A Real Success Story
In 2020, Steve Hunsaker was working in tech sales when he spotted a Reddit post about making extra money by installing holiday lights. With just a ladder, some basic gear, and no prior experience, he started knocking on doors in his neighborhood offering to hang lights. That first season earned him about $35,000. By 2023, that side hustle had scaled into a full-time seasonal business — bringing in more than $800,000 in just a couple of months each year. DollarSprout
Steve’s success shows how accessible this business can be — you don’t need a truck, crew, or huge budget to get started. With the right systems, pricing, and marketing, homeowners will gladly pay for convenience and professional results. DollarSprout
💡 Why Christmas Light Installation Works
Here’s why this is such a great seasonal side hustle:
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🎄 High demand — Many homeowners want beautiful, festive displays but hate the hassle and risk of climbing ladders themselves.
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💰 Good income potential — Even small installers can make thousands in a short season; larger businesses can scale into six figures. Christmas Designers
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🪜 Low startup cost — Basic equipment like lights, ladders, and safety gear are all you need to start.
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📈 Easy to scale — Add crews, offer custom designs, or include maintenance and takedown for repeat business.
📌 How to Get Started
Whether you want this as a weekend hustle or a full holiday business, here are some core steps:
1. Plan Your Business
Decide how you’ll operate — will you just install, or also sell lights and offer takedown services? Do you want to target homes, businesses, or both? Durable
2. Set Your Pricing
Pricing varies by project size and complexity. Some pros charge per foot of lights installed, while others set a minimum base rate per job. Strandr
3. Market Locally
Local advertising — from lawn signs to social posts and word-of-mouth — can drive early bookings. Start promoting in early fall before the holiday rush. Pressure Washing Resource
4. Safety First
Know proper ladder safety and use outdoor-rated lights and equipment. You’re selling peace of mind — so provide it safely.
🎁 Final Thought
A Christmas light installation side hustle isn’t just seasonal fun — with smart pricing, great customer service, and reliable execution, it can be a serious income stream. Whether you’re looking to make a few extra thousand this winter or build a business that grows year after year, this festive service might be your brightest idea yet.
