10 Best Outdoor Christmas Lights 2026 in the United States

The Philips Hue Festavia outdoor string lights offer a strong choice for those wanting permanent, year-round outdoor lighting with a lot of flexibility. With 150 feet of length and 80 LED bulbs that are dimmable and color changing, you can create many moods—from bright white to vibrant colors—perfect for holidays or everyday ambiance. The lights are designed to be durable, easily handling extreme weather conditions like rain, snow, and very hot or cold temperatures thanks to their IP67 water resistance rating.

Installation is relatively straightforward with included adhesive tape and screws, making it possible to set them up securely on various surfaces. One thing to keep in mind is that using these lights requires a Philips Hue Bridge, which adds to the cost and setup complexity but enables remote control, voice commands, music sync, and customizable light scenes. The lights run on corded electric power, so you’ll need an outdoor outlet nearby. They produce a good amount of brightness (about 55 lumens per bulb), making them effective for both decoration and added home security lighting.

The need for a Hue Bridge and the higher price point might not suit casual users or those wanting a simple plug-and-play string light. Also, the relatively high wattage means a bit more power consumption than basic LED string lights. These lights are best suited for users who want smart, versatile, and weatherproof permanent outdoor lighting with advanced features and are comfortable investing in the Hue ecosystem.

The Twinkly Strings 400 LED light string is a great option if you're looking for versatile, colorful outdoor Christmas lights. It stretches 105 feet, which is long enough to cover large areas like patios, yards, or balconies. The lights use LEDs, which are energy-efficient and bright. You get a huge range of colors—over 16 million—with both RGB multicolor and white light options, including warm and cool whites, so you can customize the look for different moods or occasions.

The smart features are a big plus: you control the lights easily through the Twinkly app, and they work with Alexa and Google Home for voice commands. They can even sync with gaming setups if that’s your thing. Being IP44 rated means they are weather-resistant and suitable for outdoor use, so they should hold up fine in rain and snow, though IP44 is not fully waterproof if submerged. The lights are corded and plug into a standard outlet, so you don’t have to worry about batteries, but you’ll need an outdoor power source and possibly extension cords depending on your setup. Installation is straightforward, especially with the app’s setup guide, and you can set timers or dim the lights.

While 105 feet is generous, if you want to cover very large areas, you might need multiple strings. Also, the IP44 rating means they are splash-proof but not designed for heavy water exposure, so placement matters. The green wire blends well with outdoor greenery but might be noticeable against lighter backgrounds. If you want high-tech, customizable, and vibrant outdoor Christmas lighting with reliable weather protection, this product fits well — especially for users who appreciate smart home integration and creative lighting effects.

The Twinkly Strings 600 LED RGB lights are a versatile option for outdoor Christmas decorations, extending 157.5 feet and featuring 600 LEDs. They offer a wide range of colors, including multiple shades of white and can be customized using the Twinkly app, which allows you to create unique light shows from 16 million color choices. This makes them ideal for festive events and creative displays. Their weather-resistant IP44 certification ensures durability outdoors, making them suitable for various occasions like weddings and parties in addition to Christmas decorations.

The integration with smart home systems, including compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, adds convenience by enabling voice control, timers, dimming, and other features. Additionally, they support connectivity with gaming and streaming setups, which is a unique advantage for gamers and content creators. The lights are powered through a corded electric source, providing reliable energy without the need for batteries.

Although the setup is straightforward with the app, the extensive range of features may be overwhelming for users unfamiliar with smart technology. Furthermore, while the 36-watt consumption is relatively efficient, it is still essential to consider if energy usage is a concern.