What day should Christmas lights come down?

In the UK, it is traditionally considered that Christmas decorations, including Christmas lights, should come down on Twelfth Night — which marks the end of the Christmas season. This is usually January 5th or 6th, depending on whether you're following the tradition of the 12 days of Christmas starting on December 25th.

Why Twelfth Night?

Twelfth Night is significant because it is traditionally the last day of Christmas celebrations, marking the end of the festive season before the beginning of Epiphany (January 6th). In the Christian calendar, the Epiphany celebrates the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem, and in some cultures, it’s the day when Christmas trees and decorations are taken down.

What If You Want to Keep Them Up Longer?

While January 5th or 6th is the traditional date, there’s no strict rule about when you have to take your Christmas lights down. Many people choose to leave their decorations up longer, especially if they enjoy the festive atmosphere. Some might keep their lights on until mid-January or even later.

If you're wondering about how to approach it, here's a simple guide:

• Twelfth Night (January 5th or 6th) – Traditional date for taking decorations down.
• After New Year's – Many people prefer to remove lights after New Year’s Day.
• Mid-January – If you love the lights and aren't ready to say goodbye to the festive spirit, you can keep them up longer, but it is common to take them down before the end of the month.

How to Take Down Your Christmas Lights

When you're ready to take your lights down, here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Turn off and unplug the lights – Always unplug your Christmas lights before handling them.
2. Remove decorations gently – Take off all baubles, ribbons, and other tree decorations first.
3. Take down lights carefully – If you have lights on your tree, carefully unwind them starting from the top. For outdoor lights, be cautious when taking them off high spots or ladders.
4. Store lights safely – To prevent tangling next year, wrap the lights around a spool or use a plastic container for storage.
5. Check for damaged bulbs – Before storing the lights, check for any damaged bulbs, so you're ready for the next Christmas season.

Additional Tip: Keeping Christmas Lights On for Longer

If you're hesitant about taking your Christmas lights down too soon, it's becoming more common to leave them up until January 12th (the end of the first full week of January). Just be mindful of your neighbours, and ensure you’re not disturbing them with lights that stay on all night.

Enjoy the twinkling lights and warm glow of the Christmas season for as long as it makes you happy!