Thumbtack reveals the 2025 most festive cities: where homeowners go all out for the holiday.

For the fourth year in a row, Austin takes the crown, with Dallas and Seattle close behind. From Texas to Florida, the South is setting the standard for holiday spirit, and in true Texas fashion, bigger is definitely brighter. Mild winters and a strong sense of community keep the Lone Star State shining at the top.

Here’s a snapshot of the cities bringing the most cheer in 2025.

(Arrows represent whether cities have moved up or down the list compared to 2024 results)

Here’s how people are decorating this season.

If it feels like your neighborhood is glowing a little earlier this year, you’re right. According to Thumbtack’s Fall & Winter Trends Report, holiday decorating has become a slow build, not a weekend sprint. Homeowners are layering their look from October through December, swapping out pumpkins for pine boughs and adding sparkle as the season unfolds.

It all starts at the front door, with nearly six in ten homeowners dressing up their porches with wreaths, garlands, and ribbon details. But this year, it’s lighting that’s stealing the show.

More than half of homeowners are upgrading their lights, with roofline lighting, wrapped trees, and color-changing LEDs bright enough to guide Santa’s sleigh. Whether it’s a few twinkle lights inside or a showstopping display outside, Americans are decorating with one goal in mind: to make their home feel like the heart of the holidays.

Simple ways to make your home shine. 

• Start with the entryway: A wreath, garland, or ribbon on the door instantly says “the holidays are here” and sets a warm welcome.
• Layer your lighting: Add soft, warm lighting, whether it’s string lights on a bookshelf, candles on a table, or window candles for an indoor-outdoor glow.
• Add greenery where it feels natural: A sprig on the nightstand or garland on the mantle brings life and warmth to any space.
• Call in a pro for outdoor lighting: For rooflines, tall trees, or big displays, hire a lighting pro to keep it safe and picture-perfect. Most installs run $208-$500 on average, depending on the design.

If you’re ready to turn your home into a winter wonderland, skip the tangled lights and ladder stress. Accomplish more this season by downloading the Thumbtack app to find a pro who can make your holidays shine bright.

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Methodology: Data is from customer requests on the Thumbtack platform from October 2024 to October 2025 for holiday light installations. Rankings were based on the relative frequency of such requests adjusted for the population of state and metropolitan areas.