Christmas Lights and North Texas Weather: Wind, Rain, and Ice
North Texas weather in December can be anything. A sunny 75-degree afternoon can turn into a windy cold front, freezing rain, or snow a few days later. Your Christmas lights have to handle all of it for six weeks or more.
Winter Weather Does Hit DFW at Christmas
It doesn't happen every year, but it happens. According to WFAA, North Texas has seen several notable Christmas-week events since 2000, including a Christmas Day ice storm in 2000 that brought down trees and knocked out power, snow across DFW in 2002 and 2004, blizzard conditions north of the Metroplex in 2009, and sleet and snow in Denton and Collin counties on Christmas Day 2012. Strong winds come with almost every winter front.
Wind
Wind is the most common problem. Loose strands flap, bulbs knock against gutters, and poorly secured lines sag or pull free. Professional installers use the right clips for each surface, like gutters, shingles, and ridges, and secure every run so it stays straight through a cold front.
Rain and Moisture
Water and electricity don't mix. Outdoor displays need outdoor-rated lights and cords, connections kept off the ground and out of standing water, and outlets on GFCI protection. A tripped GFCI after a rainy night is one of the most common reasons a display goes dark.
Ice and Sleet
Ice adds weight to strands and makes roofs dangerous. If ice hits, stay off the roof. Ice usually melts within a day or two in DFW, and most displays come through fine if they were installed securely to begin with.
Cold Snaps
LED lights handle cold well, which is one more reason pros use commercial-grade LEDs. Cheap strands with thin wiring and brittle sockets are more likely to crack in a hard freeze.
What Professional Installation Does Differently
Commercial-grade LED bulbs and outdoor-rated components.
Surface-specific clips so lines stay tight in the wind.
Planned power runs that keep connections protected.
In-season service: with A&M's all-inclusive service, maintenance and repairs are included for materials we provide, so if weather knocks something out, we come fix it.
Quick Tips If Your Lights Go Out After a Storm
Check and reset any GFCI outlets first.
Look for a tripped breaker.
Check your timer or smart plug.
Don't climb a wet or icy roof. If you're an A&M customer, call or text (817) 715-2816.
Want a display built for North Texas winters? Learn what professional installation includes, or request a free estimate for your home in Granbury, Fort Worth, Dallas, Frisco, or anywhere across DFW.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Christmas lights stay up in rain?
Yes, if they're outdoor-rated and installed with protected connections on GFCI outlets. Rain is the most common reason a GFCI trips and a display goes dark.
What should I do if my lights go out after a storm?
Reset GFCI outlets, check the breaker and timer, and stay off a wet or icy roof. A&M customers can call or text us for in-season repairs.
Do LED Christmas lights work in freezing weather?
Yes. LEDs handle cold well, and commercial-grade LEDs are less likely to crack in a hard freeze than cheap strands.
Does A&M fix lights damaged by weather during the season?
In-season maintenance and repairs are included for materials provided by A&M Christmas Lights.
