Planning Ahead: When to Order Light Pole Decor for Your City’s Holiday Display
If you’re responsible for planning your city’s holiday display, you already know how quickly the calendar fills up. Between budget approvals, vendor coordination, and event scheduling, it’s easy for holiday decor orders to fall to the bottom of the list.
But here’s the reality: commercial Christmas decor, especially light pole decorations, isn’t something you want to order at the last minute.
Whether you’re designing a walkable Main Street display or a bold, high-visibility roadside installation, the timeline for immersive Christmas decor is longer than many cities expect—and that timeline matters if you want the best selection, pricing, and peace of mind.
Why Timing Matters for Ordering Your Decorations
1. Lead Times on Commercial-Grade Light Pole Decor
Unlike retail holiday decor, commercial-grade light pole decorations are often made to order. This means production, customization, shipping, and installation all take time—especially if you want your city’s name, colors, or logo integrated into your display.
Average lead time for custom light pole decor:
6–10 weeks from order to delivery
This timeline gets longer as the season approaches. Starting early gives you full access to the catalog—not just what’s left over.
2. Supply Chain + Labor Constraints
Like many industries, commercial holiday lighting has felt the effects of global supply disruptions. In recent years, ports, factories, and freight networks have all experienced delays.
At the same time, cities across the country are enhancing their displays—leading to higher demand for custom decor and professional installation teams. Those teams book out months in advance, especially between September and November.
Waiting too long risks:
- Limited product availability
- Rush fees for production or shipping
- Difficulty securing install crews
- Missed install deadlines
3. Budget Alignment and Council Approval
Most cities finalize budgets in the spring or early summer. If decor isn’t scoped and quoted early, there’s a risk of:
- Overspending due to rush pricing
- Missing the fiscal window for approvals
- Delays due to needing additional quotes or RFP processes
By starting early, you can align holiday plans with:
- Annual budgets
- City council presentations
- Seasonal promotions and tourism campaigns
Ideal Timeline: When to Order Your Light Pole Decor
| Month | Task |
|---|---|
| February–April | Meet with vendors, request quotes, review catalogs |
| May–June | Finalize selections, submit orders, confirm shipping timelines |
| July–August | Begin receiving shipments, prep install plan, secure labor |
| September–October | Begin installation for early November lighting ceremonies |
Many cities begin decorating the first week of November. That means lights need to ship by September at the latest to allow for smooth delivery and install.
Pro Tip: Use Planning Season for Stakeholder Buy-In
Ordering early gives you time to:
- Present mockups to city council or your tourism board
- Share cost-benefit analysis for commercial-grade investment
- Include photos from our client gallery to build support
- Add a QR code or renderings to your event flyers or website
You don’t just get better products—you build confidence and excitement across departments.
Key Considerations Before You Order
Before submitting your order, be prepared to answer:
- How many poles do you want to decorate?
- Do you need custom colors, logos, or shapes?
- What’s your install window and who will be handling it?
- Do you plan to reuse the decor for 5+ years? (Our products are built for long-term use)
Don’t Miss Your Window—Start Planning Now
Want to make your 2025 display the most immersive yet? Now’s the time! Contact Creative Displays today to schedule your consultation and receive a custom quote tailored to your city’s goals, timeline, and budget.
Let’s create something magical—before the rush.