How do you control the lights?

You’ll be able to control the lights with your mobile device on our app.

What are all of the colors you can choose from?

You can choose from over 16,000,000 colors.

Where do the controller box and wires go?

They typically sit inside of your garage and we take great care to make sure they are as seamless and least intrusive as possible. If you want them located in a different location we can definitely accommodate that, just know that the controller box audio-listening feature may be affected.

How do you make sure the light tracks blend in with the house?

Our business model is centered around customer service, giving the highest quality service and product to each customer. We also offer triple bulb LED lights where many of our competitors are only single bulb lights. Our lights are also able to cover a complete white spectrum which allows the lights be brighter and more vibrant than competitors.

How long do the lights typically last for?

The lights are rated for roughly 50,000 hours of use. Most people use the lights for around 5 hours a night and at that rate they should last around 25-30 years.

Permanent Christmas Lights in Chicago: Celebrate Every Night, Not Just December

Justin Groth
May 28
2 min read

Skip the ladder and keep the sparkle. With permanent Christmas lights you enjoy festive colour any night of the year while your neighbours wrestle string lights in sub-zero wind-chill. NightGlow’s low-profile LED track tucks beneath your soffit—hidden by day, dazzling by night. Below you’ll learn how the system works, why it’s built for Chicago’s climate, and what it costs.

Permanent Christmas lights on Chicago brick townhome – NightGlow

How Permanent Christmas Lights Work

The heart of the system is an aluminium channel colour-matched to your trim. Inside are digitally addressable RGB-W diodes controlled by a single smart hub. Pick 16 million colours, schedule nightly on/off times, or sync to Alexa and Google Home. Energy draw for a full façade? About the same as one 60-watt bulb.

Why Chicago Homes Need Them

Beat Lake-Effect Snow & Wind

ecember blizzards and 40 mph gusts make holiday installs risky. Our channel is hurricane-rated to 140 mph and powder-coated to resist salt spray off Lake Michigan. Customers who upgrade from clip-on strings to christmas lights permanent report zero maintenance after three seasons.

Architectural Accent 365 Days a Year

Set a soft warm white to highlight Greystone arches in Wicker Park, switch to Bears navy-and-orange on game day, then flash emerald on March 17. Permanent xmas lights let your façade change costumes without another trip up the ladder.

Lower Lifetime Cost

• Average professional install: $25–$32 per linear foot (many ranch homes under $4 000)

• Annual energy use: ≈ $10 when run five hours every night

• Break-even: Eliminate yearly install/removal fees and payback averages three-to-four seasons

App controlling permanent xmas lights pattern – NightGlow

Installation Timeline in Chicago

1. Design & Quote (1 hour) – Measure your roofline from the sidewalk; no ladder needed.

2. Fabrication (4-6 weeks) – Track is cut, powder-coated.

3. On-site Install (1-3 days) – Crew mounts the channel, seals penetrations and syncs Wi-Fi control.

4. Tutorial (15 min) – You learn presets for holidays, birthdays—even Cubs first-pitch alerts.

Popular Colour Presets & Local Inspiration

• Holiday classics: Candy-cane red/white, Hanukkah blue, Diwali gold sparkle

• Chicago events: St. Patrick’s River-green glow (March), Bulls red (play-offs), Lollapalooza neon rainbow (August)

• Security mode: Soft white dusk-to-dawn—boost curb appeal while deterring prowlers

Frequently Asked Questions

Do permanent Christmas lights violate Chicago building codes?

No. The low-voltage system meets NEC Class 2 standards and doesn’t alter roof structure—important for landmark districts.

Can they survive Chicago winters?

Will the track match my trim?

What if a bulb fails?

Ready to Light Up Your Chicago Home Year-Round?

Skip the ladder drama and make every night festive. Request your free quote—most homeowners hear back within 24 hours.

Nightglow Permanent Lighting