‘Tis the season to be jolly—and also to start shopping for Christmas lights! If you’re like most people, you want your holiday display to be the talk of the town. But with so many different types and styles of lights available, it can be hard to know where to start. Never fear, we’re here to help with a roundup of the best Christmas lights for your home.
If you’re looking for energy-efficient lights that will last for years, LED lights are the way to go. They use less power than traditional incandescent bulbs, which means they’ll save you money on your electric bill. LED lights are also much cooler to the touch, so you don’t have to worry about them melting your holiday decorations. And if one should burn out, the rest of the strand will stay lit.
Mini lights are a classic choice for Christmas lighting, and for good reason. They’re versatile, come in a wide range of colors, and are relatively inexpensive. You can use them indoors or out, and they’re easy to string up around doorways, windows, railings, and trees. Just be sure to check the packaging before you buy—some mini light strands are made for temporary use only and aren’t meant to be left outside in the elements.
Battery-operated lights are great for places where it’s difficult to run an extension cord, such as from a street lamp to your front door. They also come in handy if you want to string up lights in your car or on a small tabletop tree. And since they don’t need to be plugged in, battery-operated lights are safer than traditional plug-in lights—particularly if you have pets or small children who might be tempted to play with electrical cords.
Selecting Your Lights Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of Christmas lights available, it’s time to start shopping! Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you browse:
Consider how much time and effort you want to spend putting up and taking down your holiday decorations. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, look for lights that come on automatically each night and turn off during the day—many LED light strands have this feature.
Pay attention to the color temperature of LED light strands. LEDs emit light at different color temperatures (measured in Kelvin), which ranges from warm yellow (2700K) to cool blue (6500K). If you want your holiday display to have a warm and inviting feel, look for light strands with a color temperature between 2700K and 3000K; for a more energetic feel, choose strands between 4000K and 4500K; and for a modern look, go with 5000K or higher.
Don’t forget about safety! If you plan on using extension cords outdoors, make sure they’re rated for outdoor use—indoor extension cords can pose a fire hazard if they get wet. And always avoid running cords across walkways or high-traffic areas where they could pose trip hazards.
With so many different types and styles of Christmas lights available, it can be hard to know where to start—but we’ve got you covered with our roundup of the best holiday lights for your home. From energy-efficient LEDs to classic mini lights , there’s something here for everyone. So get shopping…and happy holidays!
