If you care to go the 'traditional' route with its religious (Catholic) implications, the practice of lighting up the home/neighbourhood typically starts on the 24 days leading up to Xmas eve. In Germany, they call it "Advent" in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. They also have an Advent Wreath which has four candles on it. The candles are lit on successive Sundays leading up to Xmas eve. When all four candles are lit, Xmas is imminent. December 6 is Nikolaus day (the origin of Santa Claus). Christmas day in most of Europe is kind of an anti-climax, gift giving happens on Xmas eve. The kids there also get something called an Advent calender - a fancy cardboard box with little windows on it. Each window is opened to reveal a piece of chocolate, but I digress. I guess my point is, traditionally lights in Europe don't go on until around the first week in December and go off in early January.
Mine are up, but I'll wait to light them until this weekend.
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