5 Christmas Decorations You Need to Unplug Before Leaving the House

In Ontario, the Office of the Fire Marshal has flagged a surprising pattern: about one-third of Christmas-tree fires happen in January, after the holidays, when families relax their guard and trees are at their driest. Electrical faults and tired cords are common culprits. Health Canada has logged 126 incident reports involving decorative lighting strings in Canada (2011–2022)—including shocks and minor burns—reminding us that festive glow still deserves everyday caution. The smartest insurance against a ruined evening, an insurance claim, or worse is simple: before you lock the door, switch off, then unplug the powered décor. Your lights will still sparkle when you return, and you’ll cut risk while saving a little on your hydro bill.

1) Tree lights (real or artificial)

Why unplug: Tree lights—whether on a real fir or a pre-lit artificial tree—combine wiring, heat, and combustible material (needles, ornaments, gift wrap). Even with cooler-running LEDs, damaged strands, cracked sockets, or pinched cords can arc or overheat if they’re left on with no one home to notice the smell or a flicker. A general rule of thumb is to turn off and unplug decorative lighting before bed or when leaving home.

What to do instead:

• Inspect for frayed insulation and loose bulbs each season; discard damaged sets.
  
  

• Keep trees away from heat sources and exits, and water real trees daily so they don’t dry out. Safety experts reinforce the “lights off when leaving or sleeping” rule.
  
  

2) Pre-lit Christmas trees (artificial, plug-in trunks)

Why unplug: Pre-lit trees concentrate long runs of wiring inside branches where heat can build, and failure points are hard to see. If a splice or connector fails, an empty house gives a minor fault time to become a major problem. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) recommends turning off and unplugging holiday lights and decorations when you leave or go to bed; that guidance applies directly to pre-lit trees.

What to do instead:

• Use a certified smart plug or timer to cut power on a schedule (UL/CSA-listed), and avoid daisy-chaining extension cords. UL Standards Engagement specifically encourages automatic timers and turning devices off when away or asleep.

3) Indoor window candles, lighted wreaths, and plug-in figurines

Why unplug: These small, plug-in accents draw modest wattage but often sit near curtains, blinds, and other combustibles. Heat at the plug, brittle cords from storage, or tight bends on windowsills can create hot spots. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety advises turning off holiday lights when away and using only decorations and cords in good condition; applying that advice to all plug-in décor is common sense.

What to do instead:

• Replace older, unlabelled products with CSA/UL-certified versions.
  
  

• Keep cords loose and visible (never pinched in a window), and consider battery-operated, timer-controlled candles for windows you can’t easily reach. Health Canada’s holiday guidance also warns against overloading outlets and reminds families to keep cords out of reach of children.

4) Outdoor inflatables and light projectors

Why unplug: Inflatables use motors that can overheat, and both inflatables and projectors have power supplies and connectors exposed to Ontario’s wet, icy conditions. Moisture plus electricity equals shock and fire hazards, particularly if GFCI protection is absent or the display runs nonstop. Safety guidance consistently recommends shutting these down when unattended and using outdoor-rated equipment only.

What to do instead:

• Plug into GFCI outlets, elevate connections off the ground, and bring units down during high winds or heavy precipitation.
  
  

• Put them on a weather-rated timer, so they’re off overnight and anytime you’re out. The ESA and municipal fire departments echo the timer advice for both indoor and outdoor displays.

5) Animated/Mechanical decorations and plug-in villages

Why unplug: Anything with a moving part—motors, rotating platforms, music boxes—or multiple mini-bulbs tucked into foam/cardboard displays runs warmer, and the wiring is usually lightweight. Left on for hours, these can overheat quietly. Canadian safety resources advise turning off and unplugging electric decorations when unattended, avoiding overloads, and stringing only within manufacturers’ limits.

What to do instead:

• Group these to a single, labelled power bar you can switch off as you head out.
  
  

• Follow the “three-strand” rule for light strings (or the manufacturer’s specific limit) and never hide excess cords under rugs or tree skirts.

Smart, Safe Alternatives That Keep the Holiday Sparkle

• Smart plugs and certified timers: Choose timers tested to recognized standards, set them to your family routine, and verify they actually cut power—not just dim. UL’s consumer guidance explicitly supports using automatic timers and turning devices off when you’re out.
  
  

• GFCI and outdoor-rated gear: For porches, railings, and lawns, use outdoor-rated lights, cords, and covers.
  
  

• Better planning, fewer cords: Keep displays near outlets to avoid daisy-chains, and never run cords under rugs, doorways, or tree skirts, where they can fray or overheat.

Final word (and a friendly nudge)

The holidays should be bright, joyful, and uneventful. A 10-second habit—unplugging powered decorations before you leave—dramatically lowers your risk, protects your investment, and keeps the season stress-free. If your plans for 2026 include a new address, let trusted local pros guide the transition. The Johnson Team is ready to help you buy, sell, or rent across the Greater Toronto Area. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to get matched with an agent and a plan that fits your timeline, budget, and goals.