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When to Hang Christmas Lights in Utah

By Provo Glow · Updated November 1, 2026

Short answer: hang your lights in early to mid November, before the first real snow sticks, and turn them on after Thanksgiving. Plan to take them down in January.

Why Early November Works Best in Utah

• Dry roofs are safer. Once snow and ice settle on the Wasatch Front, roofs get slick fast. A dry November afternoon is the safest time to be up there.
• Daylight is shorter every week. After the time change, you lose evening hours to work in.
• Installers book up. In Utah County, install calendars fill up fast after Thanksgiving. Booking early gets you the date you want.

Hanging early does not mean turning them on early. Most neighbors wait until after Thanksgiving, and a timer means you never have to think about it.

When to Turn Them On

The day after Thanksgiving is the classic start in Utah. Some families flip the switch a week or two earlier for the season's first events. Either way, set a timer to come on at dusk and turn off around 11 pm or midnight.

When to Take Them Down

Most people take lights down in early to mid January. If your HOA has rules, check them. With Provo Glow, January takedown and storage are included, so you just pick a day.

Utah Weather Tips

• Wind: Point of the Mountain and south-county gusts can pull loose strands. Use clips on every run, not tape or tacks.
• Snow load: Clip lights to gutters and shingles so snow sliding off the roof does not drag them down.
• Cold: LED strands handle the cold well and use far less power than old incandescent bulbs.
• No nails: Nails and staples can damage shingles and gutters. Use clips made for the job.

Related: What Christmas light installation costs in Utah County · Permanent vs seasonal lights