How Winter Lights are helping to increase footfall and revenue

Lights are for life, not just for Christmas

Every year, communities across the country gather together to “switch on” the lights in their local high street, city centre, or village hub. People pour into high streets, village squares, and crowded city districts, all to enjoy the twinkling lights and seasonal cheer.

For businesses and local councils, investing in a good quality, well thought-out seasonal display will encourage footfall at a crucial time of the year. Entice a steady crowd into retail spaces and you’ll boost revenue and inspire community. But who says that the lights are just for the holidays? What if they weren’t taken down after January?

In this blog, we want to challenge the idea that the lights should go off when the holidays are over. In fact, we believe that switching on between October and March could make all the difference to community pride, wellbeing, safety, and seasonal footfall. Consider this - if you can increase the number of people on the high street, you can also increase local business revenue.

Why lights really work in winter

There’s a lot more to lights than meets the eye. Here’s a few reasons why Christmas lights are good for business, and it’s all to do with how it makes us feel:

Winter cheer for all

Winter here in the UK is dark, cold and wet but, add a little festive cheer, a few colourful lights, and suddenly, you’re releasing dopamine left, right and centre. The appeal of lights can even entice a consumer from their warm, cosy homes and onto the high street, so it’s worth making them warm white or perhaps even colourful for that “feel good” factor.

Social Interaction

A common tradition for many families and/or friends is seeing the Christmas lights. Whether it’s on foot or in the car, you can really stand out and attract attention if you put some effort into your lights.

Safety

It goes without saying that everyone feels a little safer in winter when there’s plenty of light. But beyond just comfort, well-lit spaces can actually make a real difference. Lighting can help reduce anti-social behaviour, increase pedestrian safety, and even contribute to fewer road traffic accidents, particularly in areas close to highways or high footfall zones. So when planning your winter lighting scheme, consider how your display could help create a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone.

More for sure

With lights being strung out earlier and earlier each year, you can be one of the first to brighten the area around your businesses and create a buzz as early as October. If you are an early bird, consider alternative arrangements to hold their attention for longer.

Tradition

For some, hanging the lights is a cherished tradition. If it’s the same in your family, you can also apply it to your business or town. What a lovely way to bring the team and their own individual traditions together, while adding a touch of warmth to your place of work.

A reminder of warmth and celebration

We know that we’re talking about leaving the lights up until March, but they are a lovely reminder of celebration, magic, warmth, family and community. It’s this which makes those dreary, dark public spaces more appealing.

Festive lights are a brilliant way to attract more business, as well as making a clear statement about your values.

Let's talk numbers

Here’s a few compelling reasons to invest in your festive lighting display this year:

• Festive or winter lighting definitely makes a big difference. In 2024, there were over 120 million posts on TikTok tagged ‘Christmas 2024 Lights’. In Central London, it’s estimated that over “1.5 million people” went to visit the Christmas lights back in 2022.

• In the 12 months following (2023), the recorded footfall across retail outlets had increased by 4% in the week leading up to Christmas, an increase which is consistent with pre-COVID years.

• Well-lit public spaces are consistently linked to reduced crime rates and increased perception of safety, which is critical during winter's darker afternoons and evenings.

In short, people go where they feel welcome and lights can play a powerful role in making that happen.

Who’s putting on a good show in our books?

Several towns and districts are already showing the way when it comes to winter lighting:

• Bromley sees consistent footfall for both Christmas and broader winter lighting events. Proof that public interest doesn’t vanish with the end of December.

• Bracknell focuses on keeping public walkways lighter and safer in winter with targeted lighting installations.

• Canary Wharf uses winter tree lighting to maintain atmosphere well past Christmas, helping office workers, commuters, and visitors feel safe and uplifted.

• Center Parcs known for its immersive lighting displays, proves that smart, creative lighting isn’t just for Christmas - it’s a vital part of winter visitor experience. The festive lights go on at the beginning of November, and stay on into January.

These examples show how lighting can support community engagement, retail recovery, and local pride, especially during a time when many are looking for uplifting experiences closer to home.

Did you know?

In a 2023 survey, 68% of councils said their winter lighting schemes were directly linked to improved community engagement and positive feedback from residents – even outside the Christmas season.

Make lighting work all year

For local businesses and councils, the important question now is; “How do we transition our lighting from festive to functional?” The answer is strategy. Making the most of your lighting displays will take careful thought and planning.

Make a swap

When the time comes, remove any holiday GOBOs (projections) and replace them for a more neutral arrangement. Consider the colour of your bulbs, the settings on any timed colour changes, and lighting transitions.

Adapt your coverage

Consider relocating or reconfiguring elements of your display to refresh the space and encourage people to see it in a new light.

Add warmth

As evenings stay darker from October to March, creating a safe haven and welcoming atmosphere inside shopping centres or along the high street can encourage visitors to linger. When the environment feels lighter, brighter, and safer, people are more likely to venture in and stay longer.

Plan ahead

Work with the rest of the retail community and other public buildings to coordinate your display.

By thinking beyond the Christmas period, councils and traders can continue to reap the benefits of seasonal lighting well into early spring

Where to go from here

It’s easy to see how beneficial an investment into your lighting display will be this Christmas. With a carefully planned strategy, however, those lights can last until the Spring. For councils, it’s an opportunity to support communities and create safe, welcoming spaces. For small businesses, it’s a simple yet powerful way to attract customers and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

As you plan your winter strategy, remember – lights aren’t just for Christmas. They can brighten communities right through the darker months. If you’d like friendly advice on creating a sustainable, cost-effective, and inclusive display, we’re always happy to help. Whether you’re looking to bring your vision to life or simply make the process a little easier, we’re here to add a touch of magic along the way.

References:

Lighting up retail’s winter season

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