Updated on September 7, 2023
How to Choose Christmas Lights
Christmas lights come in a wide array of styles, giving you a lot to consider when looking at new lights for your home. By familiarizing yourself with their different features, you can find the perfect lights for your Holiday decor—both indoor and outdoor.
Christmas Light Types
String Lights
- Great for a traditional look
- Come in a variety of designs
- Suited to both indoor and outdoor displays
Icicle Lights
- Used to add a glistening touch to your house’s roofline
- Can be hung from awnings, windows, overhangs, and roof peaks
Net Lights
- A convenient lighting solution for trees and shrubs
- Connected in a net pattern that is easy to drape over foliage
Projection Lights
- Much easier to set up than traditional lights
- Available in numerous designs, themes, and colours
- Can completely transform your home’s exterior
Rope Lights
- Easy to wrap around posts and railings
Brighten your front porch in an array of colours
LED vs. Incandescent
Incandescent and LED string lights are both offered in many shapes and colours, but they are different in a few ways.
- Often more affordable than LED lights
- Offer a golden glow
- More energy-efficient than the incandescent variety
- Have a longer life, some lasting up to 100,000 hours
- Produce less heat
Offered in a warm or cool hue
Christmas Light Bulb Sizes
Mini-Bulbs (M5)
- Commonly found on indoor Christmas lights
- Good for decorating mantels, windows, and bookshelves
Micro-Lights (5mm)
- Light is distributed in all directions in a pleasing halo effect, thanks to a recessed lens
- Perfect for trees, wreaths, and garland, both indoors and out
C5-C9 Bulbs
- Popular size for Christmas trees, window frames, and balconies
- The ideal bulb for outdoor use due to its luminosity
Fairy Lights
- One the most popular types of Christmas lights
- Can be used in all sorts of ways
- Give a whimsical look and feel to the decor
Specialty Lights
Christmas Light Colours
- White lights: White is the colour of choice for a classic and timeless look, but also a good base for more creative lighting designs.
- Monochromatic lights: These are great for creating a dramatic effect or colour-blocking larger areas. Popular options include red, green, blue, and yellow.
- Multicoloured lights: With a combination of differently coloured bulbs, multicoloured lights are an easy way to create a fun and festive look.
Pro Tip
Some white LED lights come in a warmer glow, and others in a blueish hue.
Indoor Vs. Outdoor Lights
Christmas Light Safety Tips
Here are a few important tips to keep in mind:
- Check your light cords for any fraying or damage before plugging them in.
- Do not plug more than 3 sets of lights into one extension cord.
- Use light clips rather than staples or nails to prevent malfunction, wire punctures, and electric shock.
Timer
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I put up my Christmas lights?
- Have a plan. Choose your focal point and any geometrical lines you wish to create. Measure windows, eavestroughs, railings, and anywhere else you wish to hang your lights.
- Hook the lights onto eavestroughs or shingles using light clips.
- Do the same around railings and windows.
- Bring your shrubs or trees to life by draping light nets over their foliage. Install your timer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Switch them on and let your hard work enchant you!
I want to put Christmas lights on my roof. How many do I need?
A good gauge is 60’ of string lights to start. Then, add 10-12’ per awning.
And how many to light up my Christmas tree?
For a dazzling effect, you’ll need around 200 mini lights per 1.5' of tree height. For a more traditional sparkle, opt for 100 mini lights per 1'.
How many strands of lights can I connect?
It depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Can indoor lights be used outdoors?
Indoor lights should not be used outdoors. See the UL rating to make sure that your lights can tolerate various weather conditions.