What Happens If Holiday Lights Fail Mid-Season?

Check the outlet first

GFCI outlets are required for most outdoor circuits and trip easily in wet or freezing weather, which is one of the most common reasons an entire display suddenly goes dark. Before assuming anything is broken, check whether the outlet itself has tripped and needs to be reset.

If the outlet trips repeatedly, that can point to a specific problem, like water intrusion at a plug connection, rather than a random glitch, and is worth mentioning if you call us for a maintenance visit.

This single check resolves a surprising number of the calls we get during the season, so it is always worth ruling out first.

Why one section can go dark while the rest stays lit

Many light strands are wired so that a single loose or failed bulb can take out an entire section rather than just that one bulb, especially on older-style incandescent sets. LED strands are generally more resistant to this, but connector issues between strand segments can still cause a whole run to go dark.

Wind is a common cause of loose connections, since strands that move repeatedly in the wind can work connectors loose over the course of a season. This is more likely on longer runs or in exposed areas of the roofline.

If you notice the same section going dark repeatedly after windy days, that is a good sign the connector in that spot needs attention rather than the whole strand needing replacement.

Weather damage to look for

Ice buildup, heavy snow load, or a falling icicle from the roof can physically damage a section of lights, which is different from a simple loose connection. Visible cracks in a bulb housing or a section of wire that looks pinched or crushed points to physical damage rather than an electrical glitch.

According to the National Weather Service, Northwest Ohio sees a mix of freeze-thaw cycles through the winter, which is exactly the kind of weather that stresses exterior wiring and connections over a season.

If you suspect weather damage, it is worth having someone look at the affected section rather than continuing to run power to a strand with visible damage.

What you can safely check yourself

Reset any tripped GFCI outlets and check that plugs are firmly seated at both the outlet and the connection point between strands. A loose plug is an easy fix that does not require a ladder or any special tools.

From the ground, look for any obviously damaged sections, like a cracked bulb or pinched wire, and take a photo if you plan to call for service so we know what to expect before we arrive.

Avoid getting on a ladder in icy or snowy conditions to troubleshoot lights yourself. That is exactly the kind of situation where calling for a maintenance visit is the safer option.

• Reset tripped GFCI outlets first
• Check plug connections at the outlet and between strand sections
• Look for visible cracks or pinched wire from the ground
• Take a photo of any damage before requesting a maintenance visit
• Skip climbing a ladder in icy conditions yourself

When to call for a maintenance visit

If resetting the outlet does not solve it, or if you can see physical damage to a section of the strand, it is time to call rather than keep troubleshooting on your own. Customers who had their lights installed through our holiday lighting service can request an in-season maintenance visit rather than trying to fix a roofline-mounted section themselves.

Mid-season outages are common enough that we plan for maintenance requests throughout December, so reaching out is a normal part of the process rather than an inconvenience.

If you are tired of dealing with mid-season fixes altogether, it is also worth asking about how permanent lighting handles this differently, since a mounted LED system does not have the same strand and connector failure points as traditional string lights.

Frequently asked questions