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Each year, as the holiday season approaches, homeowners prepare to deck their homes in sparkling lights. They pull tangled strings from their attics and garages and then, after rushing to the store for replacement bulbs, fuses, or even more lights, they get to work. But if they’re starting fresh in a new house or trying to change up their holiday decor, they have some lighting decisions to make: What types of Christmas lights should they use? What are the best Christmas lights for the roof? Which lights should they use on the mantel?
Homeowners certainly have a lot to choose from. More than 150 million strings of Christmas lights are sold in the U.S. every year, in a huge array of styles and colors. Options include LEDs and incandescents, icicle lights, mini lights, wide-angle lights, rope lights, retro-style colored bulbs, smart lights, and programmable lights. How can you possibly choose from so many different kinds of Christmas lights? This guide is the place to start. Here you’ll find some Christmas light basics, a review of the most common types of lights, and suggestions for the best uses for each type.
LED vs. Incandescent Christmas Lights
First, decide whether you want LED or incandescent lights. The choice largely comes down to cost, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.
1. LED
Since their introduction in the late 1990s, LED Christmas lights have become increasingly popular. In 2024, LED lights accounted for more than 90 percent of holiday string light sales, and for good reason. LED Christmas lights are far more energy efficient and last significantly longer than incandescent bulbs, going strong for upwards of 50,000 hours. Additionally, LED bulbs are brighter and stay cooler than incandescent bulbs. Also worth noting: While you can generally connect only three or so incandescent light strings together, you can link together many more LED strings, depending on their wattage. This can be a big help if you’re installing lights along an expansive roof or trimming an especially large tree.
LEDs do, however, have some significant negatives. For starters, they cost more than incandescents. However, because they last longer and are more energy efficient, the higher expense can be offset over time by lower utility costs and savings from not having to replace the lights as frequently. Another drawback: Some homeowners simply don’t like the look of LEDs, finding the light too harsh and their colors too cool. While newer LEDs have a greater range of color temperature and improved color rendering, some shoppers still prefer the cozier look of incandescents.
Best For: Those willing to pay a higher upfront cost in return for energy efficiency and a vibrant display.
Our Recommendation: Connectable 240 LED Twinkle Fairy Light String at Amazon for $19.99
These LED wide-angle indoor/outdoor lights extend to a length of 88 feet, offer 13 lighting modes, and are available in a range of colors.
2. Incandescent
Incandescent lights are typically less expensive than LEDs and emit a warmer, softer glow. However, incandescent bulbs burn out faster, are less durable, and consume a lot more electricity than LED bulbs.
Best For: Creating a nostalgic display with a warmer, cozier glow.
Our Recommendation: Home Accents Holiday 300 Incandescent Mini String Lights at The Home Depot for $9.98
Even if one of the bulbs burns out, this 68-foot strand of 300 mini incandescent lights will stay lit; available in white and multicolor.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Christmas Lights
Holiday lights are rated for outdoor use, indoor use only, or both. For outdoor Christmas light installations, it’s important to use only outdoor-rated holiday lights. These lights are more weather-resistant, have thicker wiring, and are made of more durable materials than indoor Christmas lights. Avoid using outdoor-rated incandescent lights indoors, as they may burn hotter than indoor light strings.
Always make sure you’re using only UL-listed Christmas lights. UL listing indicates that the lights have been rigorously tested and meet specific safety standards. If you’re buying new lights, check the packaging for the UL label. For lights that you already own, check the tag on the cord. A red UL mark on a light string’s tag indicates that it can be used both indoors and outdoors (though, again, take caution when using outdoor-rated light inside, particularly in places where flammability could be a concern), while a green UL mark indicates that the string can be used only indoors.
Christmas Light Power Sources
Christmas lights can be powered by electricity, batteries, solar energy, or even USB. Your budget and access to electrical outlets will help you determine which power sources are best for your situation.
1. Plug-In
Plug-in lights are any type of light that plugs into an electrical socket. This is the traditional way of powering Christmas lights.
For plug-in lights, you need a nearby electrical outlet or an extension cord. Once plugged in, the lights stay on as long as there’s power. There’s no need to worry about dead batteries or the solar charge depleting.
Best For: Creating dependable, long-lasting holiday light displays near a power outlet or where an extension cord can be used.
Our Recommendation: Prextex 100-Count White Christmas Lights at Amazon for $9.99
This 20-foot incandescent light string has 100 warm white lights with a waterproof design suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
2. Battery-Powered
Some holiday lights rely on battery power, often using AA batteries. These sets are great solutions in situations where cords could pose a tripping hazard. where you want to keep the power source hidden, or where there are no electrical outlets nearby—for instance, if you want to add lights to a Christmas wreath on an entry door.
The lifespan of battery-operated lights can vary depending on the number of lights on the strand, whether the bulbs are LED or incandescent, the quality of the batteries, and other factors. While some lights may stay lit for more than 100 hours before requiring new batteries, others will need fresh batteries after only a few hours.
Best For: Displaying lights where no power outlets are available or where cords either aren’t wanted or can’t be used.
Our Recommendation: Loende Battery-Operated String Lights at Amazon for $16.99
These classic-looking LED string lights are available in white, clear, and multicolor. The 50-light, 18-foot string features eight lighting modes and an automatic timer.
3. Solar-Powered
Solar-powered Christmas lights offer an eco-friendly solution for holiday decorations. Rather than consuming electricity, these lights are powered by sunlight through a connected solar panel. Solar Christmas lights are often comparably priced to their plug-in LED counterparts.
Though they’re eco-friendly, be forewarned that the lights may not stay lit very long at night if the solar panel doesn’t receive enough sunlight during the day. Also, if you’re planning a large display, the individual solar panels of each light strand could leave your lawn looking cluttered.
Best For: Small outdoor areas that get a lot of sunlight, such as sunny pathways, small sections of fence, and shrubs.
Our Recommendation: Joomer Solar Christmas Lights 2 Pack at Amazon for $19.76
Available in white and multicolor as well as several single-color options, this two-pack totals 400 LED lights and 144 feet and is safe for indoor and outdoor use. The strands offer eight lighting modes, and a 6-hour charge during the day will power the lights for more than 8 hours.
4. USB
Plug these lights into a laptop, power bank, USB power adapter, or anywhere else you find a USB port. They’re handy for brightening up bedrooms, backyards, campsites, and other spots where a USB port is the most convenient power option.
Best For: Any space where a USB port is the most easily accessible power source for spreading some holiday cheer.
Our Recommendation: Green Convenience 100 LED USB or Battery String Lights at Amazon for $9.98
This 33-foot indoor/outdoor holiday light string can be powered with either batteries or USB, offers eight lighting modes, comes with a remote control and timer function, and is available in white or multicolor.
Types of Christmas Lights
Once you’ve decided whether you want LED or incandescent lights and have figured out how you’ll power them, it’s time to choose the best Christmas lights to suit your holiday decor. Here’s a rundown of the most common string and bulb styles and some of their best uses.
Mini String Lights
These small cylindrical bulbs with pointy tips are the most common holiday string lights. They’re available with both LED and incandescent bulbs and are sold for both indoor and outdoor use. Though they’re probably the most popular types of Christmas tree lights, mini string lights are also great for highlighting the mantel, wrapping around columns and banisters, and draping over entryways and windows. These are the light strings you’ll find crowding the shelves at the best places to find Christmas lights.
There are two main types of mini lights: M5 bulbs and T5 bulbs. Their shapes are similar, but T5 bulbs have a pointier tip, while M5 bulbs have a more rounded tip and textured sides.
Best For: Decorating Christmas trees and hanging over windows and entryways.
Our Recommendation: Minetom LED Christmas Mini Lights, Warm White at Amazon for $19.99
Give a warm glow to your Christmas tree, bushes, columns, and more with this 75-foot string of 200 indoor/outdoor mini lights that offers eight lighting modes.
Traditional Bulb String Lights
For a vintage look, nothing beats classic, colorful C6, C7, and C9 bulbs. Their rounded, conical shape evokes the homey Christmas trees in movies like It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story.
These days, C-type bulbs are available in both incandescent and LED light strings and in a range of colors. Use the smaller C6 (1⅛ inches tall) or C7 bulbs (1½ inches tall) indoors to give the Christmas tree or mantel a retro vibe, or outside on smaller trees and architectural features. The larger C9 bulbs (2½ inches tall) are best used outside to frame the roof or windows, or to wrap larger trees and shrubs.
C6 and C7, Best For: Lighting retro-style Christmas trees and smaller landscaping features.
Our Recommendation: Twinkle Star C6 Christmas String Lights at Amazon for $12.99
This set of battery-powered C6 Christmas lights includes 100 multicolor LED bulbs, eight lighting modes, and a built-in timer.
Our Recommendation: SkrLights C7 Christmas String Lights at Amazon for $19.99
A cheerful mix of red, green, blue, yellow, and white, this 25-foot string offers 27 incandescent C7 bulbs.
C9, Best For: Illuminating a large roofline.
Our Recommendation: Wintergreen 25 C9 Multicolor LED Christmas Lights at Amazon for $19.99
This 17-foot string of faceted, indoor/outdoor C9 LED bulbs is expandable (you can safely connect up to 90 sets), long-lasting, and even dimmable.
Wide-Angle String Lights
Also known as 5mm lights, these bulbs have a concave lens that spreads extremely bright light in all directions. Because they’re compact, they don’t snag as easily as larger lights, so they’re often the bulb of choice for wrapping tree trunks and branches. Don’t let their small size fool you—these lights can easily illuminate large spaces.
Best For: Wrapping branches, bushes, or trees.
Our Recommendation: Wintergreen Lighting Multicolor 5mm LED Christmas Lights at Amazon for $24.99
Available in white, single-color, and a variety of color combinations, this 24-foot strand of 70 LEDs is backed by a 3-year seasonal warranty—and you can string together 44 sets.
Icicle Lights
Strings of icicle lights have short, vertical strands of mini lights (or actual icicle-shaped bulbs) hanging down at intervals, “dripping” like icicles. They’re available in both LED and incandescent, and although white icicle lights are most popular, they’re also available in multicolor and single-color strands.
Best For: Installing on eaves to mimic dripping icicles.
Our Recommendation: Knonew Christmas Icicle Lights at Amazon for $79.99
This 99-foot string of icicle lights features 228 vertical drops, eight modes, and a built-in timer. Also available in multicolor and single-color strands.
Pathway Lights
Pathway lights are mounted on stakes that can be driven into the ground along walkways, driveways, or garden beds to enhance safety and spread holiday joy. These eye-catching outdoor decorations are typically plug-in or solar-powered and available in fanciful shapes like candy canes, jolly Santas, and Christmas bulbs.
Best For: Lining front walkways or driveways.
Our Recommendation: Brightown C9 Christmas String Lights LED Pathway Lights at Amazon for $31.44.
With 20 C9 bulbs on a 25.7-foot string, these plug-in LED pathway lights will brighten up walkways and garden beds. They’re also available in faceted and multicolor styles.
Rope Lights
Add a bright, modern, geometric touch to your outdoor decor with durable, flexible rope lights. They’re easy to bend around railings and columns, and some strands offer color-changing or chasing effects.
Best For: Wrapping tree trunks and banisters, and accenting architectural features.
Our Recommendation: Wintergreen Lighting 18-Foot LED Warm White Rope Lights for $27.99 at Amazon
The kit includes an 18-foot length of rope with 216 LED bulbs, mounting clips, three splice connectors, and end caps. Connect up to 15 kits; available in multicolor and various color combinations as well as single-color options.
Net Lights/Trunk Lights
Net lights are light strings that have been connected into a grid. They’re a hassle-free way to create a uniform blanket of light on bushes and hedges. Similarly, trunk lights are nets designed to wrap around the trunk of a tree. Both products can really speed up holiday decorating.
To make sure you’re buying the right size, first measure the square footage (surface area) of the shrub you’d like to cover. Net lights generally range from 4 to 10 feet long and 2 to 5 feet wide, although they can run much larger.
Best For: Covering shrubs and hedges with lights.
Our Recommendation: Meteds 120 LED Christmas Net Lights for $22.09 at Amazon
The warm white bulbs in this 6-by-4-foot net light will give your shrub a romantic glow, but it’s also available in cool white as well as three colorful options. Connect up to 10 sets.
Color-Changing Lights
Many of the LED light options in this list are available with color-changing features, where bulbs produce many different hues, or “chasing” features, where bulbs cycle on and off in patterns that create the illusion of lights moving along the string. These technological wonders may be the most fun and interactive types of Christmas tree lighting, and whether they’re used indoors or out, they give the homeowner the ability to customize or reimagine their holiday decorating scheme at a moment’s notice, often using a remote or an app.
Best For: Creating dynamic, customizable holiday light displays, indoors and outside.
Our Recommendation: Twinkly Strings Smart LED Christmas Lights at Amazon for $58.98
Once you’ve mapped your light display to the company’s app, you can select one of the app’s preset light effects or create your own, with 16 million colors to choose from.
Popular Christmas Light Colors
The colors you choose set the tone for your holiday light display: the classy, subdued sparkle of a warm white, the exuberance of a multicolor string, or the uniform glow of a single hue. Consider some of these popular choices.
| Color | Best For | Our Recommendation |
| Clear/Cool White | A crisp, modern vibe. The bluish hue of cool white lights can also complement a wintery theme and snowy landscape. | Yuletime Cool White LED Christmas Lights on Amazon for $32.99 |
| Warm White | Traditional holiday displays. Go with warm white LEDs if you’re trying to approximate the look of white or clear incandescents. | Yiqu 75-Foot 200 LED Christmas String Lights Outdoor/Indoor With Timer, Warm White on Amazon for $18.99 |
| Multicolor | Creating a bright, joyful Christmas light display. | Twinkle Star Multicolor LED Christmas Tree String Lights on Amazon for $16.99 |
| Single Color | When used outside, single colors are great for making a strong design statement, creating a dramatic backdrop for other holiday decor, and drawing attention to your home. Indoors, they can help set a mood and can serve as a canvas for a themed or high-style Christmas tree. | Blue: Wintergreen 17-Foot C7 LED String With 25 Faceted Blue Christmas Lights for $19.99 Red: Wintergreen 17-Foot C7 LED String With 25 Faceted Red Christmas Lights for $19.99 Green: Wintergreen 17-Foot C7 LED String With 25 Faceted Green Christmas Lights for $19.99 |
How Many Strings of Christmas Lights Do You Need?
For the Christmas tree: Plan on at least 100 lights per vertical foot of tree, more if the tree is especially wide or if you like a really bright tree.
For shrubs: Net lights are the fastest and easiest way to illuminate bushes. Just measure the approximate surface area of the bush and purchase a net light that will cover it. If you’re using string lights, figure 50 lights per square foot.
For the exterior: Decide where you want to install lights. Do you want them just along the eaves, or would you like to outline windows, railings, and other architectural features? Measure the total linear feet you intend to cover, add 10 percent to account for corners, plug-in space, and irregularities, and then divide by the length of your light strands (for example, 25 feet or 50 feet) to determine how many you’ll need.
For wrapping columns/tree trunks: The number of lights needed will vary depending on the circumference and height of the column, the desired vertical spacing of the lights, and the distance between lights on the string (for mini lights, the standard is 4 or 6 inches). To make things easier, check online for calculators.
Christmas Light Safety Tips
- Never connect LED and incandescent strings together.
- For exterior lights, use only outdoor-rated extension cords.
- Cover outdoor plug connections with electrical tape or consider using cord connector covers.
- Never string together more than the recommended number of light sets.
- Buy only light sets that are UL-listed.
- Never use metal staples when installing lights on the outside of your house.
- Always plug in and check light strings before using them, tighten bulbs, and examine cords for nicks.
Prices listed here are accurate as of November 14, 2025.
