How to start and scale your holiday lights business!
Starting a holiday lights business is one of the most exciting seasonal opportunities out there. Not only does it allow you to tap into a fast-growing industry, but it also gives you the chance to spread joy during the holidays while building a profitable business. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your business to the next level, here are nine steps to help you launch and scale successfully.
1. Create a Business Plan
Every successful business starts with a plan. Use a business plan template to outline your strategy, revenue map, marketing approach, budget, and P&L forecast. Most importantly, set a revenue goal, then break it down into:
Leads
Estimates
Sales
Jobs completed
By completing this exercise, you’ll identify your startup costs (equipment, supplies, marketing) and set yourself up for a successful holiday lights season. Want a free business plan template? Message us and we’ll share one with you!
2. Standardize Operations
To scale effectively, you need systems. Create Operations Manuals, Playbooks, Guides, and Checklists to run your day-to-day operations consistently. These resources will document every process, making it easier to train new team members and deliver the same high-quality results every time.
3. Develop a Marketing Strategy
Growth comes from visibility. Use a combination of local marketing (flyers, yard signs, newspaper ads, community events, door hangers, direct mail) and digital marketing (Meta ads, Google Ads, SEO, Google Business Profile). A professional presence helps you appear bigger than you are and builds trust.
💡 Tip: Invest 10–15% of your revenue goal in marketing. This allows you to profitably grow and scale without overspending.
4. Learn How to Estimate
Profitability starts with accurate estimating. Every holiday lights job is measured in linear feet and calculated based on labor and materials inputs. Use an estimating calculator and your CRM to ensure every job is priced correctly. This step is critical to running a profitable operation.
5. Learn How to Install
Great installs create happy customers. You’ll need to learn:
Which products to use
How to cut wire
How to install plugs
How to run and hide extension cords
How to install trunk wraps and canopy wraps
Mastering installation ensures you deliver an exceptional customer experience—and sets the foundation for training your team.
6. Train Your Installers
Once you know how to install, it’s time to teach your team. Schedule a Controlled Environment Training Day, where installers can practice in a safe, low-pressure environment (your home, a friend’s house, or even a volunteer customer).
Here’s a sample schedule:
8:00 am – Intro
8:30 am – Products, tools, equipment, materials
9:00 am – Safety
9:30 am – New installation
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:00 pm – Removal of lights
2:00 pm – Re-installation
3:30 pm – Close
By the end of the day, your installers will be ready to confidently handle real customer jobs.
7. Purchase Tools & Equipment
Now it’s time to invest in your tools. You don’t need much to get started, but make sure you purchase quality equipment that will last through the season (and beyond). Cheap tools break—and broken tools cost time and money.
8. Choose a Trusted Lights Vendor
Not all holiday lights are created equal. Vendor quality matters because it impacts both your business reputation and customer satisfaction. After years of research, we’ve identified three trusted vendors that consistently deliver:
Industry-leading product warranties
Exceptional support and service
The highest quality products
💡 Want to know which vendors we recommend? Send us a message and we’ll share our list of approved partners.
9. Scale by Focusing on Sales & Customer Experience
Once your foundation is set, it’s time to scale. As the business owner, focus your energy on sales and estimates, while your team delivers unforgettable customer experiences. When you combine strong sales efforts with excellent service, you’ll create loyal customers who return year after year—and hit your growth goals.
Final Thoughts
Starting and scaling a holiday lights business is a proven path to seasonal success. By following these nine steps—planning, systemizing, marketing, estimating, installing, training, equipping, sourcing, and scaling—you’ll position your business for long-term growth.
Ready to bring your holiday lights business to life? Start planning today, and make this season your most profitable one yet!
Book a Free Discovery Call
Want expert guidance to help you launch or scale your holiday lights business? Book a free discovery call with our team today. We’ll walk you through proven strategies, answer your questions, and help you set up a roadmap for success.
