An anti-cycling luminaire control system may detect repeated lamp-off conditions and interrupt power to the lamp and provide an indication of lamp cycling after a predetermined number of lamp-off conditions has been detected. The control system also provides a cool-off period after a lamp-off cycling event is detected during which time restarting of the lamp is inhibited. If the lamp does not restart after multiple restart attempts and cool-off periods, the system determines that a fault condition exists, and may provide a fault alert. The system may provide for shut-off of the lamp during the night after a portion of the night has passed. This delayed turn-off may be varied according to the length of the night. Starting the lamp at a zero voltage crossing of the line current can reduce stress on luminaire and control system components and reduce maintenance.