This article is your guide to answering the question: Do Christmas lights use a lot of electricity? Christmas lights can use quite a bit of energy, but there are ways you can lower the costs to light up the holiday cheer during the Christmas season.
So, if you want to learn more about the electricity usage of Christmas lights, keep reading. We’ll help you understand how much electricity your Christmas lights really use, and how to reduce your energy bill while still enjoying a beautifully lit home.
Here at The Energy Professor, we want to give you the information you need to not only save money on your energy bill but to also become more energy efficient. We hope find this post helpful! And makes it easier for you to know more about Christmas lights. Be sure to also check out our one-of-a-kind energy savings calculator!
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Do Christmas Lights use a lot of Electricity 2025?
Typically, yes, Christmas lights can use quite a bit of electricity—even though we’ve come a long way with light bulb efficiency. The amount of electricity usage can vary significantly depending on the type of lights you use.
Common Christmas light bulb wattage:
- Mini lights: A string of mini incandescent lights uses around 25 watts.
- Big festive lamp-like bulbs: A strand of 100 big festive lamp-like bulbs uses 500 watts.
- Icicle lights: A string of 100 icicle lights uses about 5500 watts of energy.
- 200 LED lights: A string of 200 LED bulbs uses only 12W.
- **100 incandescent mini lights: A string of 100 incandescent mini bulbs can be 40W.
- 25 incandescent C9 bulbs: A string of 25 incandescent C9 bulbs uses 175W.
The actual electrical usage depends on factors such as the number of light strings used and how many hours they are on. For instance, a 25ft string of 25 lights constantly using 130 watts translates to 0.13 kWh per hour, 3.16 kWh per day, and 97.96 kWh per month, which would increase your energy bill by about $12.73.
Modern LED Christmas lights are more energy-efficient, even a comprehensive outdoor Christmas decorations display is likely to cost less than a meal out for an entire month.
Related post: How to Choose the Best LED Lightbulbs
How Much Does it Cost to Run Christmas Lights 2025?
National Average: On average across the nation, folks spent about $18.50 to power their Christmas lights in 2023.
Type of Lights:
- C9 LEDs: If you’re using the larger, more traditional C9 LED bulbs, running a strand for a whole 45-day season will only set you back around 25 cents. Not bad for that classic holiday glow!
- Mini LED Lights: For the trendy mini LED bulbs, keeping them on for six hours a day will cost you approximately 75 cents a month. That’s a modest price for that cozy ambiance.
- Incandescent Bulbs: Now, if you’re sticking to the old-school incandescent bulbs, be prepared to pay a bit more. A strand with the same number of incandescent bulbs could cost around $2.50 for a month.
Local Cost of Electricity:
- On average, households use about 500 kilowatt-hours per month.
- Nationally, electricity costs about 17 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Do Christmas Lights Increase Your Electricity Bill?
Yes, Christmas lights can contribute to an increase in your electricity bill 2025. Any extra electricity you use beyond your normal consumption will show up on your bill, especially if you run your lights all day and night for a magical holiday effect.
Related post: What are the Best Energy Saving Light Bulbs?
Best Tips and Tricks for Saving Energy with Christmas Lights 2025
Dim Christmas Lights
Dimming your Christmas lights can be a savvy move to cut down on electricity usage. Beyond creating a cozy ambiance, dimming reduces overall wattage, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for homeowners with an eye on energy efficiency.
Opt for LED Lights
Consider switching to LED bulbs if you haven’t already. LED Christmas lights use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan. While the initial cost might be slightly higher, the energy savings and durability make them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Use Timers or Smart Plugs
Avoid leaving your Christmas lights on all night by using timers or smart plugs. Set them to turn on when it gets dark and automatically switch off late at night or when you head to bed. This not only conserves energy but also ensures your lights are only shining when they can be fully appreciated.
Choose Solar-Powered Lights for Outdoors
If you’re decorating outdoors with lighted trees or other outdoor Christmas decorations, opt for solar-powered lights. These lights harness energy from the sun during the day, eliminating the need for electricity and reducing your overall electricity usage.
Related post: Does Dimming Lights Save Energy?
Do Outdoor Christmas Lights Use a Lot of Electricity?
Outdoor Christmas decorations can indeed contribute to higher electrical usage. To strike a balance between festive ambiance and energy efficiency, consider opting for solar-powered lights or utilizing timers. Solar-powered lights harness sunlight during the day, reducing reliance on traditional electricity. Setting up timers ensures your lights are only on during desired hours, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption. Additionally, choosing LED lights for outdoor displays is a smart move, significantly cutting down electricity usage while providing vibrant and long-lasting illumination.
While leaving outdoor lights on all night may be tempting, it comes at the cost of increased electricity usage. To manage this, employ timers or smart plugs, ensuring a dazzling display without compromising on energy efficiency.
Related post: How to Weatherize Your Home to Save Energy
Do you Need Cheaper Electricity?
If you’ve taken the time to understand the information on your bill and discovered you’re paying more than you’d like for your electricity, have you looked around for a cheaper deal? The Energy Professor has a wealth of information on ways to save on your utilities, including details of top deals that could significantly reduce your monthly or quarterly electricity bills.
We hope you found this article helpful! If you are looking for ways to increase energy efficiency and sustainability in your home be sure to take a look at all of the latest renewable energy options in your area. The Energy Professor helps residential and small business owners find qualified energy suppliers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
