Holiday decorating in British Columbia is getting bigger, brighter and more elaborate than ever – and social media is helping fuel the trend.

A new survey conducted on behalf of BC Hydro reveals that platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest are inspiring residents to go all out with festive décor, from twinkling lights to inflatable themed displays.

The report titled “Lights for likes: social media driving bigger, brighter displays in B.C.” found that while the tradition of holiday decorating remains strong – with more than half of British Columbians planning to decorate outdoors this season – many are now motivated by the desire to impress others and create “Instagram-worthy” moments.

“British Columbians love decorating for the holidays, but the way we decorate is changing,” said Susie Rieder, BC Hydro spokesperson. “Holiday displays account for about three per cent of the provincial electricity load during the winter holiday season, and social media may now be contributing to more statement-making displays and higher energy use.”

Most residents begin decorating around December 1, though more than one-third get a head start before the month begins. When it comes to style, about half say their décor is a mix of old and new pieces, while 46% lean toward nostalgic, sentimental touches. Social media, however, is reshaping habits: 42% report being more selective about decorations based on how they will look online, 31% aim for a perfectly themed display, and 23% are adding more decorations than before.

This shift toward more elaborate displays is driving up energy use. Nearly 60% of British Columbians now hang multiple strands of lights, and a quarter go all out with five or more. Almost one in five add plug-in inflatables that run around the clock, and some even blow breakers from the load. Nearly 20% still mix old incandescent bulbs with LEDs, further increasing costs.

The drive to impress on social media does not stop at decorations; it spills over into holiday hosting and baking too. Nearly a quarter of British Columbians say they take photos of their holiday cooking to share online, 21%consider how dishes will look in photos, 45% admit to choosing recipes because they looked appealing on social media, and 12% feel pressure to make their treats “camera-ready.”

As decorating trends continue to evolve, BC Hydro encourages residents and businesses to balance creativity with energy efficiency.

BC Hydro recommends the following tips to save energy and money while still collecting social media likes:

• Switch to LEDs: Replacing eight strands of incandescent lights with LEDs can save about $40 per season.
• Use timers: Set lights and inflatables to turn on only when needed to avoid wasting power.
• Cook smart: Small appliances use 70% less energy than a traditional oven. ENERGY STAR appliances can cut holiday electricity costs.
• Upgrade major appliances: Refrigerators and freezers run 24/7. Switching to ENERGY STAR models can save up to $150 over their lifetime.

Track usage: Use MyHydro tools to monitor how decorating and cooking impact electricity.

e-KNOW file photo

BC Hydro

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