The day you should take Christmas decorations down depends on traditions, beliefs, preferences, and regulations. Many people use a key date such as the twelfth day of Christmas or New Year’s Day as a marker to remove decorations. For temporary lighting in the United States, the National Electric Code (NEC) imposes a 90-day limit.

Twelfth Night Tradition

While the Twelve Days of Christmas may be better known as a famous Christmas carol, it is actually the festive season that originally started in Christian tradition. The first day of Christmas is December 25th, which represents the birth of Christ, and the twelfth day is January 6th, referred to as the Epiphany. The twelfth day is observed as the official end of the festive season, where on the twelfth night, or Epiphany Eve, Christmas decorations are taken down. Some believe that leaving decorations up past this date is bad luck.

New Year’s Day

For some decorators, New Year’s Day is the end of the holiday season, and therefore the end of the decorating season. New Year’s Day can make sense for removing decorations, as the day is a great opportunity to start with a blank slate. However, early January can be quite cold and snowy in some regions, so this time may not be ideal for decorators in locales where winters tend to be severe.

Through January, Early February, or Beyond

Many decorators may leave all or at least some of their Christmas decorations up until mid-January, into February, or even beyond. Christmas decorations are pleasing complements to the winter season, and can be desirable fixtures that help brighten dull and gloomy days in January.

Regulation

The National Electric Code (NEC) imposes a 90-day limit on temporary decorative lighting in the United States. Christmas Designers’ temporary lighting products define seasonal use as a period up to 90 calendar days.

No Right or Wrong Answer

Although some neighborhoods, towns, and cities have rules for when to remove lights, many places provide decorators with a fair amount of choice. Whether it’s when the new year starts or the beginning of February, you’re free to choose based on your own traditions, beliefs, and preferences. Permanent light products can be left up and used all year long. Expect to replace lights that are used long-term more frequently.

Tips for Removal and Storage

  • Handle and store with care
  • Be gentle when pulling and unwrapping light strings
  • Label the beginning and end of each light run as you take down perimeter and ground lighting so that you know where each run goes when decorating for next season
  • Wrap lights of smaller varieties such as 5mm and M5 in ball shapes
  • Ensure all light strands and greenery are dry before placing in storage
  • Follow our guide for more removal and storage tips

Discover the difference that pro-grade Christmas lights can make in your own display—find your next set of lights from Christmas Designers today.