Yahoo Lifestyle We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.
The best Christmas lights for your home — plus expert decorating tips
It's not too late to make it magical! Discover professional tricks, plus practical picks for creating — or enhancing — a festive scene.
A little light can go a long way when it comes to illuminating the holidays — whether you're looking to do it up Griswold-style, or just want to add some extra sparkle to a beautifully decorated space. But there are about a million varieties of Christmas lights on the market for both inside and outside your home. Where to begin?
"Great lighting enhances every detail and can really transform your home exactly how you want it ... When done right, holiday lighting turns your home into a welcoming winter wonderland," says Lance Allen, senior merchant of decorative holiday at The Home Depot. "As you’re shopping for holiday lighting, consider what you want to draw attention to," adds Luis Enrique Hill, a New York-based interior designer and lifestyle curator. "Lighting, when done correctly, highlights the 'stars' of the room."
We asked these pros for what they consider the best Christmas lights, and their answers range from small touches (miniature bulbs add a sense of wonder) to grandiose gestures (jumbo bulbs and lit decor reinforce the idea that more is, in fact, more). Scroll on for their picks, plus tips for achieving the best Christmas light display all over your home.
Because the holidays are almost upon us, you'll be happy to know that last time we checked, many of the suggested items were available with expedited shipping, meaning they'll get to you well in time for relishing Christmas, New Year's and however much longer you allow them to shine (think: red and white lights for Valentine's Day!).
5 Christmas light tips from lighting experts
1. Set the tone
Before "seasoning" your interior with Christmas lights, Hill recommends assessing your current lighting setup, integrating simple yet effective elements, like dimmable switches, for creating a warm, inviting backdrop.
"I personally love switching all my clients' outlets. Lutron's are my favorite because the brand has a variety of styles to control the dimming," says Hill.
The Maestro LED+ dimmer switch can be adapted for 150 lighting levels and the casing comes in a rainbow of colors to get the look just right.
2. Add some twinkle
Incorporating mini bulbs — around your mantel, windows and trees — highlights smaller areas and decor pieces while lending another layer of dimension. Allen says twinkle lights are trending right now: "They’re ideal for creating a whimsical atmosphere and pair beautifully with other lighting styles," he explains.
For trees, Allen suggests an option like these mini LED string lights from Home Accents, "a choice that seamlessly blends elegance with the twinkling trend."
If you prefer to have your tree pre-twinkled, we also found a pre-lit faux Fraser Fir that arrives sparkling (just assemble and plug in).
Consider these cascading LED lights for illuminating walls. They'd be a fun photo backdrop for parties and other gatherings!
We also like these tiny Fairy Light coils for adding whimsy to smaller areas, like a dresser, mantel or window sill, as well as these Twinkle Star streams (available in different colors and larger counts) for larger indoor and outdoor areas.
Need to cover a larger area, such as an outdoor tree? Check out these twinkle lights from Minetom, which span 168 feet and come with a remote control for achieving eight different looks — from classic (cool) white to vintage (warm) white and plenty of color combos in between.
For mini lights with drama, try this garland-style option from Target's Wondershop collection. Available in white and multicolor, they'd look adorable draped over and around railings — less tedious wrapping also means less work for the one decorating!
3. Dial up the color.
Replace (or amplify) classic white lights with reds and greens to make your space appear extra merry, or get creative with "non-holiday" shades, like pinks and blues, to lean more trendy (after all, the best Christmas lights are often the ones that are somewhat unexpected). Our experts also recommend smart bulbs for those looking to mix —and brighten — things up during the holidays.
This strand of remote-controlled LED lights from TW Shine features 200 lights spanning a total of 72.5 feet, with seemingly endless color opportunities, including white, red, green, multicolor and — a big trend for this season, as noted by Hill — "Barbie pink."
You can also nab them in 400-count strands for covering bigger areas.
For something a bit more custom (ahem, wow-worthy), Hill is a fan of these LED lights from Govee, which come in lengths of 66, 99 or 164 feet and have more than 130 presets for creating — or, thanks to voice control, commanding — captivating scenes.
"Another hot trend for this season is pink, aqua and white, mimicking the northern lights," Hill says.
You can also add a pop of holiday color in regular lamps and other fixtures. It's easy with these smart bulbs, which allow you to channel 16 million hues — plus 104 preset scenes — with the tap of an app or voice command (they work with Alexa or Google Assistant).
Screw them into table lamps to set the scene during holiday get-togethers. Merry and bright!
4. Supersize everything
If you like to go big, you'll be happy to hear that Allen says he's been noticing a lot of excitement around large, two-toned string lights that "make a bold and festive statement." Take it up another notch with lit outdoor decor.
The Home Depot
Allen says that these enlarged LED lights are a customer favorite at The Home Depot for their streamlined setup and bold impact. "They're suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can achieve this festive red and white glow inside, outside or both!"
Red and green, as well as red, white and green, combinations are also available for different preferences.
These jumbo bulbs from Minetom can be hung from the roof or used in conjunction with stakes to light your pathway.
Last time we checked, you could get 10 bulbs — in different colors and textures — for $32 when stacking a limited-time coupon and deal, bringing them down to just over $3 a piece.
No place to string (or hang) light bulbs? No problem, thanks to these inflatable, LED-lit beauties from Funboy: They go on tables, counters — you name it! You can program them in nine color combos, plus a special "party mode" with flashing and fading.
Funboy also offers inflatable LED ornaments for those looking to make a big impact without ample storage space.
Opting for lit decor, such as this light-wrapped Abominable Snowman (there's also a Rudolph version) is another way to work in the jumbo bulb trend without having to hang anything or get on a ladder. (After all, sometimes the best Christmas lights are also the most unexpected Christmas lights.)
5. Revel in the spotlight
Last but not least, Allen recommends projectors to ensure your home really goes (or rather, can be enjoyed from) the distance. "Another great way to enhance your space is by using a floodlight to project light onto your home or outdoor décor to showcase your setup or just to add an easy festive glow."
Allen recommends this bestselling Red and Green Motion Laser Christmas Projector Light as a quick and simple way to wrap your home in the holiday spirit or to add even more oomph to the rest of your lighting and decor.
It has a range of up to 100 yards for houses that are particularly high or wide. There's also a version that comes with nine patterns and a remote.
This holiday-themed projector comes with eight festive scenes that can be witnessed from a distance of up to 25 feet. A remote enables you to turn it on or off with the click of a button for added convenience.
Allen recommends this floodlight from Home Accents as another top seller for setting a colorful tone inside and outside of the home.
It offers 40-by-20-foot projection coverage, with 16 color options and varying brightness modes, complete with a remote for seamless control.
A few more things to consider when choosing the best Christmas lights:
Size: Allen says, "Larger bulbs (like C9 bulbs) deliver a bold, classic look that grabs attention, while smaller bulbs, such as mini-LEDs, provide a modern, twinkling effect that offers even coverage."
Brightness: "For a vibrant, eye-catching display, opt for high-output LEDs," says Allen, "which maintain a consistent glow throughout the season."
Shape: The shape of the bulbs can influence how light is dispersed. Notes Allen, "Faceted bulbs soften the glow, creating a diffused, elegant shimmer, while smooth bulbs give a sharp, direct shine."
Tone: "Warm white lights evoke a cozy, classic holiday feel; cool whites bring a crisp, snowy effect; and multicolored lights add a playful, festive energy," explains Allen. "Whatever look you’re aiming for, there’s a perfect combination of size, brightness and color to match your style!"
Longevity: As Allen says, sometimes the best Christmas lights are the most durable Christmas lights, especially when it comes to outdoor lights that must withstand the weather. He considers LED bulbs a "top choice for their long lifespan, energy efficiency and ability to stay cool to the touch."
Safety: Aside from opting for lights that stay cool to the touch, you'll want to inspect bulbs and lit decor for any faulty or loose wiring, which could present a fire hazard. Opt for lights with timers to ensure everything is shut off before you go to bed. And don't forget to water your Christmas tree daily to help prevent fires.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
