Winston-Salem, NC Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)

Holiday lights, yard inflatables, nativity scenes, and seasonal decorations are treated as temporary residential displays under the Winston-Salem UDO and are not regulated as signs unless they contain commercial messaging. There is no explicit duration limit, but decorations are expected to be removed within a reasonable time after the holiday. Lights and displays cannot shine directly into neighboring windows in a manner that constitutes a nuisance, cannot block pedestrian sidewalks, and cannot encroach into the public right-of-way. Inflatable decorations must be anchored to avoid becoming wind hazards. The Code Administration department receives occasional complaints about year-round Christmas lights or non-functioning decorations, which can rise to the level of a property maintenance violation if they become unsightly or hazardous. Commercial holiday displays at businesses fall under the temporary commercial signage rules and typically require window sign permits only if exceeding the standard allowances. HOAs in many Winston-Salem neighborhoods set duration and style rules that are stricter than city code.