It might still feel like summer, but now is the ideal time to plan for the holidays—especially when it comes to one of the most in-demand seasonal services: holiday lighting.
Many property managers wait until October or November to start thinking about decorations, only to find out their preferred vendor is booked solid or prices have gone up. Don’t let that happen to your communities this year.
Here’s why August is the sweet spot for locking in your lighting vendor—and how to make the most of it.
🎄 1. Holiday Vendors Book Early—and Fast
Holiday lighting companies often begin scheduling installations in late September. By the time Halloween rolls around, prime dates are long gone.
By booking in August, you can:
-
Reserve the best install dates (especially if you want lights up before Thanksgiving).
-
Avoid last-minute price surges.
-
Ensure the same vendor and design as prior years—no surprises.
🧰 2. Evaluate Last Year’s Display While It’s Still Fresh
Even if the lights haven’t gone up yet, now’s the time to review last year’s performance and make updates.
Ask yourself:
-
Were there issues with install timing or takedown delays?
-
Did the design meet resident and board expectations?
-
Are there areas you’d like to add or simplify this year?
Having this discussion early gives you time to gather feedback and make changes, not just copy and paste last year’s order.
📝 3. Get Proposals While You’re Not Competing With Everyone Else
Right now, lighting vendors are actively quoting—but they’re not yet slammed. You have their full attention.
Benefits of requesting proposals now:
-
You’re more likely to receive detailed, thoughtful recommendations.
-
There’s time to gather board approvals without rushing.
-
Vendors may be more flexible with pricing or packaging.
If you’re not happy with last year’s vendor or are managing a new community, this is also a great time to explore new options. We can assist you in submitting an RFP and finding a vendor that fits your needs.
💡 4. Coordinate With Other Seasonal Work
Planning ahead for holiday lights also helps you avoid vendor overlap in the fall—when landscaping cleanups, irrigation blowouts, and winter prep work all pick up.
Consider:
-
Scheduling light installs after fall landscaping cleanups
-
Confirming where outlets and power sources are located (especially in new builds or renovated areas)
-
Coordinating lighting with community events or resident gatherings
🎁 5. Give Residents Something to Look Forward To
Holiday lights don’t just brighten up common areas—they boost community spirit. Especially for multifamily or HOA communities, a well-executed holiday display can:
-
Improve resident satisfaction
-
Reinforce a sense of belonging
-
Make your community feel cared for and safe
Starting early ensures your display is ready when residents are ready to enjoy it.
✅ Act Now—Avoid the Holiday Headache
Don’t let holiday lighting become a last-minute scramble. By securing your vendor now, you’ll lock in better dates, better pricing, and better results.
Need help finding a lighting vendor or want to run a competitive bid process? We’re here to support your RFP needs and help you review existing contracts for each of your communities.