There's no denying driving down the street to take in the sights of Christmas lights is joyful, but at what point do elaborate holiday displays become antisocial? Is there a certain time you should turn off music or flashing lights? And what do HOAs say about it?
Whilst there is no federal law directly regulating Christmas displays, nuisance laws and local ordinances often enforce specific hours in which your carefully chosen Christmas lights (even simple LED string lights, like these from Amazon) and music may be considered antisocial. It really is location-specific, but generally speaking obtrusive flashing lights and loud music should be stopped after 10pm.
Here, one legal expert imparts their wisdom on antisocial Christmas lights regulations and what you can do if a neighbor's festive display is causing a nuisance for you.
Antisocial Christmas Lights Regulations
'There is no single federal rule when it comes to Christmas lights or holiday displays, but most disputes are resolved at the state level through nuisance laws and local ordinances,' explains real estate legal expert, Seann Patrick Malloy.
'Many cities have 'quiet hours' usually starting from 10pm to 7am that can apply to amplified music or sound coordinated with light displays.
'Even without a holiday rule, an unreasonable amount of noise or lighting that intrudes upon a neighbor such that it significantly impacts their use and enjoyment of their property may drive enforcement under general nuisance principles,' he explains.
This refers to festive displays coming from both front yards and neighboring backyards that are intruding on peaceful enjoyment of your own property.
There are local regulations to consider too, including HOA rules.
'Covenants and architectural guidelines issued by HOAs tend to dictate the type, size, and brightness of festive displays, as well as their placement and how long they can remain,' Seann explains.
'Most residents may have a general right to decorate, but that right is constrained contractually by the rules of the HOA that they agree to when they buy their property,' he adds.
For this reason, it's always best to research the regulations for your property before hanging Christmas lights to ensure you don't receive an unexpected HOA fine.
What to Do if You Feel Your Neighbor's Festive Display is Antisocial
While there are no specific antisocial Christmas lights regulations, if your neighbor's display has flashing lights and loud music during specific quiet hours for your local area, you have a right to make a complaint to officials.
Though, Seann says this shouldn't be your first action.
'The best first step when a display becomes an issue is open, respectful discussion about it.
'It’s usually best to write down the problem, have some proof, contact the HOA or the city before suing,' he advises.
If needed, you can then follow the process for your local authority to put in a complain under nuisance law.
FAQs
Are Christmas Displays Allowed to Block Sidewalks?
Generally speaking, no, festive displays should not block sidewalks.
'Sidewalks and parkways are generally public right-of-way, and many cities prohibit obstructions of any kind, especially anything that interferes with accessibility,' says attorney Golnoush Goharzad.
'Decorations that encourage crowds can create liability if the set-up forces pedestrians into the street or creates a tripping hazard with cords, stakes, or props,' she adds.
Nuisance laws also look after when its antisocial to mow a lawn and leaf blower etiquette.
Shop Stylish, Unobtrusive Christmas Decorations
This beautiful red bow is designed to be displayed on the front door, packaging up your house like a gift. It has LED lights for extra sparkle, without causing a disturbance to neighbors.
