It’s that time of year again. The nights are darker, Christmas trees are up and the houses on your street are starting to sparkle. But while some people go for a subtle string of fairy lights, others like to spare no expense. And if you’ve ever wondered whether those OTT displays are actually allowed… you’re not alone.
Turns out, there are rules around what you can and can’t do when it comes to outdoor Christmas decorations. And if you (or your neighbour) cross the line, it could lead to more than just a passive-aggressive WhatsApp message. We’re talking fines, complaints, and even legal action.
How much is too much?
What’s the issue? Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, if your outdoor Christmas lights interfere with your neighbour’s ability to enjoy their home, they can make a statutory light nuisance claim. That means if your decorations are too bright, too flashy, or just too much, you could be served with a legal notice.
If your festive display is causing problems for your neighbours and you’re asked to tone it down, it’s important to take that seriously. Failing to act could see you hit with a fine of up to £5,000 – not exactly the kind of Christmas gift anyone wants.
And it doesn’t stop there. Once the festivities are over, leaving decorations up too long (or forgetting to clear away any food left outside for Santa and his reindeer) could result in a littering fine of £150. That’s £75 if you pay within seven days, but still a bit of a mood killer.
Even after the main event, celebrations often continue through to New Year, with fireworks and house parties lighting up the night. If you’re planning a display, make sure it’s wrapped up by 11pm. Anything louder or later could be classed as a disturbance, and you might receive a warning from your local council. In some cases, you could even be served with a Noise Abatement Notice. And ignoring that could land you with another £5,000 fine.
So what can you do?
- Keep your lights festive, not floodlit.
- Avoid flashing or strobing effects that might disturb others.
- Set up timers so that your decorations only come on during a certain period e.g. 5pm-11pm.
- Be mindful of noise – especially late at night.
- Take decorations down promptly once the season’s over.
But if your neighbour’s house looks like Lapland, and it’s affecting your sleep, your peace, or your view, then you’re not powerless. You can raise it with your local council under the same legislation.
With any neighbourly disagreements, of course it’s always better to try and resolve them before approaching the council or taking legal action. Often, these things can be sorted with a polite request or discussion before resorting to more drastic measures.
Spread Christmas cheer this season!
At Howden, we’re here to help you protect what matters most – including your home and your peace of mind this festive season.
So whether you’re lighting up your garden or just trying to get some sleep, it’s worth knowing where you stand. And while we’re on the topic of festive fun, why not pop into your local Howden branch to see what’s in store?
We’ve even opened our North Pole Mail Service, so your little ones can send their letters to Santa – and even get a personalised response!
Sources: Manchester Evening News
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This is a marketing blog by Howden.