December 17, 2025
No Comments on Holiday Lights and Safety Nights: Your Renter’s Guide to Festive Decor
The holidays are here, and in Toledo, that means lighting up the dark winter nights!
While decorating is one of the joys of the season, it’s also the time of year when fire risks spike. At Buckeye Northwest Realty, we want all our residents to enjoy a festive and safe holiday season.
Here is your essential guide to festive, renter-friendly decorating and where to find the best local cheer.
1. Renter-Friendly Decor Hacks: No Nails, No Problem
The key to decorating a rental is using methods that won’t damage paint or drywall. If you use nails or excessive tape, you risk losing a portion of your security deposit if you don’t fix it before moving out.
- Adhesive Clips & Hooks: Use damage-free adhesive hooks or clips (like Command Strips) for hanging string lights, wreaths, or garland on walls, doors, and mantles. Just remember to pull the tab straight down, slowly when removing them to avoid peeling paint.
- Tension Rods: Use an inexpensive tension rod inside a window frame or doorway. You can wrap lights or garland around the rod to create a festive border without touching the walls.
- Curtain Rods & Banisters: Drape string lights over existing fixtures like curtain rods, bookshelves, or stair banisters. You can secure them with zip ties or transparent tape.
- Brick Clips: If you have an exposed brick fireplace, use brick clips to hang stockings or lights directly onto the brick without drilling or adhesive.
2. Fire Safety First: Protecting Your Home and Deposit
Nearly 50% of residential fires during the holidays are linked to electrical shorts or overloaded outlets. Be extra vigilant with these holiday safety rules:
| Tree Type & Risk | The Safety Solution (Owner & Tenant Protection) |
| Real (Natural) Trees | Water the tree daily to prevent it from drying out (a dry tree is tinder). Ensure the water level always covers the base of the trunk. Safely dispose of the tree immediately once it begins dropping needles. |
| Artificial Trees | Look for trees labeled “Fire-Retardant.” While not fireproof, this coating resists burning and slows the spread of fire. Inspect pre-lit artificial trees for frayed or broken wires annually. |
| All Trees & Heat | Keep all trees at least 3 feet away from heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, or space heaters. Crucially: Unplug all lights before leaving home or going to bed! |
| Candles & Electrical | Use battery-operated LED candles whenever possible. Avoid connecting more than three mini-light strands end-to-end. Never run cords under rugs. |
3. Toledo Holiday Cheer: The Best Local Light Displays
Once your home is safely decorated, get out and enjoy the magic created by the rest of the community!
- The Lights Before Christmas (Toledo Zoo): This is Northwest Ohio’s most beloved tradition, featuring over one million lights and the breathtaking Big Tree. Find Tickets and Hours Here.
- Holidays at the Manor House: Community volunteers transform over 30 areas of the 30,000-square-foot Manor House at Wildwood Preserve into a holiday wonderland. Admission is free. View Dates and Details.
- Hensville Lights: Downtown Toledo lights up Hensville Park and Fleetwoods Taproom with a full display of lights and a large community tree. Check Hensville Events Calendar.
- Ice Skating at The Ribbon: Head to Glass City Metropark to enjoy the 1,000-foot ice skating trail. The trail is beautifully lit for the season. Reserve Skating Time and View Rates.
Welcome Home: Start Your Toledo Adventure with Confidence
We hope these tips help you create a festive, beautiful, and safe home this season. Happy holidays from your team at Buckeye Northwest Realty!
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