When is the Best Time to Hang Christmas Lights in Connecticut?

According to a new study from This Old House, the holiday decorating debate is alive and well, especially when it comes to the all-important question: When is it acceptable to hang your lights?

Get our free mobile app

It turns out, 64% of Americans plan to deck their halls this season, but the timing varies wildly—from people hanging lights as early as September to the true procrastinators who wait until Christmas Eve.

A recent survey of 3,000 Americans revealed that 72% will hang their own lights. This saves money but of course you run the risk of falling off a ladder and smashing all their teeth out of their dome piece. But hey, at least you have time to plan your perfect Instagram shot, right?

It turns out Connecticut is a national leader for the festive holiday spirit. According to five years of Google Trends data (that is overkill), Iowa takes the top spot, with Connecticut not far behind. While some states can’t seem to get enough (Minnesota, Nebraska, and New Hampshire are all up there too), others—looking at you, Mississippi—couldn’t care less.

The Top 5 Most Festive States: Ranked by the Holiday Lights Search Game

#1 - Iowa - Score - 100

Iowa earns the top spot for the most searches on holiday lights, and let’s face it, no one saw that coming.

#2 - Minnesota - Score - 86

It's so cold there, you'd better do something to distract yourself from, gangrene.

#3 - Connecticut - Score - 73

Coming in at number three, Connecticut! We did it, we're #3! In the Nutmeg State, decorating starts early, and the competition is fierce. Neighbors will definitely judge you if your lights aren't up before the Thanksgiving turkey hits the table. And don’t even think about keeping them up past January 4 someone might take your eyeball out with a soup spoon.

#4 - Nebraska - Score 72

Another Midwestern heavy hitter, Nebraska takes its lights seriously.

#5 - New Hampshire - Score - 70

New Hampshire may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to holiday cheer.

States Not So "Festive" About It:

Mississippi (14)
Alabama (17)
Wyoming (18)

When Do Americans Take Down Their Holiday Lights?

Once the holiday decorations are up, when do you take them down? Oh, that’s another contentious topic. Only 12% of Americans said they’ll take down their lights by the end of the year. More likely, they’ll hang onto those twinkling lights through the first week of January, with more than half of Americans still flaunting their festive displays well past New Year’s Day. Maybe it’s the holiday hangover, or maybe people are just too busy to wrestle with extension cords in the snow.

So, When Should You Put Up Your Holiday Lights?

The majority of Americans (70%) are early birds when it comes to decorating, with 7% even starting in October. But the prime light-hanging date? November 27, just before Thanksgiving. Nothing says "I’m ready for the holidays" quite like throwing up lights the day before you stuff your face with mashed potatoes.

Check out the Ethan, Lou & Large Dave Podcast on Apple and Spotify