How Much Does Commercial Holiday Lighting Cost? | Dekra-Lite

April 27, 2026

Time to read 1 min

By Mike Sterling

How Much Does Commercial Holiday Lighting Cost? | Dekra-Lite

If you've ever tried to get a straight answer on commercial holiday lighting pricing, you know it's not simple. The range is genuinely wide, and for good reason. A 10-foot tree in a retail lobby costs very different from a full streetscape program for a municipality.

Here's a realistic breakdown to help you budget.

What Drives the Cost

1. Property Size and Scope

A single-tenant retail storefront and a 500,000 sq ft outdoor lifestyle center are not the same job. Display size, number of elements, and linear footage of lighting are the biggest cost drivers.

2. Turnkey vs. Supply-Only

Supply only (product + shipping, you install): lowest upfront cost, highest internal labor burden
Partial service (design + product, you install): middle ground
Full turnkey (design, product, install, maintain, remove): highest cost, zero headache

Most commercial property managers opt for full turnkey, the time savings and liability protection are worth it.

3. Custom vs. Standard Product

Custom acrylic sculptures, large-format graphic elements, and bespoke tree designs cost more than catalog product. If your property has a specific brand aesthetic to maintain, budget for customization.

4. Installation Complexity

Outdoor installs requiring lifts, scaffolding, or structural rigging cost more than interior lobby programs. Height, access, and permitting requirements all affect labor cost.

5. Season Length and Maintenance

Longer seasons and more service visits add to annual cost but protect your investment.

Ballpark Ranges

These are general market ranges, not quotes. Every property is different.

Small retail/HOA entrance program: $3,000 – $10,000/season
Mid-size shopping center (turnkey): $25,000 – $75,000/season
Large regional mall or lifestyle center: $75,000 – $250,000+/season
Municipal streetscape program: $15,000 – $100,000+ depending on scope
Theme park or major entertainment venue: Varies widely; typically custom-scoped

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How to Get an Accurate Number

The fastest path to an accurate budget is a site consultation, either in person or via photos and property specs. A good commercial holiday lighting company will scope your program, provide a detailed proposal, and help you understand what's driving each line item.

At Dekra-Lite, we've been doing this since 1987. We can scope a program at any budget level and tell you honestly what's achievable.

Ready to get a real number for your property?

Request a Quote →