What colour lights to use on your house for each holiday

Outdoor lighting isn’t just for the holiday season. Lighting your home to mark the season, holidays, and special occasions is a wonderful way to show support, spread cheer, and stay connected to your community. 

From Breast Cancer Awareness to Halloween, here’s a guide on how to pick the perfect colours for every special occasion throughout the year.

January

New Year’s Day (January 1): Ring in the New Year with bright whites, shimmering golds, or sparkling blues for a fresh, celebratory look.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27): White lights are recommended to honor remembrance, reflection, and peace.

February

Black History Month (All of February): Red and green lights reflect the colours of the Pan-African flag and represent heritage, resilience, and unity.

World Cancer Day (February 4): Purple is the colour used to symbolize cancer awareness, and it’s a supportive way to show solidarity with those affected.

Mardi Gras (Day Before Ash Wednesday): Purple, green, and gold are traditional Mardi Gras colours, symbolizing justice, faith, and power.

Pink Shirt Day (Last Wednesday of February): Pink lights support anti-bullying awareness, inspired by the message of kindness.

Valentine’s Day (February 14): Red and pink lights are classic choices to set a romantic tone and celebrate love.

March

International Women’s Day (March 8): Purple lights honor women and are used globally for International Women's Day.

St. Patrick’s Day (March 17): Bright green lights are a must for this Irish celebration! Add gold for a touch of fun and “luck of the Irish” flair.

World Down Syndrome Day (March 21): Use blue and yellow lights to show support and raise awareness.

First Day of Spring (Vernal Equinox): Soft greens, pinks, and yellows bring a fresh, vibrant look that reflects new growth and blooming flowers.

Easter (First Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon): Pastel colours like pink, lavender, and light yellow capture the light, joyous nature of Easter and spring.

April

Autism Awareness Month (All of April): Use blue lights throughout April to support Autism Awareness, symbolizing inclusivity and understanding.

Earth Day (April 22): Green lights represent the environment and nature, a perfect way to highlight Earth Day.

May

Mental Health Awareness Month (All of May): Use green to show support for mental health awareness and promote a message of openness and care.

Mother’s Day (Second Sunday in May): Pink lights are a nice way to honor mothers and the nurturing spirit of this holiday. Or pick their favourite colour. 

Victoria Day (Second Last Monday in May): Red and white, reflecting Canadian colours, honor this patriotic holiday marking Queen Victoria’s birthday.

June

Pride Month (All of June): Celebrate Pride with rainbow-coloured lights or combinations of vibrant colours to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Father’s Day (Third Sunday in June): Blue lights are a common choice to honor fathers, or you can use colours based on your dad’s favorite shade.

National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21): Orange lights are often used to show respect for Indigenous communities, particularly for remembering residential school survivors.

First Day of Summer (Summer Solstice): Warm white or golden-yellow lights celebrate the brightness and warmth of summer’s arrival. Alternatively, you could choose bright summery colours like blue, pink, purple and yellow. 

July

Canada Day (July 1): Red and white lights proudly display Canada’s national colours, symbolizing Canadian pride.

August

Civic Holiday (First monday): Red, white, or local city colours work well to celebrate this civic holiday, depending on regional traditions.

September

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (All of September): Light your home in gold to raise awareness for childhood cancer.

National Suicide Prevention Week (First full week of September): Use teal or purple lights to show support and increase awareness of mental health resources.

Labor Day (First Monday in September): Use red and white lights as a nod to this holiday’s roots in celebrating the labor movement.

Back to School (First Tuesday in September): Bright yellow or primary colours are a fun way to mark the back-to-school season, symbolizing new beginnings and education.

First Day of Fall (Autumnal Equinox): Deep oranges, yellows, and browns echo autumn leaves and prepare for the upcoming cozy season.

National Day For Truth & Reconciliation (September 30): Orange lights honor this day, which recognizes Indigenous children who attended residential schools.

October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (All of October): Pink lights are used throughout October to show support for breast cancer awareness and celebrate survivors.

Thanksgiving (Second Monday): Use warm colours like amber, brown, or deep red for a cozy, harvest-inspired ambiance.

World Mental Health Day (October 10): Green lights are widely used on this day to promote mental health awareness.

Halloween (October 31): Orange and purple are classic Halloween colours, creating a spooky and festive look.

November

Children’s Grief Awareness Month (All of November): Blue lights support children experiencing loss, signifying comfort and awareness.

Remembrance Day (November 11): Red lights pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed, often symbolized by the poppy flower.

Children’s Grief Awareness Day (November 16): Blue lights can be used in honor of children who are grieving, promoting awareness and empathy.

First Day of Winter (Winter Solstice): Icy blues and whites capture the chill of winter and the serenity of the season’s first snowfall.

December

World AIDS Day (December 1): Red lights represent AIDS awareness, a way to honor those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Christmas (December 25): Go classic with red and green or create a “winter wonderland” look with white and blue lights.

Hanukkah (Date varies in December): Blue and white lights reflect the colours traditionally associated with Hanukkah.

Kwanzaa (December 26 - January 1): Red, black, and green represent Kwanzaa, symbolizing unity and heritage.

Seasonal lighting guide

For a broader approach, focus on colours for each season. Changing your lights seasonally allows for a simpler setup and can be adjusted to match upcoming holidays within each period.

Winter (December - February): Use icy blue and white for a snowy effect, or traditional red and green for the holiday season. After the holidays, try a mix of whites and blues for a wintry, calm look.

Spring (March - May): Light greens, yellows, and pastel shades are perfect for spring. Consider pinks and purples as flowers start blooming, adding warmth and life to your home’s exterior.

Summer (June - August): Warm whites, oranges, and blues create a relaxed and inviting summer feel. Go for nautical colours like navy and white for a beachy, coastal look if you're near the water.

Fall (September - November): Earthy tones like amber, burnt orange, and brown fit perfectly for fall. In October, add purples and greens for Halloween, while November can feature richer reds and browns to echo the warmth of Thanksgiving.

Tips for holiday lighting

• Layer with white lights: Adding a base of white lights can allow you to change accent colours easily for each holiday without having to re-do your whole display.
• Install permanent lights: Permanent LED lights are a convenient, low-maintenance option. These programmable lights can change colours and patterns with an app or remote, making it easy to switch up your display without re-installing lights every time.
• Consider LEDs: Using LED lights saves energy, especially for displays that may stay on for several days or weeks at a time.
• Keep it tasteful: For each holiday, less can sometimes be more. A few well-placed lights in the recommended colours can make a big impact.

By changing up your outdoor lighting, you can show support for important causes, celebrate special occasions, and share holiday joy with your community. 

Whatever you choose, let your lights tell a story of unity, awareness, and celebration all year round!