladder work, or hiring a local installer to put it up for you.
Here is how the numbers break down, what the major installed brands say about their own pricing, and when each option makes sense. All prices are at the time of writing (September 2026). Check current pricing before you buy.
How much do permanent Christmas lights cost installed?
HomeGuide puts professionally installed permanent lights at $20 to $40 per linear foot, with most homeowners spending $2,000 to $8,000. Here is its breakdown by roofline length:
| Roofline length | Installed cost (HomeGuide, 2026) |
|---|---|
| 50 ft | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| 100 ft | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| 150 ft | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| 200 ft | $4,000 to $8,000 |
| 250 ft | $5,000 to $10,000 |
HomeGuide lists DIY kits at about $8 to $20 per linear foot, or roughly $800 to $4,000.
What Jellyfish, Trimlight, Oelo and EverLights charge
The big permanent lighting brands mostly sell through dealers and quote each home individually. Here is what each one publishes about its own pricing:
| Brand | Published pricing | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Jellyfish Lighting | $25 to $35 per foot plus a $650 to $850 controller at corporate locations; independent dealers set their own prices | Jellyfish's own pricing page |
| Trimlight | $18 to $35 per foot installed, including channel, lights, controller and labor; quotes come from local dealers | Trimlight's own 2026 blog |
| Oelo | Examples: 25 ft $1,638, 50 ft $2,304, 100 ft $3,750, 250 ft $8,138 installed; 25 ft DIY kit $1,088 to $1,199 | Oelo's own cost page |
| EverLights | DIY color bundles $13.50 to $16 per foot (100 to 200 ft); classic white $6.67 to $7.50 per foot; installs are quote-based | EverLights' own cost article |
These systems have real strengths: professional installation, color-matched channel, and dealer support. Jellyfish offers a 5 year parts and 1 year labor warranty, and Trimlight advertises a lifetime parts warranty. For a deeper side-by-side, see our Govee + GlowTrax vs Trimlight, Jellyfish and EverLights comparison and how much Jellyfish Lighting costs.
Permanent Christmas lights DIY: Govee + GlowTrax worked example
Govee permanent outdoor lights are sold at Govee, Amazon, Costco and other retailers, and prices change often. We used the price ranges Govee published on its own blog for 150 ft kits: about $279.99 to $489.99 for the Elite (Permanent Outdoor Lights 2) and about $599.99 to $759.99 for the Pro, depending on retailer. Treat these as approximate and check current pricing.
GlowTrax track pricing:
- GlowTrax Classic Kit (fits Govee Original, Elite / Lights 2, and the Costco and Sam's Club Elite): $139.99 for about 50 ft
- GlowTrax Pro Kit (fits Govee Pro H706A/B/C): $169.99 for 52.5 ft
150 ft roofline
| Setup | Govee lights (approx.) | GlowTrax track | Materials total | Per foot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Govee Elite + 3 Classic Kits | $280 to $490 | $419.97 | About $700 to $910 | About $4.70 to $6.10 |
| Govee Pro + 3 Pro Kits | $600 to $760 | $509.97 | About $1,110 to $1,270 | About $7.40 to $8.50 |
| Professionally installed (HomeGuide) | $3,000 to $6,000 | $20 to $40 | ||
100 ft roofline
A 100 ft Govee kit should not cost more than a 150 ft kit, but prices vary by retailer and variant. To stay conservative, the table below uses the 150 ft light prices as a ceiling, so your real total should be the same or lower.
| Setup | Govee lights (ceiling) | GlowTrax track | Materials total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Govee Elite + 2 Classic Kits | Up to $490 | $279.98 | Up to about $770 |
| Govee Pro + 2 Pro Kits | Up to $760 | $339.98 | Up to about $1,100 |
| Professionally installed (HomeGuide) | $2,000 to $4,000 | ||
Add exterior-rated screws for your surface (GlowTrax kits do not include screws) and any tools you do not already own. Corners and peaks can change how many kits you need, so use our GlowTrax sizing guide before ordering.
Can you hire someone to install Govee + GlowTrax?
Yes. If you like the price of Govee and GlowTrax but do not want to be on a ladder, a local handyman or lighting installer can put it up for you. You still buy the materials yourself and pay only for labor. See hiring a professional installer for Govee permanent lights for what to ask.
Are permanent Christmas lights worth it?
Compare them with hanging seasonal lights every year. Angi reports an average of $444 for professional seasonal Christmas light installation ($2 to $5 per foot), and HomeGuide lists $2.50 to $5 per foot. Trimlight says in its own blog that permanent systems often break even within two to four years versus paying for seasonal installs. A DIY Govee + GlowTrax setup costs less up front than a dealer system, so the break-even point can come sooner.
The other reason they pay off: they are not just for Christmas.
Not just for Christmas
- Halloween and fall: orange, purple and green scenes. See our Halloween and fall display ideas.
- Game days: your team's colors on the roofline.
- Everyday white: Elite and Pro lights include white LEDs, so they can serve as year-round accent lighting.
Install before it gets cold
Adhesive, sealants and your fingers all work better in mild weather, and installers book up fast before the holidays. If you are in a northern state or Canada, plan to install in early fall. Our cold-weather installation guide covers what to do if you are running late. GlowTrax ships to both the US and Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do permanent Christmas lights cost?
HomeGuide puts professionally installed systems at $20 to $40 per foot, typically $2,000 to $8,000. A DIY Govee + GlowTrax setup runs roughly $5 to $9 per foot in materials at current approximate prices.
How much do permanent Christmas lights cost for 100 feet?
About $2,000 to $4,000 installed, per HomeGuide. Govee lights plus two GlowTrax kits come to about $1,100 or less in materials.
Are permanent Christmas lights worth it?
For most homes that decorate every year, yes. You skip the yearly hanging cost and can use the lights for other holidays and everyday lighting.
Can I install permanent Christmas lights myself?
Yes. Govee kits are designed for DIY install. A track like GlowTrax adds a straight, finished line and a screwed-in mount instead of adhesive alone. Follow Govee's instructions for the lights.
Does GlowTrax ship to Canada?
Yes, GlowTrax ships to the US and Canada. Costco Canada sells a 150 ft Govee Elite kit, which the Classic Kit fits.
Price out your own roofline
Measure your roofline, find your Govee model in the compatibility chart, and pick your track: the GlowTrax Classic Kit for Govee Original and Elite, or the GlowTrax Pro Kit for Govee Pro. Questions? Email [email protected].