Permanent Track Lighting vs. Seasonal Holiday Lights: How to Choose the Right One
When it comes to outdoor lighting, homeowners across Iowa and Illinois face a familiar question each year: Should you keep installing seasonal holiday lights that go up and down every winter — or invest in permanent track lighting that looks great year-round?
Both have benefits, but the right choice depends on your goals, lifestyle, and how you want your home to shine.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you decide.
What is Permanent Track Lighting?
Permanent track lighting is a sleek, weatherproof lighting system installed along your home’s roofline or soffit. Brands like Gemstone Lights make it easy to choose from millions of colors, patterns, and animations — all controlled from your smartphone. Perfect for homeowners who want long-lasting curb appeal without the yearly hassle of hanging and removing lights.
Benefits of Permanent Track Lighting
Year-Round Curb Appeal
Keep your home beautifully illuminated through every season.
Use your system for:
Holidays and birthdays
Game days and celebrations
Everyday architectural accent lighting
Low Maintenance & Long Lifespan
Each LED light can last 20+ years and is built to withstand Midwest weather conditions — from freezing Iowa winters to humid Illinois summers.
Energy Efficiency
Permanent LED track lighting uses a fraction of the electricity of traditional holiday bulbs, reducing your utility bills year-round.
Full App Control
Change colors, brightness, and animations instantly from your phone.
Schedule lighting themes automatically for holidays, events, or everyday ambiance.
What Is Seasonal Holiday Lighting?
Seasonal holiday lighting includes traditional string lights or temporary setups installed around November or December and taken down after the holidays. They’re festive, nostalgic, and fun, but also time-consuming.
Benefits of Seasonal Holiday Lights
Lower Upfront Cost
Holiday lights are more affordable at first, especially if you’re DIY-ing your display.
Creative Flexibility
Change your design every year with new colors, bulbs, and arrangements.
A Beloved Tradition
For many families, decorating together is part of the holiday magic.
Cost Comparison: Holiday Lighting vs. Permanent Track Lighting
Feature
Initial Cost
Annual Cost
Customization
Longevity
Weather Resistance
Holiday Lighting
Lower
High (install & removal)
Limited
1 season
Moderate
Permanent Track Lighting
Higher
None after installation
Unlimited via app
20+ years (50,000 hours)
High
Which Should You Choose?
If you love changing your display each year and enjoy the decorating process, holiday lighting may be a perfect fit.
But if you’re tired of paying for yearly installs, climbing ladders, and dealing with broken bulbs — permanent track lighting is the smarter investment.
With QC Lights, you’ll get:
Professional installation and clean, seamless integration
Smart control from anywhere via the Gemstone app
Durable, energy-efficient lighting built for Iowa & Illinois weather
Year-round curb appeal and security lighting
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer the tradition of seasonal lights or the convenience of permanent systems, your lighting choice should reflect your home and lifestyle.
Homeowners across Bettendorf, Davenport, Coralville, and the Quad Cities love their Gemstone permanent lighting because it adds long-term value, saves time, and looks stunning in every season.
Ready to upgrade your home’s exterior lighting?
Contact QC Lights today for a free quote on Gemstone Lights permanent track lighting installation in Bettendorf, Coralville, Blue Grass, Iowa City, Marion, and surrounding areas.
