“When should holiday lights go up?” is the question we hear most as the weather turns. The honest answer for central Indiana has two parts. Plan and book in September or early October. Install from mid-October through November, while it is still mild, then switch on the weekend after Thanksgiving — the rhythm most Indianapolis neighborhoods follow — and take everything down in January. If you remember only one thing, it is that the installation happens well before you turn the lights on; there is no reason to wait for cold weather to hang them.
When should holiday lights go up in Indianapolis?
In Indianapolis, plan in September–October, install from mid-October through November while the weather is mild, switch on the weekend after Thanksgiving, and take everything down in January. The installation happens weeks before you actually turn the lights on.
Why plan so early?
There are three reasons, and all of them matter here. First, good design takes a little time — deciding what to light and choosing a single, consistent look is worth doing before any product is cut to length. Second, the best installation dates fill up as the season approaches, and the popular weekends go first. Third, and most important in Indiana, installing on a dry, fifty-degree afternoon in October or November is far safer and produces a cleaner line than balancing on a frosted, icy roof in December. Booking early is simply how you get both the dates and the design you want.
A month-by-month timeline
- September is for decisions: what you want to light, the look you want, and getting on the installer’s calendar.
- October is when designs are finalized and installation begins in comfortable weather.
- November is when most installs are completed and every section is tested so it is ready to go.
- The weekend after Thanksgiving is the common switch-on.
- December is for enjoying the display, with a quick maintenance check if wind or ice shifts anything.
- January is for takedown and proper storage, which is what makes next year easier.
In Indiana, the weather is the real reason to go early
Central Indiana winters can turn quickly, and the first hard freeze does not wait for your schedule. There is a real difference between hanging lights on a dry, milder fall day and working on a slick roof in single-digit cold — both for safety and for the quality of the finished line. Every week earlier in the fall generally means better conditions, a straighter roofline, and less risk. This is the single biggest argument for not putting the project off.
DIY vs. professional timing
If you are doing it yourself, give yourself more lead time than you think; the good-weather windows are short and they close fast once December arrives. If you are hiring a professional, book early, because installation calendars fill as the season approaches and the prime dates go first. Either way, the lesson is the same: in Indianapolis, early planning is what makes the whole season feel effortless instead of rushed.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too early to install holiday lights in October?
No — installing in October is normal and smart. You simply do not switch the lights on until after Thanksgiving. Installing early takes advantage of mild weather and secures your spot on the calendar.
When do most people in Indianapolis turn on their holiday lights?
The weekend after Thanksgiving is the common rhythm, even though installation happens weeks earlier.
When should holiday lights come down?
January is typical — after the season but before the lights weather through late winter. A full-service plan handles takedown and storage; see our takedown guide.
Can I have lights installed in November and switched on later?
Yes. Professional installs are routinely completed in October and November and timed or switched on after Thanksgiving.
Want a spot on the calendar?
Custom-designed, professionally installed holiday lighting for homes and businesses — including installation, in-season service, removal, storage, and a simple 3-year service lease.
