Building Illumination Program

New To The Program

Turn on lights by November 22!

Did you participate last year? Go to this page for how to prepare for this year.

If you're new to the program:

Who - Downtown Property Owners/Managers

What - Line the top of your building with quality commercial grade light line from Christmas Light Decorators including warm white LED lighting and clips (required). Find product details below.

When - Purchase light line materials as soon as possible to allow for delivery. Purchase new light line before November 8. Install light line and have operable by Friday November 22.

Where - We encourage all downtown properties to participate.

Why - This program will promote vibrancy and unity within downtown and attract people from all over the region to dine, shop, stay, and explore our downtown for the holidays.

How - Contact Aaron or Selina of Christmas Light Decorators for a free quote by emailing aaron@cldaz.com or maralyn@cldaz.com. Or call (480) 967-1122.

Product

C9- Warm White 120V SMD LED Plastic Smooth Bulb
C9- Light String, 15" Spacing Green Wire
C-Clips (use C9 side)

Pricing

C-clips, sold in bags of 100 - $35.00 per bag
C9 Smooth WW bulbs, sold in boxes of 25 - $34.25 per box
C9 Green wire stringer, 15" spacing, sold in 100 socket increments - $85 per stringer
Male end plugs, green, sold in bags of 10 - $13 per bag
Female end plugs, green, sold in bags of 10 - $13 per bag

Other Items You Need for Install:

Loctite PL-400 glue for clips (1 1oz tube per 100 ft of light line required) - Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware
Glue gun (standard 10oz caulking gun) - Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware
Extension cords, new electrical access to roof (Most roofs have existing access).
Photoelectric Timer (turns lights auto-off/on) - Home Depot, Lowes, Ace

Purchasing Steps

Step 1: Receive a free quote from Christmas Light Decorators. Or contact Zach Baker with DTP to put you in contact with the vendors. We can give you an approximate measurement of your roof line from Google Earth.

Step 2: Purchase the products and have them shipped to you. You can reuse them every year!

Step 3: Have appropriate building maintenance staff install and have them watch these helpful videos:

Install Steps:

STEP 1 - Product Overview:

For installation, you’ll need a few additional items: Loctite PL-400 glue (about 1 oz tube per 100 ft of light line) and a 10 oz caulking gun for applying the glue—both available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware. A measuring stick is also helpful; mark 13.5” intervals on it to make placing multiple clips easier. Additionally, you’ll need extension cords and roof electrical access if not already in place. To automate your lights, consider a photoelectric timer to turn lights on and off automatically. Note that this process may take more than one day: plan to let the clips dry the first day, and then install the light line afterward for best results.

STEP 2 - How to install C-Clips*:

*There are two sides to the clip! It's very important that you install the larger C9 side of the clip facing out so the C9 bulb will properly fit into the clip. IMPORTANT: The C-clips are to be installed using a loctite adhesive at 13.5" apart (on center) from clip to clip. The light line you purchase should be spaced 15" from bulb to bulb, which will allow you to have some room. The vendor does not recommend installing the C-clips using screws, nails or anything to puncture into your building parapet.

STEP 3 - How to install lights:

Allow the clips to dry for at least 24 hours before inserting the bulbs to ensure they stay securely in place. When placing a bulb, avoid snapping it directly into the clip, as this can crack the plastic. Instead, gently unscrew the bulb slightly, slide it into the clip, and then tighten it securely to ensure it lights up properly.

STEP 4 - Check Your Lights:

Step outside to view your lights from the street and make any needed adjustments (tighten or replace bulbs, adjust clips). Test the light line after installation and ensure all bulbs are working. Plug in your timer—set it to day/night mode for automatic on/off at dusk and dawn. Check a few times weekly to ensure lights are functioning properly at night. Timers are available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.

Download a pdf flyer

Do you have questions or would you like someone to help you walk through the above steps? Contact Zach Baker, Deputy Director, at zach@downtowntucson.org, (520) 268-9034.