Christmas Light Shopping Guide

Decorating your home with Christmas lights is one of the most festive parts of the holiday season. However, finding the right Christmas light strings for your setup can feel overwhelming. From power sources to bulb types, this guide covers everything you need to know to choose the perfect lights.

What to Look for When Buying Christmas Light Strings

When shopping for Christmas light strings, focus on factors like power source, bulb type, brightness, and weather resistance. Power sources are key: plug-in lights are great for homes with outdoor outlets, while battery-powered or solar lights are better for flexibility and energy efficiency.

Bulb type is also essential—LEDs are longer-lasting and energy-efficient, while incandescent bulbs offer a warmer glow. Ensure the lights are rated for outdoor use if they’ll be exposed to weather, and consider brightness levels to ensure they’re visible without overpowering other decorations.

How Many Strings of Lights Do You Need for Your House?

Planning the right amount of lights depends on the size and style of your home, as well as your decorating goals. As a general guideline, aim for 100 lights per vertical foot of a Christmas tree for dense coverage indoors. For outdoor lighting, calculate based on the area you plan to cover. For example, a standard house front might require around 500 lights, while a tree in the yard could use about 300 lights to cover the branches well.

Using a mix of light types—such as strings for the eaves, icicles for the roof, and net lights for bushes—can create a balanced look while simplifying setup. For larger areas, consider connecting multiple strings, but check your light strings’ connection limits to avoid overloading circuits.

The Best Types of Christmas Lights for Outdoor Decorations

There are several popular types of Christmas lights, each suited to different outdoor decorating styles:

1. Mini Lights: These small, versatile bulbs offer a classic look and are perfect for wrapping around trees, railings, and bushes.
2. C9 and C7 Bulbs: Known for their larger, more traditional bulb size, these lights make a statement along rooflines or fences.
3. Icicle Lights: These simulate the look of hanging icicles and work beautifully along eaves or porch edges.
4. Net Lights: Ideal for wrapping bushes and shrubs, net lights spread evenly without requiring tedious wrapping.
5. Rope Lights: Enclosed in plastic tubing, rope lights are durable and can add accent lighting to walkways and railings.

Each of these types has LED or incandescent options to fit your preference. LEDs are an eco-friendly choice and are popular for their longevity and lower power costs, while incandescent bulbs can offer a more traditional glow.

LED vs. Incandescent Lights: Which is Better?

LED and incandescent lights each have unique benefits. LEDs are more energy-efficient, lasting 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Their cool-to-the-touch operation is ideal for indoor decorations or areas with children or pets. LEDs are also bright and come in various colors, so they’re great for creating vibrant displays.

Incandescent lights, while less energy-efficient, produce a warm, classic glow that many associate with holiday nostalgia. They’re usually more affordable upfront, but they use more power and may need replacing sooner than LEDs.

Ultimately, if you’re looking to save on energy costs and reduce replacements, LED lights are a sound investment. If you prefer a classic feel and don’t mind the occasional replacement, incandescent lights may be right for you.

Tips for Storing Christmas Light Strings After the Holidays

To make next year’s decorating easier, store your Christmas lights properly to avoid tangling and damage. Here are a few tips to keep them in good shape:

• Wrap each strand individually: Use a piece of cardboard, wrapping each string around it to prevent tangling. Alternatively, an empty paper towel tube works well.
• Store in plastic bags: Once wrapped, place each light string in a zip-lock bag to keep them protected and organized.
• Label each set: Label the bags by color, type, or location to save time when redecorating next year.
• Avoid stacking heavy items on top: Store lights in a plastic bin or box, keeping other heavy decorations separate to prevent damage.

Taking these steps helps preserve the life of your lights, saving time and money in the long run.

Summary

Choosing the best Christmas light strings doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By considering factors like power source, bulb type, and outdoor durability, you can find the ideal lights for your needs. Enjoy the process of transforming your home into a festive display, knowing you’ve picked the best lights to brighten the season.