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These indoor and outdoor lights will make the season merry and bright.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Christmas lighting provides ambiance and sets the mood for your holiday decorating, saysAmanda Mathiowetzof Overjoyed.
The adapter isnt waterproof, so youll need to see to it its protected from the elements.
The textured bulb adds a more distinct flair to these festive lights.
Credit: Amazon
Their IP44 rating is waterproof but they probably wont stand up well to ultra heavy downpours or hailstorms.
Theres just something a bit heartwarming about the glow of incandescent Christmas lights.
Either way, these incandescentoutdoor string lightswill transformoutdoor wreathsor railings with their soft glow.
Credit: Amazon
They come in six colors, including multicolored, if warm white doesnt fit your Christmas decorating style.
Overall, theyre a budget-friendly way to bring a more vintage Christmas feel to youroutdoor decor.
It will take some time to attach each light to your home.
Credit: Govee
The brand notes the lights will last up to an impressive 50,000 hours.
Since theyre permanent, youll need to spend some time attaching them to your house.
Installation involves several steps, including attaching four screw clips to each of the 72 lights.
Credit: Amazon
The square-shaped light holders cast triangular-shaped light in multiple colors.
Connect up to nine strands of lights together and control them all with Alexa or the brands app.
Though the projector has a waterproof rating, youll want to shelter the plug to extend the overall life.
Credit: Amazon
If thats your motto, embrace the convenience of this mesmerizing outdoor laser diode projector.
It includes eight different patterns to keep passersby in awe of the abstract, Christmas-colored designs.
The projector can be run by remote control, letting you pick the colors and speed.
Credit: Walmart
The projector is waterproof, but youll want to keep the plug sheltered for a longer lasting product life.
If youre looking for solar-powered Christmas lights, this two-pack of LED lights is an excellent way to go.
The mini lights will add just the right amount of twinkle to shrubs or small trees.
Credit: Amazon
These lights have a built-in rechargeable battery.
The solar panel is adjustable to allow it to catch more sunlight as it charges.
With an IP44 rating, theyll resist some water.
Credit: Amazon
You wont be able to connect multiple strands together.
Theyre also perfect for lighting wreaths when you dont want an unsightly extension cord visible.
Theyve got an IP65 waterproof rating, so theyre a hardy pick for rough weather.
They run on three AA batteries, which arent included.
They come with a timer that allows you six hours of run time with 18 hours of off time.
Youll have your pick of eight different lighting modes, like slow fade, continuous on, and twinkle.
These will be best for small areas that need just a bit of glow.
The bulbs cant be replaced once they burn out and no IP rating is listed.
Though common in outdoor Christmas lighting, C9s dont have to be limited to the front yard.
Larger C9 bulbs can be a fun way to decorate a largeindoor Christmas tree.
Or string them up to illuminate stockingshung by the mantelwith care.
These LED lights come in warm white along with red, blue, cool white, or multicolored.
Though their IP rating isnt listed, theyre labeled as suitable for outdoor use.
Theyre also break- and fade-resistant, plus theyll provide up to 100,000 hours of light.
The potential downside to these lights is that you cant remove the bulbs.
you could only connect three sets of lights together.
The lights come with a remote control to help you easily toggle between all those options, too.
you’re able to connect multiple strands, but the limit is three.
This will provide up to 197 feet of lighted length.
Three sets shouldcover a 6-foot Christmas tree, depending on how much light you prefer.
Just know that they aren’t connectable like traditional plug-in lights.
The same is true for Christmas lights as well.
However, sometimes mini lights can masquerade as C7 or C9 bulbs.
Martoccio recommends C7 bulbs for evergreen trees and C9 bulbs for roof lighting or super large evergreen trees.
Meanwhile, he notes mini lights are great for shrubs, trees, and garlands.
If youre after true C9 bulbs, youll often find them sold in 25-count packages.
Martoccio wisely adds, Buy more than you think you need.
Weather Resistance
According to Mathiowetz, You get what you pay for here, folks!
Weather-resistant bulbs are best for outdoors, including on your house, windows, porch or deck.
She adds that weather-resistant bulbs are going to be a must foroutdoor wreaths, too.
Many lights will include anIP rating, which tells you how weather resistant or waterproof the bulbs are.
Martoccio notes that most of the Christmas lights available today are rated for both indoor and outdoor use.
Be sure to read the label to understand the manufacturers intended use, too.
Your Questions, Answered
What kind of Christmas lights last the longest?
Martoccio and Mathiowetz say that LED lights are going to last the longest.
Martoccio adds that sealed mini lights will provide more longevity than non-sealed bulbs.
Are cool or warm Christmas lights better?
Martoccio says cool white Christmas lights tend to be brighter whilewarm whitestend to give off a morevintage Christmas glow.
If hes going with all white lights, he reaches for warm white.
Mathiowetz recommends picking lights that best reflect your style.
She recommends creating a balanced look by using the colored lighting in more than one area in your home.
Are LED or incandescent lights better?
Overall, Martoccio says LED lights are better for cost and efficiency and ease of use to decorate.
And of course, personal preference comes into play here as well.
But if youre concerned about energy use, LEDs will be your friend as you decorate for Christmas.
She also consultedAmanda Mathiowetzof Overjoyed andCaptain Matt Martoccio, president of The Christmas Guys.
