Color-changing lights cost a lot more than classic Christmas lights, from about $2,000 for a Govee install to well over $10,000 for a full Christmas light show. The right answer depends on whether you want them just for Christmas or up all year, and whether it’s a home or a business. Here’s what each option really costs in 2026.
1. Quick answer
Govee permanent lights installed in a track usually cost $2,000 to $6,000. Commercial-grade permanent lighting usually runs $6,000 to $12,000 or more. Color-changing Christmas displays and light shows, with color-changing C9 rooflines and trees, are typically over $10,000.
| Option | Typical installed price | Up all year? |
|---|---|---|
| Govee permanent lights in a track | $2,000 to $6,000 | Yes |
| Commercial-grade permanent lighting | $6,000 to $12,000+ | Yes |
| Color-changing Christmas display or light show | $10,000+ | No, seasonal |
| Govee lights only, if you install them yourself | about $3 to $5 per foot | Yes |
2. The three kinds of color-changing lights
- Color-changing Christmas displays: color-changing C9 bulbs on the roofline and color-changing mini lights on the trees, installed for the season and often programmed as a light show.
- Govee permanent lights: puck-style lights that stay under the eaves all year, controlled from a phone app. Best installed in an aluminum track.
- Commercial-grade permanent systems: professional systems like InvisiLights, built for long runs on businesses and large homes and installed by trained dealers.
3. Color-changing Christmas displays and light shows
Full color-changing Christmas displays typically cost over $10,000. Every bulb on the roofline and every light on the trees can change color, so they take more lights, controllers, programming and labor than a classic install.
This is the pick if you love the traditional C9 bulb look and want your roofline and trees to change colors together or run a synchronized show. Ask for a design mockup first so you know exactly what’s included.
4. Govee permanent lights
Govee permanent lights installed in a track usually cost $2,000 to $6,000, depending on how much roofline you light, the number of stories and the number of peaks.
- Buying the lights yourself: about $3 to $5 per foot. Govee lists a 150-foot kit at about $490 (Permanent Outdoor Lights 2) to $600 (Pro).
- Use a track. Aluminum tracks like SnapTrack keep the lights straight and hide the wires. Kits start around $89.
- Power: the controller needs an outdoor outlet near the eave.
- Two-story homes are worth having installed by a pro. See who installs Govee lights.
Full breakdown: how much Govee permanent lights cost.
5. Commercial-grade permanent lighting
Commercial-grade permanent systems usually cost $6,000 to $12,000 or more installed. They’re built for long runs on restaurants, shopping centers, offices and large homes.
- What drives the price: feet of roofline, stories, peaks, light spacing, power runs and the brand of system.
- What you should get: straight, hidden mounting, a weatherproof controller, app setup, and a written warranty.
- Brands: InvisiLights is a common pick for commercial properties. Compare options in the best color-changing Christmas lights.
6. What moves the price
- Feet of roofline: the front of the house only costs far less than every side.
- Stories, peaks and dormers: more ladder or lift time and more cuts.
- Light spacing: closer spacing means more lights.
- Power: how far the controller is from an outlet, and how many runs you need.
- Trees and programming: color-changing trees and synchronized shows add lights, controllers and setup time.
7. Are they worth it?
If you’d otherwise pay $1,000 to $2,000 every year to have Christmas lights hung and taken down, a $2,000 to $6,000 permanent system can pay for itself in a few seasons, and you get lights for every holiday, game days and everyday curb appeal. If you love the big-bulb look and only want lights in December, a classic seasonal install is still the better value.
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FAQ
How much do color-changing Christmas lights cost?
Govee permanent lights installed in a track usually cost $2,000 to $6,000. Commercial-grade permanent lighting usually runs $6,000 to $12,000 or more, and full color-changing Christmas displays and light shows are typically over $10,000.
How much do permanent Christmas lights cost installed?
For homes, Govee permanent lights installed in a track usually cost $2,000 to $6,000. Commercial-grade systems usually cost $6,000 to $12,000 or more.
Are permanent lights cheaper than hiring someone every year?
Over time, often yes. If you pay $1,000 to $2,000 every year for installation and takedown, a permanent system can pay for itself in a few seasons and works for every holiday.
How much does a Christmas light show cost?
Full color-changing Christmas displays and synchronized light shows are typically over $10,000 because they take more lights, controllers, programming and labor.
Do permanent lights need a special outlet?
They need an outdoor outlet near where the controller mounts. If you do not have one, an electrician may need to add one.
Prices are typical 2026 pricing from professional installers, including Grants Outdoor in Dallas–Fort Worth. Light and product prices are current list prices as of October 2026. Your quote will vary by home and market.
Keep reading: Govee lights cost · Are Govee lights good quality? · Best color-changing lights
Author: camerongrant@grantsoutdoor.com
Self taught developer and seo specialist