Best Christmas Lights for Your Home
Looking for the right Christmas lights? There are a lot of options out there. Here's what we've learned from 35+ years of putting up displays, from classic string lights to modern LED projectors.
In this guide, we'll look at different outdoor lighting options. We'll talk about energy-saving lights, how to install them, and how to keep them looking great.
Why Outdoor Christmas Lights Matter
There's something about a lit-up house that just makes people slow down and look. Kids love it, and honestly, so do the adults. A good display doesn't have to be complicated. Even a well-placed set of string lights can make your house the one everyone talks about on the block.
Types of Outdoor Christmas Lights
Outdoor Christmas lights come in many styles. String lights are a classic choice, great for wrapping around trees or outlining rooflines. Icicle lights hang from roofs or eaves, looking like sparkling icicles. Light projectors cast colorful patterns onto your house or yard and are easy to set up.
LED vs. Traditional Christmas Lights
LED lights use up to 75% less power than traditional bulbs, can last up to 100,000 hours, and they don't break as easily. You can get them in warm white, cool white, multicolor, you name it. Traditional incandescent bulbs still have a nice warm look, but LEDs win on power bill, lifespan, and durability.
Top Features to Look For
When picking outdoor Christmas lights, look for weatherproofing, color-changing capability, smart technology (Wi-Fi enabled lights controlled with apps), and energy efficiency. LED lights use less power and last longer than old bulbs.
Installation Tips
Plan your display by sketching out where you want to place lights. Start from the closest electrical outlet and work outward. Use plastic clips designed for Christmas lights. For tree lighting, wrap lights around the trunk first, then move to the branches. Net lights work great for bushes and shrubs. Set up a timer to save energy.
Make sure to check out our Christmas Light Safety guide before you start hanging anything. And if you want to take it to the next level, learn how to sync your lights to music.
Maintaining and Storing Your Lights
Keep an eye on displays for loose bulbs or frayed wires. After the season, clean lights gently, wrap strands around cardboard or a storage reel, and store in a cool, dry place in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. Label each container clearly.
For a deeper dive into different bulb types, take a look at our Lightbulb Guide.