You’d better hope Santa Claus puts some cash under the Christmas tree this year. For Home Gnome’s “Santa Is Coming” Cost Index, we found that the average cost to prepare your home for Santa’s arrival in 2025 is $2,752.47.
This total includes costs from cleaning the roof to buying Christmas stockings. If you don’t have to clean the landing deck for Santa’s sleigh, expect to shell out just a hair over $2,327 to get your home ready for that jolly old elf.
You better not cry. That’s still significantly less than the cost of buying every item in the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song. This year, the song’s haul will ding your bank account to the tune of $51,476.12.
To calculate the “Santa Is Coming” Cost Index, Home Gnome researched the costs for 15 items you should jot down on your to-do list before St. Nick comes shimmying down the chimney. In most cases, the cost of goods or services is based on a U.S. average.
Roof Cleaning
While the “Santa is Coming” Cost Index total may seem high, not every holiday home preparation has to break the bank. Roof cleaning, for example, is a budget-friendly way to spruce up your home before Santa arrives.
Having a clean roof isn’t just about looks. Removing leaves, moss, and debris helps prevent moisture buildup, leaks, and pest nests during the winter months. Plus, if Santa and his reindeer are landing on your rooftop, you don’t want to risk Dasher slipping on a patch of moss.
Cost: $340 to $510, or around an average of $425
See Related: How to Hang Christmas Lights on Your Roof
Chimney Sweep
Sure, Santa is used to getting soot on his suit from squeezing into chimneys around the world, but if you hope to be in Santa’s good graces, you probably should ponder the price of a chimney sweep before he arrives.
Today’s chimney sweeps are a far cry from the soot-covered figures you might remember from Mary Poppins. Modern chimney cleaning is more high-tech and efficient, utilizing advanced tools and vacuum systems to minimize mess.
Cost: $110 to $350, or $230 on average.
Gallon of Whole Milk
Even Santa needs a break while circling the globe, and what better way to delight him than with a refreshing glass of milk? It is a thoughtful gesture at a low cost.
Cost: $4.13 per gallon
Chocolate Chip Cookies
You know what goes great with milk? Chocolate chip cookies for Santa. Whether they’re homemade or your favorite store-bought variety, having these sweet treats ready adds a special touch to his visit.
Make sure to have a generous plateful, enough to delight Santa and share the festive joy with your family.
Cost: $5.15 per pound
Bag of Carrots
While preparing for Santa’s arrival, let’s not forget about his faithful reindeer team. Picking up a 1-pound bag of carrots can help ensure Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and, of course, Rudolph, stay energized with this nutritious snack.
Cost: $0.99 per pound
Christmas Lights Installation
The magic of Christmas often begins with that first enchanting view of a home adorned with twinkling lights. Moreover, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, so you’ll want to be sure the outside of your house is gleaming.
Cost: $524
See Related: How to Hang Christmas Lights on Your Roof
Real Christmas Tree
A live Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday cheer in many homes. Mariah Carey might not care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree, but it is the perfect spot for Santa to leave his gifts, so don’t forget about this tradition.
And with recent tariff changes making artificial trees more expensive, a real Christmas tree can actually be the more budget-friendly option this year.
Cost: $63.50 to $156, or around $110
Christmas Stockings
Santa needs a place to stash overflow presents, so don’t forget to hang Christmas stockings for each family member. Whether handmade or purchased, each stocking will await Santa’s arrival, ready to be filled with surprises.
Cost: $31.71 (6-pack)
Holiday Wreath
Nothing says “Welcome, Santa!” quite like a holiday wreath on the front door. This classic touch adds a festive feel to your home and lets Santa know he’s in for a cozy visit. Pick a wreath that matches your style, whether it’s simple and green or decked out with berries and bows.
Cost: $49.99
Window Repair
In ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, the poem reads:
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
But if your window sash is stuck, cracked, or the glass is drafty or broken, that magical moment might fall flat. If you want to glimpse Santa’s sleigh, you’ll want your windows to be in good working order. Hiring a pro to repair your window will also improve insulation, keeping out winter drafts.
Cost: $290 to $382 per window, or $336 as the midpoint
Snow Removal
Santa’s sleigh might glide effortlessly over snow, but why not clear a path to welcome him? Paying a pro to remove snow from your driveway and walkways will ensure a safe landing and make your home more inviting, setting the scene for his arrival.
Cost: $45 to $160 per visit, or about $102.50 on average
Leaf Removal
While Santa’s sleigh is set to land on the roof, he’ll surely have a bird’s-eye view of your lawn. To make sure your home looks its holiday best, consider leaf removal.
A clean, leaf-free lawn adds to the overall festive appeal, ensuring that your home doesn’t look ho-ho-hum from Santa’s vantage point, especially if you live in a city that doesn’t typically see snow for the holidays.
Cost: $107 to $435, or $271 on average
Yard Cleanup
In the run-up to Santa’s arrival, a thorough yard cleanup is essential, especially in regions where the fall season leaves its mark. Investing in a yard cleanup service or dedicating a weekend to tidying up can transform your outdoor space into a welcoming scene for the festive season.
Cost: $216 to $462, or around $339
Gutter Cleaning
As you deck the halls and mow the lawn, don’t forget to hire a pro to clean your gutters. This task ensures that your house looks well-maintained from Santa’s rooftop perspective.
Clean gutters keep pests from making their home in them and prevent potential water damage, keeping your abode in top shape for the holiday season.
Cost: $205 to $253, or $229 on average
See Related: How to Hang Christmas Lights on Gutters
Lawn Mowing
If you live in the extreme South, ponder the cost of a final lawn mowing before the holiday season sets in. This ensures that your yard presents a tidy and well-kept appearance, enhancing the holiday lights and decorations. A freshly mowed lawn also shows Santa that every detail has been taken care of in anticipation of his magical visit.
Cost: $49 to $147, or around $98 (varies depending on the size of your yard)
FAQ
Making your home look like Santa Claus has paid a visit is a delightful way to keep the magic of Christmas alive, especially for the little ones. Here are some tips to create a scene that suggests Santa really did stop by:
1. Leave a trail of cookie crumbs leading away from the plate.
2. Sip a bit from the glass of milk left for Santa, leaving it half-full.
3. Scatter small items like buttons (preferably red or green) or jingle bells around the house.
4. Create snowy footprints leading from the chimney or door to the Christmas tree.
5. Take small bites out of the cookies and the carrots left for the reindeer.
6. Leave a handwritten note from Santa.
According to the National Retail Federation, each shopper will spend an average of $890 on holiday gifts and other seasonal items like decorations, cards, candy, and food in 2025. That is $12 per person less than last year’s figure.
Interestingly, about 15% of consumers would like to receive gifts in the form of home improvement. If you’re one of them, now might be the perfect time to call a Home Gnome pro.
Get the Final Touches for Santa’s Visit
Preparing your home for Santa’s grand arrival takes some time and thought, but it’s all part of the holiday magic. From sprucing up the roof to hanging stockings by the chimney, each task brings you closer to creating an inviting home for that jolly visitor and his reindeer.
With a little planning and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, your home will be ready to welcome Santa in style. Luckily, Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled services in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Read More: How to Put Holiday Decorations in Your Yard and not Destroy Your Grass
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Image: Santa sleigh crossing moonlit starry night sky. Image Credit: alswart / Adobe Stock Free / License
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