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10 Best Christmas Lights 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Warm White Christmas Lights, 2 Pack Total 40FT 200 Count Incandescent Christmas Mini Tree String Lights, Waterproof Christmas Decorations for Outdoor Indoor Xmas Patio Home Party Garden Yard Decor

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,164
Type of Bulb
Color and Style
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

Most important from
4569 reviews

Type of Bulb
They arrive well-packaged and ready to use, with all bulbs working perfectly right out of the box.
Color and Style
The lights emit a warm, whimsical glow that beautifully enhances any space.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
These lights provide a cozy ambiance that makes them ideal for decorating plants, patios, and indoor areas.
Power Source
Connecting multiple strands is straightforward, though it's best to keep the connection to five strings for optimal performance.
Safety Features
The bulbs do get warm after some time, so it's advisable not to leave them on unattended overnight.

These TW SHINE Christmas lights offer a warm white glow with 200 incandescent bulbs spread over two 40-foot strings, making them a good choice for both indoor and outdoor holiday decoration. Their IP44 waterproof rating means they can handle outdoor use in typical weather conditions, such as light rain or snow, which adds to their versatility. The lights come with built-in safety features like a 3A fuse and UL certification, giving you peace of mind while decorating.

Being incandescent, the bulbs provide a classic warm ambiance but tend to be less energy-efficient and generate more heat compared to LED lights. The corded electric power source requires an outlet nearby, which is common for string lights but might limit placement flexibility without extension cords. Installation is user-friendly thanks to male and female plugs that allow you to connect multiple strands easily for larger displays.

These lights are well-suited for those looking for traditional, warm incandescent outdoor lights with reliable safety features and waterproof design, especially if you want to decorate gardens, patios, or indoor spaces with a cozy glow. However, if you prefer energy-saving, cooler-running LEDs or battery-powered convenience, you might want to explore other options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,164
Type of Bulb
Color and Style
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

Most important from
4569 reviews

Type of Bulb
They arrive well-packaged and ready to use, with all bulbs working perfectly right out of the box.
Color and Style
The lights emit a warm, whimsical glow that beautifully enhances any space.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
These lights provide a cozy ambiance that makes them ideal for decorating plants, patios, and indoor areas.
Power Source
Connecting multiple strands is straightforward, though it's best to keep the connection to five strings for optimal performance.
Safety Features
The bulbs do get warm after some time, so it's advisable not to leave them on unattended overnight.
#2

PREXTEX 200 Count Clear Christmas Tree Lights - 40 ft Warm Incandescent String Lights with Green Wire - Indoor and Outdoor Mini Light for Christmas, Holiday Decorations, Trees, Fences, Patios and More

Rating
9.7
Type of Bulb
Color and Style
Safety Features

Most important from
13642 reviews

Type of Bulb
The incandescent bulbs provide a long-lasting, prettier alternative to harsh LED lights.
Color and Style
The lights emit a perfect warm white glow that creates a cozy holiday atmosphere.
Safety Features
The quality of the bulbs and wiring stands out, delivering a reliable and durable decoration.

PREXTEX 200 Count Clear Christmas Tree Lights offer a classic look with 200 warm white incandescent bulbs spread evenly over 40 feet of green wire, making them ideal for traditional holiday decorations. The warm incandescent bulbs provide a cozy glow that many people enjoy for Christmas and other festive occasions. The set includes extras like 4 flasher bulbs for a twinkle effect, 2 spare bulbs, and replacement fuses, which helps maintain your display if a bulb goes out.

These lights work well both indoors and outdoors, so you can decorate your tree, fence, patio, or garlands with ease. The green wire blends nicely into trees and greenery for a seamless look. You can also connect up to 4 sets for a longer display if needed. One thing to keep in mind is that these lights are not waterproof, so placing them where they can get wet may reduce their lifespan. They run on corded electric power, so you’ll need access to an outlet.

The traditional style and warm glow suit those who prefer a classic Christmas atmosphere rather than bright or multi-color LEDs. If you want easy-to-replace bulbs and the ability to add flashing effects, this set offers good flexibility. For those seeking waterproof or battery-operated options, or very bright LED bulbs, other products may be more suitable. These lights provide a reliable and charming option for creating a festive holiday ambiance in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Rating
9.7
Type of Bulb
Color and Style
Safety Features

Most important from
13642 reviews

Type of Bulb
The incandescent bulbs provide a long-lasting, prettier alternative to harsh LED lights.
Color and Style
The lights emit a perfect warm white glow that creates a cozy holiday atmosphere.
Safety Features
The quality of the bulbs and wiring stands out, delivering a reliable and durable decoration.
#3

Philips Hue Indoor/Outdoor Holiday 130-Foot Festavia String Lights - 500 Mini Color Changing Smart LEDs - Weatherproof - Control with Hue App - Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit

Rating
9.7
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

Most important from
258 reviews

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Installation is straightforward, and the lights perform reliably even in challenging weather conditions.

The Philips Hue Festavia Gradient String Lights offer a generous 130-foot length with 500 mini LED bulbs, making them suitable for large-scale decoration both indoors and outdoors. These lights stand out because they support millions of colors and warm-to-cool whites, allowing you to create various moods and styles for holidays or everyday use. Their synthetic construction and weatherproof design ensure durability against outdoor elements, which is a big plus if you want to decorate your porch or yard.

They are powered by a corded electric source, so you’ll need an outlet nearby, and they don’t run on batteries, which is typical for long strand lights. One of the key advantages is their smart control features—through the Philips Hue app, you can adjust colors, dim brightness, sync lights with music, and even use voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant. However, to unlock some of these smart features, like remote control from anywhere and more automation options, you’ll need to purchase a separate Hue Bridge device. This might add to the initial cost if you don’t already own one. The lights are dimmable and can create dynamic effects like candle flickers or sparkling stars, which adds a nice customizable touch for festive occasions. At 28 watts, they use relatively low power considering their length and brightness.

Those looking for simple plug-and-play lights without app control might find these features more than necessary. For anyone seeking decorative lights that combine traditional charm with advanced smart technology and excellent weather resistance, these lights represent a solid choice.

Rating
9.7
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

Most important from
258 reviews

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Installation is straightforward, and the lights perform reliably even in challenging weather conditions.

Buying Guide for the Best Christmas Lights

Choosing the right Christmas lights can make a big difference in your holiday decorations. Whether you're looking to create a festive outdoor display or a cozy indoor atmosphere, understanding the key specifications of Christmas lights will help you make the best choice for your needs. Consider where you will be using the lights, the type of effect you want to achieve, and any safety concerns you might have. Here are some important specifications to consider when selecting Christmas lights.
Type of BulbThe type of bulb used in Christmas lights is crucial because it affects the brightness, energy efficiency, and longevity of the lights. The two main types are incandescent and LED. Incandescent bulbs are traditional and give a warm, classic glow, but they consume more energy and have a shorter lifespan. LED bulbs are more energy-efficient, last longer, and come in a variety of colors and styles. If you want to save on energy costs and have lights that last for many seasons, LED is the way to go. However, if you prefer a traditional look and don't mind replacing bulbs more frequently, incandescent might be suitable.
Length and Number of LightsThe length of the light string and the number of lights on it determine how much area you can cover and how dense the lighting will be. Light strings can range from a few feet to over 100 feet, with varying numbers of bulbs. For a small tree or a window, a shorter string with fewer lights might be sufficient. For decorating a large tree, house exterior, or extensive outdoor area, longer strings with more lights are necessary. Consider the size of the area you want to decorate and choose a length and number of lights that will provide adequate coverage without leaving gaps.
Color and StyleChristmas lights come in a wide range of colors and styles, from classic white to multicolored, and from simple string lights to icicle and net lights. The color and style you choose will set the tone for your decorations. White lights are versatile and can create a sophisticated look, while multicolored lights are fun and festive. Styles like icicle lights are great for rooflines, and net lights are perfect for bushes and trees. Think about the overall look you want to achieve and choose colors and styles that complement your theme.
Indoor vs. Outdoor UseIt's important to choose lights that are rated for the environment in which you will use them. Indoor lights are not designed to withstand the elements and can be a fire hazard if used outside. Outdoor lights are made to be weather-resistant and safe for exterior use. Always check the packaging to ensure the lights are suitable for your intended use. If you plan to use the lights both indoors and outdoors, look for lights that are rated for both environments.
Power SourceChristmas lights can be powered by electricity, batteries, or solar energy. Electric lights are the most common and provide a consistent power source, but they require access to an outlet and can increase your electricity bill. Battery-operated lights are portable and can be used anywhere, but you'll need to replace the batteries periodically. Solar-powered lights are eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run, but they need sufficient sunlight to charge. Consider where you will be placing the lights and choose a power source that is convenient and practical for your setup.
Safety FeaturesSafety is a key consideration when choosing Christmas lights. Look for lights that have been tested and certified by a recognized safety organization, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories). Features like shatterproof bulbs, cool-to-the-touch LEDs, and weather-resistant materials can help prevent accidents and ensure your decorations are safe. If you have children or pets, opt for lights with additional safety features to avoid any potential hazards.

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