Your questions, fully answered.
You have questions about commercial holiday lighting. We've been answering them since 1987. Here's everything you need to know.
What is commercial holiday lighting?
Commercial holiday lighting refers to professional-grade lighting and décor systems designed for high-traffic, extended-use commercial environments — shopping centers, municipalities, theme parks, hotels, and HOAs. Unlike residential lighting, commercial systems are built for continuous operation, outdoor exposure, and large-scale installation.
How is commercial holiday lighting different from residential?
Commercial holiday lighting uses heavier-gauge wire, industrial connectors, and LEDs rated for 8–12 hours of daily use over 60+ days. It's installed by licensed crews using lifts and rigging equipment, and is engineered to withstand high foot traffic, weather, and public interaction. Residential lighting is not rated for commercial use.
How much does commercial holiday lighting cost?
Programs typically range from $3,000–$10,000 for small retail or HOA properties, $25,000–$75,000 for mid-size shopping centers, and $75,000–$250,000+ for large regional malls. Municipal streetscape programs range from $15,000–$100,000+ depending on scope. Custom-scoped programs are available at any budget.
When should I book commercial holiday lighting?
Most commercial properties book holiday lighting between April and August for the upcoming season. Southern California installation schedules typically fill by September. Booking early ensures better product availability, preferred installation windows, and more design options.
How far in advance should I contact a holiday lighting company?
Contact a commercial holiday lighting company at least 3–6 months before your target installation date. For large-scale programs — regional malls, municipal projects, theme parks — 6–9 months is recommended to allow time for design, fabrication, and scheduling.
What does a turnkey holiday lighting program include?
A full turnkey program includes: site assessment, custom design, product procurement, professional installation, scheduled maintenance throughout the season, and complete removal and storage after the season ends. The client approves the design and budget; the vendor handles everything else.
How long does commercial holiday lighting installation take?
A standard retail property typically takes 1–3 days to install. Large shopping centers, outdoor lifestyle centers, and municipal programs may require 1–2 weeks. Multi-site portfolio programs are scheduled in coordinated waves. All installations are scheduled around the property's operational hours.
Do holiday lighting companies handle permits?
Yes — reputable commercial holiday lighting companies coordinate permit applications and approvals as part of the installation process. This is standard practice for municipal programs, streetscape installations, and any project requiring structural rigging or street access.
What happens if holiday lights go out mid-season?
Full-service holiday lighting companies include scheduled maintenance visits and rapid-response repair as part of their programs. If a display element fails mid-season, the vendor repairs or replaces it — typically within 24–48 hours. This is a key advantage of turnkey programs over supply-only arrangements.
Can commercial holiday lighting be customized to match our brand?
Yes. Commercial holiday lighting companies offer custom color programs, themed décor, branded display elements, and designs built around a specific property aesthetic. Design consultation is typically part of the scoping process.
What size Christmas trees are available for commercial properties?
Commercial Christmas trees are available from 10 feet to 50+ feet for both indoor and outdoor use. Sizes are selected based on ceiling height, space dimensions, and visual impact goals. Custom-configured trees are available for unique architectural spaces.
What types of commercial Christmas decorations does Dekra-Lite carry?
Dekra-Lite carries a full range of commercial Christmas decorations: foliage (wreaths, garlands, swags), giant Christmas trees (10–50+ ft), ornaments and display pieces, acrylic sculptures, commercial LED lighting, overhead canopy décor, selfie stations, holiday banners, and everyday seasonal décor.
Do you provide holiday lighting for shopping centers?
Yes. Shopping centers are a core market for Dekra-Lite. We design and install programs that include center court focal trees, canopy and façade lighting, interior display elements, and tenant-facing décor packages. Programs are available for single properties and multi-location retail portfolios.
Do you provide holiday lighting for municipalities?
Yes. Dekra-Lite works with cities, counties, and business improvement districts on streetscape lighting programs, public plaza trees, and downtown holiday displays. We coordinate with public works and permitting offices and offer multi-year program management.
Do you provide holiday lighting for HOAs?
Yes. HOA programs typically include community entrance lighting, common area displays, and neighborhood streetscape elements. Turnkey execution with minimal resident disruption is standard.
Do you offer wholesale holiday lighting for contractors?
Yes. Dekra-Lite supplies commercial-grade holiday lighting product — LED strings, giant trees, oversized ornaments, acrylic sculptures — to lighting contractors and distributors at wholesale pricing. Contact us for catalog access and wholesale account information.
Do you serve areas outside of Southern California?
Yes. Dekra-Lite serves commercial properties across the United States. Southern California — including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire — is a core market, but we work with properties nationwide.
How can I get started with Dekra-Lite?
Contact Dekra-Lite with your property type, approximate size, and target installation date. We'll schedule a consultation — in person or via photos and property specs — scope your program, and provide a detailed proposal with design options and pricing.
Not sure if we're the right fit?
If your property has a holiday lighting need at commercial scale, we've probably done something similar. Every property is unique, but the principles remain the same: custom design, professional execution, and unwavering commitment to creating something special.
Request a Quote →