The holiday season is a magical time, and outdoor Christmas lights are a wonderful way to capture that festive spirit. Whether you’re transforming your home into your own little winter wonderland or just want to bring a warm, cozy glow to your front porch, these lights can bring joy and cheer to everyone.
And the best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home shine. From budget-friendly options to high-tech displays, there’s a perfect option to suit every style and budget.
With this blog post, find the right options for your home!
The Types Of Outdoor Christmas Lights Most Homeowners Choose
Here are some of the different types of outdoor Christmas lights that homeowners tend to love:
1. String Lights
A holiday classic, string lights come in LED and incandescent varieties. They’re versatile and great for wrapping around trees or outlining roofs.
2. Rope Lights
These flexible lights are encased in plastic tubing, making them perfect for lining pathways, windows, or doorways with ease.
3. Icicle Lights
Designed to mimic icicles, these lights hang along eaves or windows, adding a whimsical effect to the exterior of your home.
4. Net Lights
With their grid pattern, net lights are ideal for quickly covering bushes or hedges. Just drape them on for an easy setup.
5. Large-Bulb Lights
Known as C5, C7, or C9, these retro-style lights are bright and bold, perfect for roofs or large trees.
6. Battery-Operated Lights
Great for areas without power, these lights offer flexibility in placement, especially in hard-to-reach spots.
7. Animated and Color-Changing Lights
These lights are preferred for displays with their changing colors or patterns.
8. LED Lights
LED lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting, consuming 80–90% less energy than incandescent lights. They also stay cool, which makes them safer to use for decorations.
9. Incandescent Lights
Known for their warm glow, these lights have a traditional charm but use more energy and have a shorter lifespan compared to LEDs.
Best Outdoor Christmas Lights By Budget (Ranked)
Let’s take a look at some of the best outdoor Christmas lights for every budget:
#1. 612 Vermont Clear Christmas Lights
Cost: $7.99
The first option is the 612 Vermont Clear Christmas Lights, an affordable choice with 100 incandescent mini lights on a white wire. At 7.5 feet long, they provide a warm, inviting glow, perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, making them a great budget-friendly option.
#2. Christmas Designers 50 Light T5 Smooth Multi LED Christmas Lights
Cost: $9.95
Next is the Christmas Designer 50 Light T5 Smooth Multi LED Christmas Lights, offering energy-efficient LED bulbs. With 50 bright, durable, and weather-resistant lights, these are a reliable upgrade. They are a bit more expensive than incandescent lights but still affordable compared to other LED options.
#3. Kringle Traditions 100 Blue Icicle Lights
Cost: $12.99
To get the best winter wonderland effect, try the Kringle Traditions 100 Blue Icicle Lights. These lights feature a blue icicle design, adding a whimsical touch to your decorations. While pricier than basic LED lights, they offer a unique and charming look that’s worth the extra cost.
#4. GE Color Choice Multi-Function LED Lights
Cost: $29.99
Consider the GE Color Choice White Multi-Function LED Lights, which give you the flexibility to switch between colors and lighting modes. These lights are more expensive but offer excellent value for nearly 50 feet of lighting, giving you plenty of opportunity to decorate large rooflines.
#5. BrizLabs Smart Color Changing Christmas Lights
Cost: $39.99
For those who love smart tech and customization, the best option is the BrizLabs Smart Color Changing Christmas Lights. These app-controlled lights allow for complete customization and are the most expensive option. If you’re looking for high-tech lighting solutions, these lights offer the best in convenience and creativity.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Christmas Lights For Your Home
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to choose lights for your home. Let’s look at some of the key features you should consider when choosing the perfect outdoor Christmas lights:
1. Durability
Choose lights with a high weatherproof rating (like IP65 or IP67) to ensure they can handle rain, snow, and other outdoor conditions.
2. Lighting Modes
Look for lights with different modes (steady, twinkling, flashing, fading) to create various effects and moods.
3. Color Scheme
Pick a color scheme that matches your style—classic white, multicolor, or themed colors to complement your display.
4. Installation Flexibility
Consider lights that are easy to install and can be mounted in different ways, such as with ground stakes or wall mounts.
5. Length and Coverage
Measure your display areas to determine the length of lights needed. For rooflines, a C9 bulb every 12 inches is ideal.
6. Theme and Creativity
Choose a theme, such as a winter wonderland or vintage, to make your display unique and memorable.
7. Safety Features
Ensure lights are certified for outdoor use and check wattage limits to avoid overloading circuits.
Different Ideas For Decorating with Outdoor Christmas Lights
Need help coming up with ideas for decorating with Christmas lights? Don’t worry, we’ve got the tips you need!
1. Plan Your Design
Sketch your layout first to decide where to place lights and highlight features like windows and eaves.
2. Use a Variety of Lighting Types
Mix string lights, net lights, and spotlights to add depth and variety to your display.
3. Wrap Trees and Shrubs
Light up tree trunks and branches for a magical effect. Use net lights for easy, even coverage on bushes.
4. Mix Colors Wisely
Stick to one type of white light or consistent color temperature for a cohesive look.
5. Incorporate Decorative Elements
Add lighted figures like reindeer or snowmen to enhance your holiday spirit.
6. Hang Lights at Different Heights
Vary the height of your lights for visual interest, such as draping some along the roofline and hanging others from trees.
Also Read: Top 16 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Holiday Lights
Safety Tips for Outdoor Lighting
While Christmas lights can look great, you still need to consider some safety measures:
1. Inspect for Damage Before Installation
Check lights, cords, and decorations for damage before installation. Replace any worn parts to prevent the risk of fire.
2. Secure Installations
Fasten lights securely to prevent them from being blown away but avoid damaging the cord’s insulation.
3. Use Proper Bulbs
Match the bulb wattage and voltage with your fixture’s specifications. LED bulbs are best for energy efficiency.
4. Avoid Moisture Issues
Keep electrical connections dry and use fixtures designed for wet areas when needed.
5. Utilize GFCI Protection
Plug outdoor lights into outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent electrical shocks.
6. Regular Maintenance Checks
Clean lights and check wiring for wear. Trim nearby plants to avoid damage.
Install Your Outdoor Christmas Lights With The Help of Miller Roofing and Renovations
No matter your budget, there’s a perfect set of outdoor Christmas lights to brighten your home this holiday season. From affordable string lights to versatile mid-range options or premium smart lights, the right choice creates a festive atmosphere for your family and neighbors.
For all your roofing needs, Miller Roofing and Renovations is here to help, and we even offer Christmas light installation! Call us today at (901) 457-9405 to learn more about how we can help you!
