Christmas is an event tied to special decorations. Putting up and taking down Christmas lights matters a lot. If you fail to follow the traditions, it will be considered a disrespect or an improper decoration during the holy event. To follow the rituals and make the event lively, it is essential to know the important dates. We will discuss the rules and considerations for further assistance. Part 1: When Should You Take Down Christmas Lights? The Traditional & Religious Dates New Year's Day (1st January) For many families, New Year's Day (1st January) is considered the end of the Christmas season. The lights are usually turned off on this day, showing that the Eve is over and now we are moving towards a new beginning. According to the traditions, all the gift exchanges, decorations, and other rituals end on 1st January. By 1st January, people are back in their professional lives with a fresh start. However, in some parts, religious people still value historic traditions and don't turn off lights until the last Christmas event. Twelfth Night & Epiphany (January 5-6) Twelfth Night & Epiphany are the two important events that people celebrate. The event is celebrated in memory of the day on which the three wise men came to Jesus and announced his revelation to the world. These events are highly praised by the Catholic and Orthodox communities. Some religious people consider the removal of lights before Epiphany as a disrespect. On this day, games are played among the people. Moreover, a king cake is also made from which an individual is declared the King or Queen of the night. Candlemas (2nd February) Candlemas is the last Eve of Christmas, having deep cultural and historical values. This event is not really common, but in some parts, it is still celebrated with a pure heart. It is celebrated after 40 days of Christmas in memory of Jesus, who came to the temple for the after-birth purification of Mary. On this day, churches are lit with candles and parades are being held in memorandum. Homes are also lit with candles, and eating pancakes is a common ritual on this day. Part 2. Local Rules, HOA, And Utility Considerations In modern culture, Christmas Eve is celebrated under some rules and regulations. A local must follow the rules to maintain the uniformity and aesthetics of the property. The Homeowners Association ensures that the individuals follow the timelines for putting up and taking down the Christmas lights. Moreover, the light placement and size also matter a lot, and a clear ignorance of the rules would result in fines. The rules make people more organized and prioritize standards over personal choices. Utility considerations are also a critical factor, as older lights consume more electricity. People are moving towards LED lights for energy saving and safety. However, safety should also be considered for wiring due to high moisture and temperature. Part 3: When It's Okay To Leave Christmas Lights Up Longer 3.1 Winter Ambiance Lighting Winter ambiance lighting is taking a trend to make the home lively. This makes your home more welcoming and also assists in the darker days of the season. With these lights, you can never feel empty after the Christmas season and feel more comfortable. There is a rising trend of keeping "Winter Lights" through February. It is getting more popular to provide your home with outdoor comfort. Winters are usually quiet, and nights will get darker than normal days. During the Christmas days, every home feels lively, but once the Eve ends, it takes away all the visual charm. You should install soft and safe winter lights for a cozy and welcoming feel. It should not be very bright and more decorative. You should purchase the lights that don't resemble any holiday theme. A cool, warm, or neutral cool can create a soft and comfortable feel. This will make your home look more appealing year-round without following any specific holiday color. 3.2 Permanent Outdoor Lights People often install permanent outdoor lights. They can be used during the holidays as well as year-round. They set a different ambiance in your home and make it look more aesthetically pleasing. While holiday lights are meant for holidays, these permanent lights are versatile. It is better to install smart RGB lights. You can control them remotely and select the desired color, effect, or brightness according to the holiday season and normal days. Check out Govee smart outdoor lights. They can be installed for year-round performance, and you can control everything through the app. FAQs About Taking Down Christmas Lights Do HOAs allow permanent lights? Yes, HOAs allow permanent lights, but they should be installed under some conditions. The lights should not be brighter and follow proper positioning without any exposed wires. The conditions could vary as per the area. Is 12th night the 5th or 6th of January? The 12th night is on the 5th of January. On 6th January, Epiphany is celebrated, but both events are initiated after 12 days of Christmas. What is the traditional day to take down Christmas lights? The traditional day is 6th January, but in some parts, religious people end it on 2nd February. Why do people wait until 6th January to take down Christmas decorations? People have to wait until 6th January because it is considered disrespectful if they take down before the date. They consider the 12th night and Epiphany as core events. Conclusion Taking down Christmas lights is a critical decision. An early call would declare Christmas as incomplete. We have discussed when it's the right time to take down Christmas lights to make it easier for you to decide. If you want to keep the lights after Christmas, it's better to switch to permanent outdoor lights to provide year-round comfort and aesthetics to your home. A smart RGB light would be a versatile option, as you can change the color, theme, and other things as you like.