As Christmas gets closer, many people want to make their yards look festive. Picking the right outdoor Christmas lights can really make your home look magical. This guide will help you learn about the best brands and products for outdoor Christmas lights, so you can make a good choice for your holiday decorations.
Key Takeaways
- Outdoor Christmas lights create a welcoming atmosphere, boost holiday spirit, and bring the community together.
- Twinkly, GE, Brizled, Philips, and Wintergreen Lighting offer a range of customizable, durable, and high-quality LED lights for various needs.
- Consider bulb type, color options, length, power source, weather resistance, smart features, and budget to find the perfect outdoor Christmas lights.
Why Outdoor Christmas Lights Matter
Before we talk about specific products, let’s think about why outdoor Christmas lights are so important:
- They create a welcoming atmosphere for guests and passersby
- They make everyone feel more festive and bring the community together
- They allow for creative expression and personal style
Now, let’s look at the best outdoor Christmas lights you can buy today.
If you want to illuminate your garden or patio, explore our guide to solar lights for outdoor spaces to find the right solar lighting solutions.”
Top Brands for Outdoor Christmas Lights
1. Twinkly
Twinkly has changed the game in the Christmas lighting industry with their smart LED lights. These lights offer unparalleled customization and control through a smartphone app.
Product Highlight: Twinkly Strings Gen II
- 250 RGB LED lights
- 65.6 ft string length
- Works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- IP44 rated for outdoor use
Pros:
- Millions of color combinations
- Create custom animations and effects
- Easy to set up and control via app
- Energy-efficient LED technology
Cons:
- Higher price point than traditional lights
- Requires stable Wi-Fi connection for full functionality
2. GE
General Electric (GE) is a brand many people trust. They make both regular and LED Christmas lights for outdoor use.
Product Highlight: GE StayBright LED Icicle Lights
- 300 cool white LED lights
- 19.6 ft lighted length
- 8 different light functions
- End-to-end connectable (up to 25 sets)
Pros:
- Long-lasting LED bulbs (up to 20,000 hours)
- Energy-efficient (uses 80% less energy than incandescent)
- Durable construction for outdoor use
- Classic icicle design
Cons:
- Limited color options
- Not as customizable as smart lights
3. Brizled
Brizled offers a range of affordable, high-quality LED Christmas lights suitable for outdoor use.
Product Highlight: Brizled Color Changing LED Christmas String Lights
- 66 ft string with 200 LED lights
- 16 colors and 11 modes
- Remote control operated
- IP44 waterproof rating
Pros:
- Versatile color options and modes
- Good value for money
- Easy to use remote control
- Suitable for year-round outdoor use
Cons:
- Not as bright as some competitors
- Remote control range can be limited
4. Phillips
Philips is a well-known brand in the lighting industry, including Christmas lights for outdoor use.
Product Highlight: Philips 300ct LED Smooth Mini Lights
- 300 warm white LED lights
- 69.6 ft total length
- Connect up to 50 sets end-to-end
- Energy Star certified, which means it is energy-efficient
Pros:
- Long-lasting LEDs (up to 20,000 hours)
- Energy-efficient design
- Warm, traditional glow
- Durable construction for outdoor use
Cons:
- Limited color options in this model
- No smart features or remote control
5. Wintergreen Lighting
Wintergreen Lighting makes professional-grade LED Christmas lights. Their products are suitable for both residential and commercial uses.
Product Highlight: Wintergreen Lighting Professional Grade LED Christmas Lights
- 50 ft string with 100 LED lights
- Available in various colors (warm white, cool white, red, green, blue)
- Commercial-grade construction
- Special technology to reduce flickering
Pros:
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Bright, professional-quality illumination
- Suitable for large-scale installations
- Energy-efficient LED technology
Cons:
- More expensive than regular lights
- May be too bright for some homes
- Fewer fancy features compared to smart lights
If you’re looking to add ambient lighting to your backyard, check out the best solar outdoor lights for versatile lighting options, including string lights.
What to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Christmas Lights
When picking the best outdoor Christmas lights for your home, consider the following factors:
Type of Bulbs
- LED lights are more energy-efficient and durable
- Incandescent bulbs offer a warm, traditional glow
Color Choices
- White lights (warm white or cool white)
- Multicolor lights
- Color-changing lights
Length and Number of Lights
- Measure your space to figure out how many lights you need
- Consider purchasing extra lights for backup or expansion
Power Source
- Battery-powered for areas without easy access to outlets
- Solar-powered for energy efficiency
- Plugin options for consistent power
Weather Resistance
- Look for lights rated for outdoor use (typically IP44 or higher)
- Consider your local climate (e.g., heavy snow, strong winds)
Smart Features
- Control with an app
- Work with voice assistants like Alexa
- Customizable effects and schedules
Budget
- Balance quality with affordability
- Consider long-term energy savings of LED options
Pairing solar string lights with solar-powered skylights can enhance both your indoor and outdoor spaces with sustainable lighting options.
Installation Tips for Outdoor Christmas Lights
To make your outdoor Christmas lights look great and stay safe, follow these tips:
- Plan your design before starting
- Use a tape measure to estimate the number of lights needed
- Test all lights before hanging
- Use outdoor-rated extension cords and timers
- Use plastic clips to attach lights to your roof and gutters
- Avoid overloading circuits by spreading lights across different outlets
- Consider professional installation for complex designs or hard-to-reach areas
How to Save Energy with Christmas Lights
To keep your energy bills in check while enjoying your outdoor Christmas lights:
- Use LED lights, which use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs
- Set timers to turn lights on at dusk and off at a reasonable hour
- Choose solar-powered options for areas away from outlets
- Use fewer lights but focus on high-impact areas
- Opt for reflective ornaments to enhance the effect of fewer lights
What’s New in Outdoor Christmas Lighting for 2025
As we look towards Christmas 2025, here are some new trends in outdoor lighting:
- Smart Integration: More lights can work with smart home systems, so you can control them with your voice or other smart devices.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Solar-powered and biodegradable lights are becoming more popular.
- Minimalist Designs: Clean, simple lighting designs are trending, focusing on quality over quantity.
- Year-Round Lighting: Versatile lights that you can use for different holidays throughout the year are becoming more common.
- Projection Mapping: Advanced projection technology lets you create moving light displays on your house.
Comparison Table: Top Outdoor Christmas Lights
| Brand | Product | Type | Length | Number of Lights | Smart Features | Weather Rating | Price Range |
| Twinkly | Strings Gen II | LED | 65.6 ft | 250 | Yes | IP44 | $$$$ |
| GE | StayBright LED Icicle | LED | 19.6 ft | 300 | No | Outdoor rated | $$ |
| Brizled | Color Changing String | LED | 66 ft | 200 | Remote control | IP44 | $$ |
| Philips | Warm White String Lights | LED | 59 ft | 300 | No | Outdoor rated | $$ |
| Wintergreen Lighting | Professional Grad | LED | 50 ft | 100 | No | Commercial Grade | $$$ |
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best outdoor Christmas lights means taking into account things like energy savings, durability, design flexibility, and budget. Whether you pick the cutting-edge technology of Twinkly smart lights, the reliable GE icicle lights, the durability of Wintergreen Lighting, the energy-saving Philips lights, or the affordable and versatile Brizled string lights, there is an option for every home and style.
Remember to prioritize safety and energy efficiency when you install your lights. Do not be afraid to get creative with your lighting design. With the right outdoor Christmas lights, you can turn your home into a festive holiday display that delights your family and neighbors.
As you prepare for the upcoming holiday season, take the time to explore these options and think about how you can use outdoor Christmas lights to create your own winter wonderland. Happy decorating!
Related Articles
Your Ultimate Guide to the Smart Lighting System for Home
Everything You Need to Know About Solar String Lights
How to Build a Cheap DIY Solar Battery Bank