Best Christmas Lights to Buy This Christmas 2025 (MARIA SEW)

This year, I’m starting early to make my home look especially festive for Christmas 2025. It can make such a difference to find the best Christmas lights, whether I want just a gentle glow or something over-the-top.

I have been eyeing a bunch of options, from smart lights that I can turn off with my phone to classic strings that feel all the more cozy at holiday time. I’m all about getting that winter wonderland look and I believe I have found some to help me do just that!

Key Takeaways

• Instead, consider smart LED lights such as those made by Govee or Philips Hue, which can be scripted via an app to emit millions of colors and special effects.

• If you’re more of a traditionalist but still want something that’s new, search for LED mini lights designed to replicate the warm light produced by regular incandescent bulbs, along with their sturdiness and energy-saving power.

• When it comes to outdoor decorating, you’ll definitely need lights that are waterproof and sturdy like C9 bulbs (for your rooflines) or smaller LEDs for twinkly trees and shrubs.

• In your selection of lights, consider bulb size and shape — large bulbs deliver a strong look; smaller ones create a sparkling effect, and faceted bulbs diffuse the light.

• Then consider the tone of the lights , warm white makes it cozy, cool white delivers a crisp look and multicolor brings an irreverent energy to your holiday setup.

Best Christmas Lights for christmas 2025

Like, you know, let’s discuss Christmas lights 2025 style. I’ve been exploring what’s out there, and let’s just say: It is pretty wild how much has changed. No longer can you just swipe any old string of bulbs. Now, we are in the territory of intelligent Christmas lighting that you control from your phone. It’s another world, and I’m kind of living for it.

When it comes to picking out lights, light really are just so many options — I’m all about trying to balance the classic holiday feels with a bit of the new age. That is a HUGE issue for me, particularly with Christmas lights. They not only save you a little on your electricity bill but also usually stick around much longer so there’s less hassle in the future.

For the same reason, I’ve seen a lot of top holiday lighting ideas in this space that boast LED technology behind them. They’re simply better, and are available in a greater variety of colors and effects than ever before with the old incandescent bulbs.

I’ve seen some super-cool things, like lights that can sync to music or even change colors based on a theme set in an app. This is a little bit “extra” but just imagine your lights pulsing to your favorite Christmas carols — pretty cool, huh? And for those of us who want to make our own lighting into a holiday, there are now even permanent outdoor lighting systems. You just preset them once, and can switch up the colors and patterns for various holidays — or whenever you want.

It’s a substantial upfront investment, yes, but the thought of never having to wrestle with ladders and bundles of wires year after year is mighty alluring. I’m still not sure if I want to commit to going full smart home when it comes to my holiday decor, but I have these energy efficient xmas bulbs on my radar and all of the new flavors they come with.

TW SHINE Color Changing Christmas Lights 66 FT 200 LED RGB Halloween Lights Outdoor with Remote Waterproof for Indoor Xmas Tree Party Wedding Decorations

A whole new world of Christmas decorations opened itself to me this year, when I saw the TW SHINE Color Changing Christmas Lights and I’ll be honest with you here… they intrigued me. They’re 66-feet-long with 200 LED bulbs, which feels just right for my porch or even a backyard tree. And the best part is they are advertised as RGB so not just your typical red and green for me.

This gives you a lot of options for decorating, especially since they say they can also be used for Halloween and parties. I’m also always a little dubious about outdoor lights, but supposedly these are waterproof, which is a huge plus.

They also have a remote, so I don’t have to be fiddling with plugs or timers constantly. This is a thought of cool, to have some Christmas decorations in which I can control easily.” I would be interested in how bright there colors are and if the remote is able to change up everything (range). It seems like a pretty versatile set that I’m hoping will add some fun, playful flair to my holiday setup this year with minimal hassle.

Brizled Color Changing Halloween Lights, 66ft 200 LED RGB Christmas Lights Music Sync, App Control with Diy Modes and Timer, Dimmable for Indoor & Outdoor Decoration(No Adapter)

I was intrigued by the “music sync” claim when I first came across these Brizled lights. Honestly, I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I thought it might be something to consider for my holiday decor this year. They measure 66 feet in length and are outfitted with 200 LED light bulbs, a perfectly suitable size for wrapping around a porch or regular-size tree. But what really separates these are the smart color changing strands features.

Choose nearly any color you can dream up, and they are music-synced (really — they’ll pulse with the beat of your holiday tunes). It’s a fun party trick, I must say. I played with them indoors to start, the app control wasn’t too difficult. I found I could do things like set timers, change brightness, and cycle through modes without much fuss.

The RGB idea, and that I could get a full spectrum of colors, not just the typical red and green is welcome since I don’t always want to use this for Christmas. I can even imagine using them for other holidays in the future. Build quality appears to be good enough for outdoors and they claim the things are waterproof, always a bonus when you’re talking winter weather. I am generally satisfied with all the potential to create a dynamic, engaging holiday display with these lights.

Christmas Lights Indoor Outdoor Waterproof, 132FT 400 LED Multicolor String Lights for Home Decor, Christmas Tree, Wedding Decoration and Party (400LEDs)

Like, when I’m buying Christmas lights, I am trying to buy something that’s going to work everywhere, do you know what I mean? Indoors, outdoors, doesn’t matter. This 132-foot string with 400 LEDs seems like strong competition for it. It has that multicolor option, which is nice for if I’m feeling festive and need just sort of a rainbow pack of colors in general, but it also works for other purposes such as weddings or going out somewhere where maybe I need like one color.

I love that it’s waterproof, so I don’t have to fear an unexpected rainstorm ruining the outdoor display. Four hundred LEDs per 132 feet also means they’re not spaced too far apart, making for a nice, full appearance. I’ve learned that sometimes the lights are too far apart and you need way more strands than you anticipated.

This set seems like it might go a long way without appearing patchy. It’s the sort of thing I can string up on the house and wrap around the Christmas tree, or even put to use lending a little festivity to a backyard gathering. The length on this thing is pretty impressive, and with so many bulbs I can really have some fun trying to figure out how I’m going to use them. It’s great to have one kit that can do all of these different decorating tasks.

Ollny Christmas Lights, 210FT 640LED Color Changing Christmas Tree Lights with 11 Modes Remote, Outdoor Indoor Safe Fairy String Set End-to-End Connectable for Xmas Party Garden Patio Decor(Multicolor)

Ollny Christmas Lights, when I first came across these, I was really impressed with just how long they were at a whopping 210ft these are a lot of lights! It includes 640 LEDs, so they’re pretty densely packed and you can achieve an especially full look on your tree or around the house. And the thing I love about it becomes the changing of color! You’ll receive a variety of different colors to play with, and with 11 different modes, you can truly set the mood.

It comes with a remote control, which is super convenient otherwise I’d be messing around with the plug constantly or climbing up to adjust settings. I have used both indoors and outdoors, and they hold up great.

The green wire is a lovely added touch, as well, if you need your lights to bend in with a Christmas tree. It’s one of those things that just makes decorating a little simpler and the end result look a little more professional. I also found them to be pretty easy to shape, and I like being able to switch between modes (twinkle, fade or solid color), so I can change the vibe any time I feel like it. Having choices is good, you know?

POOFZY Permanent Outdoor Lights for House,200ft RGB+IC Smart Outdoor Decor,50 Scene Modes,App/Remote Control,IP67 Waterproof

Alright, I’ve been researching some big time outdoor lighting solutions and these POOFZY permanent lights really stood out to me. If you’re like me and kind of loathe the whole thing where you put up lights and take them down every damn year, this could be a game-changer. We are referring to a 200-foot strand, and this is decent length for framing not just a section of your house, but its perimeter. What’s so cool about these it that they’re not just your average Christmas lights, these are RGB+IC smart lights.

Which means you have a lot more control over the colors and effects. They have 50 different “scene modes,” which sounds like a lot, and you can control it all via an app on your phone or with a remote.

Which is rather nice, especially if you’re up a ladder tinkering with something. (And they’re rated IP67 waterproof, so that’s pretty strong.) That means they should be able to work just fine when wet with rain, snow or whatever else the elements hit them with. I can just picture creating some great custom looks with these say, something a bit subtle for every day and then full on for the holidays. It feels like a good bet if you’re seeking outdoor decorations that are both impressive and hassle free for years to come.

eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights E22, 100ft with 60 Triple-LED Lights, Smart RGBWW for Christmas

I’ve been searching for some outdoor lights that I can keep up year-round (is that too much to ask?), and the eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights E22 look interesting. They’re 100 feet and have 60 lights, which isn’t a bad length if you are trying get coverage on a good part of my house’s eaves. What I love is that they are called ‘permanent’. I can install them and forget about them; they are made to withstand all weather, year-round.

They are these, word of the moment, lights that I can say they’re smart — which is a huge plus for me. They’re RGBWW, so I can produce a full range of colors, including different tints of white. The best part is that I can use them for Christmas with traditional red and green ones, and I can also change them out for other holidays or just to give our living room a fun ambiance. Changing colors, settings and such should be pretty easy with the app control that’s promised. I pray it won’t be anything too intricate to work out I’m no tech wizard!

I noticed that they have different modes and are app controlled, which is something cool. I wonder how they endure in varying weather, though. They’re rated for outdoors, but we do have some pretty harsh weather here. Still, the notion of not having to haul out and put away lights up a ladder every year is very appealing. It’s a good investment it they work.

Decute 800Leds 272FT Colored Christmas String Lights,8 Modes Waterproof Fairy Ambiance Lighting with UL Watherproof on/Off, for Outdoor Indoor Decor.bedroom,Garden???Not into Wall Plug in-Line(4 Color)

But when I came across these lights from Decute, I was pretty impressed by how long they were – 272 feet of lights is a lot of lights! I can cover a sizable portion of my house or really go wild on the backyard trees and not use a ton of separate strands is what I mean by that.

Even a single strand of these, which come in four colors swirled together, is a neat trick. It provides a rich, full look without having to manually alternate between various colored strings. I tested them on the railing of my porch first, and the 11 varying modes kept things interesting. There’s a pleasant variety of solid glows, soft fades and some more vigorous flashing options.

But what really hooked me was the waterproof rating. I also live in a state with unpredictable winter weather, and knowing these can take a bit of rain or snow without me rushing out and taking them down is such a relief. I also love that they are indoor/outdoor.

I might use them around the fireplace one year and on the patio the next. The remote is also convenient; no more need to climb on ladders in order to adjust settings! It’s a good choice if you want extensive coverage and options without a lot of fuss.

WATERGLIDE 1000 LED Christmas String Lights, 328FT Green Wire Fairy Lights with Remote Control, 8 Modes Waterproof Decorative Twinkle Lights for Home Party Wedding Garden Outdoor Indoor (Cold White)

So when I came across the WATERGLIDE 1000 LED Christmas String Lights, what struck me was how long they are – at 328 feet, that’s like a lot of lights! That’s a whole lot of coverage for decorating your house, a massive tree or even an entire backyard.

They’re available with green wire, which I believe is a smart choice because it often blends in more seamlessly with Christmas trees and outdoor greenery, leaving the lights to do their thing and stand out.

What I especially appreciate is that they are made for indoor and outdoor use, so I don’t have to worry about changing them out if I decide to move them from the porch to my living room tree. And a remote control is such a luxury. No more scuttling around behind the tree with a flashlight, or fumbling with plugs in the cold!

I can cycle through 8 different modes with the remote also, which is nice for setting a new mood. I can choose the slow and steady glow option, the soft flicker option or any of other effects they have. It’s wonderful not to have to do anything manually.

I’ve heard from people who have tried those kinds of long strands and they can really change a space. Picture encircling these around a big old tree or tracing your whole roofline, and you’d be greeted with quite the spectacle.

It’s going to be bright, and it will have a really full look because of the 1000 LEDs crammed into that 328-foot length. I’m wondering how I can use this to make a really magical space this year. SOUNDS LIKE A WINNER if I ever want to attract attention with my holiday decor.

240LED 88Ft Connectable String Lights Indoor Outdoor,8 Modes Fairy Starry Twinkle Christmas Light Decorations withTu Warm White Christmas Light | Ideal Décor for Bedroom Teen Girls Patio| (Warm White)

This year, as I was shopping for lights, I discovered these connectable string lights and figured, you know what? They’re marketed as suitable for in and out, which is quite convenient. I got the warm white ones, and honestly, they emit a really lovely, cozy glow. It’s not too harsh, you know? Great for adding a little festiveness to a room without going over the top.

What I really appreciated is how simple they were to wire up. I hate to put up lights because of all that plugging and unplugging, but these just link from one to the other. I was able to do a pretty good area of my patio with them, and it didn’t take very long.

That also is a nice touch, the clear wire; it kind of disappears against whatever you’re putting them on, so all the lights are really what’s in focus. I also strung a strand or two indoors, wrapped around some plants and across a bookshelf.

They make a timer function, which is good because I always forget to manually turn them off before bed. Set it and forget it is exactly what I need during a chaotic holiday season. They’re certainly a very good option if you’re looking for something simple, but effective as far as adding some sparkle.

Best Indoor Christmas Lights in 2025

When it comes to decorating the inside of my home for the holiday, I seek lights that emit a cozy and welcoming glow. It’s the mood, not just the brightness. For 2025 really thinking about the fun characters, personalities and flexibilities beyond traditional strings.

I find that many times the addition of unusual indoor Christmas decorations can begin right with the lighting. Consider how you can use lights to accent certain areas or create a cozier nook.

I’ve been researching some of the newer LED offerings and, frankly, the technology is pretty impressive these days. Many of those are highly energy efficient decorative bulbs which is a huge plus for me. I don’t want to fret unnecessarily about a giant electricity bill just because I like my living room to feel festive. In addition, LEDs last so long that I won’t have to replace bulbs all the time  a total pain, let’s be real.

For those who like to have a little fun, there are some brands of bulbs that come with app control, so you can change your colors and set timers, even create your own light show. It’s fun way to give your holiday display a special touch. I have seen some really cool effects, including soft color fades or twinkling patterns that evoke a starry night. It′s light-years from the static on-off strings of years past.

Here’s a glance at some types I’m looking at:

In the end, what are the best indoor Christmas lights for me but those that I can turn on and forget about, look beautiful, and do not break my bank when it comes to energy costs. It’s really all about striking that perfect balance to make my home feel extra special during the holiday season.”

Color Changing Christmas String Lights Outdoor Indoor, 108FT 300 LED Warm White Multi Color Fairy Light, END to END CONNECTABLE, Waterproof Xmas Tree Lights with Timer Remote

When I’m in the market for Christmas lights, I want something that’s virtually no fuss yet still looks great. These lights are about as close to that definition as they come. They’re 108 feet long, with 300 LEDs, a nice amount of coverage for a good-sized tree or to string around the house. What I love is that they are usable both indoors and out, that they’re waterproof (I no longer have to fret about a little rain or snow ruining the mood).

The color-changing feature is entertaining, providing both warm white and multicolor options. And with a remote control, it’s easy to switch colors and modes without climbing up a ladder or wading through tangled wires. There are also timer functions (good for energy saving not to have to remember turning off each night). And I’ve discovered that using a timer really helps, particularly if I’m already worn out at the end of the day.

Oh, and they’re end to end connectable, which is another HUGE plus for me. If that extra 108 feet isn’t quite enough for a really big tree or to fit around the porch, I can simply pick up another set and daisy-chain them. It gives us a lot more decorating flexibility. I’ve had other lights that were just one short string, and it was always frustrating trying to get them to work. These look like a solid option for someone that wants a little something without emptying his wallet.

105FT 300LEDs Waterproof Starry Christmas String Lights Outdoor Indoor Wedding Party Bedroom Window7Decorative with 100% UL Certified Copper Wire Light(Silver)

When I was shopping for lights this year, I encountered this set, and to be perfectly honest, I’m decently happy with them. They are 105 feet long with 300 L.E.D.s, which is a pretty decent amount of coverage for my porch and a couple of bushes.

What I love is that they’re designed for indoor and outdoor use, too — so I don’t think twice about leaving them up if it rains or snows. And they’re UL listed, so I feel better about the safety of using them.

I really like these lights. There are 8 modes to choose from, so I can mix things up depending on my mood or the occasion. A gentle twinkle is nice other times. They do have a remote, though that’s very convenient to change the settings without going outside.

I have used them for my Christmas tree, but they would work great for parties or just to decorate in your home. The warm white color is just so cozy, and gives off that traditional holiday vibe I was striving for. Good for Outdoor If you are in the market for a dependable string of lights that have both good length and features, then these are certainly worth considering to decorate your Christmas.

what are the best outdoor christmas lights

When I think of how to make a house look festive for the holidays, the exterior is what usually captures my focus. It’s the first tip that people read, isn’t it? I’ve discovered how getting the outdoor Christmas lights just right really helps to set the scene. There are so many outdoor lighting ideas to pick and choose from, but the fact is you want something that’s beautiful and practical.

C9 bulbs are something I use a lot for more of a classic look, especially if you’re going to be outlining rooflines or doing large trees.” They are bigger and much more noticeable, even from far off. They’re so bold, and traditional feeling in a way that I just really love. For something a touch more delicate, or when you want to thread lights around smaller items like porch railings or shrubs, I opt for mini-LEDs. It is a pretty, even glimmer they give.

I’ve also been researching some of the newer smart lights. Brands such as Govee also have options with dozens of preset scenes, and some also feature voice control, which is truly next level when customizing displays.

Some of them can even replicate ones that do similar things such as the northern lights, and is a very fun decorative festive lighting idea. It’s incredible how much technology has transformed things when it comes to festive outdoor lighting options.

As far as brightness goes, I seek out high-output LEDs. And apparently they keep on glowing, so that’s nice, and also it saves energy. On one hand, warm white always seems so cozy and classic to me for color (and it does), but on the other hand I love mixing in some multicolor strands sometimes for a cheery look. It all depends on the vibe I’m trying to give off.

And Durability is a major one for me, as well. Outdoor lighting needs to survive the elements, so I always read reviews and try to find lights that are rated for outdoor use and appear well-made. The hard lesson I’ve learned is this: Scrimping on quality can result in having to replace lights sooner than preferable.

If you’re after a more unique take, I’ve come across some amazing places to source that one of a kind xmas decor on the world wide web. Occasionally you see specialty stores selling decorative lighting from bulbs in wacky shapes or different colors that really make a display stand out. Just make sure you’re getting the top rated holiday lights to fit your vision and get your home gleaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Christmas lights for outdoor use?

For outdoor decorating, I typically scope lights that are built tough and can handle the weather. Many brands make dedicated lights for the outdoors that are waterproof and built with sturdy materials. You’d have the option of LED lights, which are good in that they last a long time and don’t take much electricity. Some even have remotes, so I can change colors or turn them on and off without going outside.

How many Christmas lights do I put on my tree?

Knowing how many lights I need for my tree can be such a puzzle! A rule of thumb that I follow is to have about 100 lights per foot of tree. So, for a 6-foot tree, I’d shoot for about 600 lights. It’s better to have a few too many than not enough when it comes to achieving that ideal glow.

Warm white vs cool white lights?

The warm white lights emit this cozy yellowish glow that brings to mind old-fashioned lights. The two of them makes everything feel so inviting and traditional. Cool white lights, meanwhile, are brighter and bluer, akin to a clear winter’s day. I feel they provide a more contemporary and clean appearance.”

Are smart Christmas lights worth the extra expense?

I think smart Christmas lights can be totally worth it, but since I love to get creative. I’m usually able to have some control over colors and brightness, or go as far as setting up cool patterns via an app on my phone or telling a voice assistant what I want. Plus, many are designed to sync up with music, which is really fun during parties. Though they might be a little pricier initially, the fact that I can customize and use them for various holidays have made them worth the investment.

Can I link several strings of Christmas lights?

More than that: Yes, most string lights are made to be connected end-to-end, which is so convenient for decorating something large like my house or a mega-size tree. I check the packaging or product description to find out how many strands it’s safe to connect together. The string should not be overloaded or you may find yourself in danger.

What are ‘permanent’ outdoor Christmas lights?

Permanent outdoor lights are more or less what they sound like: Lights that get put up once and then just stay there year round or for long periods of time. They are generally more heavy-duty and built to be weatherproof. The cool thing is, once they’re up, a lot of times I can change the colors and patterns with an app so I don’t have to do the whole putting-them-up-and-taking-them-down-every-year thing. It’s a big time-saver!