Permanent outdoor lights are a practical answer to the endless string of holiday decorations, offering a solution that can stay in place for many years. As the name implies, these lights are designed to remain mounted year‑round rather than being taken down after a single season or event, whether that’s a holiday celebration or a special party that inspired you to adorn your porch.
Whether the lights truly become “permanent” depends on how you attach them; you can use screws or adhesive to secure them. Keep in mind that not every home’s architecture is suitable—eaves are required, and flat eaves are preferable for concealing the thicker cords. Our top picks include the Govee system, priced around $300 for a 100‑foot run, and the Eufy version at about $350 for the same length; both can be cut and spliced to fit your roofline. For a more budget‑friendly choice, the Cync set costs roughly $117 for 100 feet, offering easy installation and a wide range of color options.
All of these kits are built for year‑round use, though they truly shine during the holiday season. WIRED reviewer Kat Merck keeps her lights on after the holidays to display her husband’s favorite sports team colors, while I currently use mine to backlight a large spiderweb on my balcony for Halloween. Both of us are looking forward to switching to Christmas colors soon, and you can do the same after selecting one of the recommended sets below.
Updated October 2026: Prices have been refreshed for the upcoming holiday period, and a new section on the lights we are currently testing has been added.
Table of Contents
What Are Permanent Outdoor Lights?
What Your Home Will Need
What to Look for in Permanent Outdoor Lights
What Time of Year Should You Use Permanent Outdoor Lights?
Our Favorite Permanent Outdoor Lights
If You Can’t Install Permanent Outdoor Lights
More Outdoor Lights We’ve Tested
What We’re Testing Next
FAQs
What Are Permanent Outdoor Lights?
These lights are exactly what the term suggests: fixtures meant to be permanently attached to the exterior of a home so you don’t have to climb a ladder each Halloween or Christmas. They function similarly to smart Christmas lights such as Twinkly, which retails for about $125, and Philips Hue, priced near $220, as well as other smart lighting products like Philips Hue smart bulbs at roughly $90. All of the models we recommend can be installed by a DIY enthusiast, though professional installation is an option. Higher‑end brands such as JellyFish and Gemstone are intended for professional mounting only, and hiring an installer may be advisable for difficult eaves or complex home designs, which can increase overall cost.
What Your Home Will Need
First, verify that your home can accommodate permanent outdoor string lights. Installation works best if you have:
– Accessible roof eaves, common on one‑ or two‑story houses
– An outdoor ceiling area, such as a porch roof
– Flat, smooth surfaces like glass, cement, wood, or metal under the eaves, or other suitable exterior spots such as a pergola
– Access to an outlet, preferably an outdoor one that is partially sheltered to protect the control box, or the ability to run the cord to an interior outlet in a garage or similar space
Most one‑ and two‑story homes meet these criteria, as they typically feature reachable eaves on each level. Govee states its $300 permanent outdoor lights work on everything from tiny houses and cottages to large homes and even mansions (though we did not have a mansion to test). Eufy, another recommended brand, warns that textured paints may hinder the adhesion of its $350 lights.
Most kits include several attachment methods, ranging from adhesive tabs to screw‑in brackets, though some brands may require you to purchase anchors separately. Testers have reported success with both sticky options and screws; the choice depends on personal comfort and the style of your home. In the Midwest, we evaluated adhesive mounting for six months with reliable results, though tape is not as permanent as drilled anchors.
Installation may be challenging or require a professional for the following home types:
– Properties with stucco exteriors
– Homes lacking any roof eaves
– Structures with cross‑style eaves that prevent flat adhesion
– Three‑story houses without eaves on lower levels
– Townhomes or condominiums that prohibit permanent exterior changes or lack suitable rooflines
I reside in a three‑story, stucco‑covered townhouse, which disqualifies me from most permanent outdoor lights. The stucco prevents adhesive bonding, my HOA restricts permanent alterations, and the eave design does not allow the light strip to be hidden when turned off. That said, alternatives are still available, as discussed later. For a full‑home look, a house with a more conventional roof is ideal.
What to Look for in Permanent Outdoor Lights
While many permanent outdoor lights share a similar appearance—puck‑style bulbs on a string—there are subtle differences that can affect performance and ease of use. (The article continues with a detailed comparison of features.)