If you have ever wondered how much you can save by switching from old school incandescent holiday lights to LEDs, the short answer is a lot. LED holiday lights use far less electricity, last much longer, and keep your meter from spinning as fast during the season. This guide breaks down the real cost difference so you can decorate with confidence and maybe even keep a little extra money for presents.
Why Holiday Lights Can Make Your Bill Jump
Holiday lights are small, but when you string them across your roof, wrap the trees, line the walkway, and fill the living room, the usage adds up. Incandescent bulbs burn hot and pull more power because they waste a good portion of that energy as heat instead of light.
LEDs, on the other hand, use a different type of technology that produces bright, festive light using a fraction of the electricity. They stay cool to the touch and last years longer, which helps your wallet and your peace of mind.
LED vs Incandescent: A Simple Cost Comparison
To make this clear, let’s look at a typical string of 100 holiday bulbs.
Incandescent holiday lights
Around 40 watts per string
Higher heat output
Bulbs burn out often
Shorter lifespan
LED holiday lights
Around 7 watts per string
Cooler, safer, more efficient
Bulbs last far longer
Great for indoor and outdoor use
That wattage difference alone creates a huge savings during the season.
Real World Savings Example
Here is an easy breakdown based on common decorating habits.
If you run 10 strings of lights for 6 hours each night for one month:
Incandescent lights
10 strings at roughly 40 watts each
400 watts total
Around 72 kilowatt hours for the month
Cost depends on your electricity plan, but the average could land in the $8 to $12 range
LED lights
10 strings at roughly 7 watts each
70 watts total
Around 12 to 13 kilowatt hours for the month
Often less than $2 for the whole season
Savings: easily $6 to $10 or more each month, sometimes higher if you run a bigger display.
And that is just for basic strands. If you are the person who builds full yard displays that could guide aircraft, the savings scale even higher.
Where You Save the Most with LEDs
Lower energy use
LEDs use roughly 80 to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs. This is the biggest factor in your savings.
Longer lifespan
Many LED holiday lights last for years, even with heavy seasonal use. Incandescent bulbs burn out quickly, and replacing them every season adds up.
Cooler to the touch
LEDs do not heat up, which reduces risk and makes them safer for trees, shrubs, and indoor use.
You can use more lights on one outlet
Because LEDs use so little power, you can plug more strands together without tripping breakers.
What About Those More Decorative Sets
Net lights, icicle lights, and large bulb styles follow the same pattern. LED versions cost more upfront but use far less electricity. If you are decorating large spaces, LED is almost always the better long term choice.
Even inflatable decorations now come in LED powered versions that use a smaller fan or a more efficient motor. These options help keep your overall seasonal usage in check.
Tips for Lowering Holiday Lighting Costs Even More
You can take holiday savings a step further with a few easy habits.
Put your lights on a timer
Set them to turn on at dusk and off at a reasonable hour. No need to light up the yard at two in the morning.
Use smart plugs
Track usage and turn lights on and off from your phone.
Check for broken bulbs
Bad bulbs in a strand can cause the rest to draw more power or behave inconsistently.
Mix inside and outside lighting
Use smaller LED strands indoors so the heavier outdoor displays can shine brighter without pushing your usage too high.
So Here’s the Bottom Line on LED Holiday Lights…
Switching to LED holiday lights can save you money, lower your seasonal usage, and keep your home safer. Incandescent lights may feel nostalgic, but LEDs offer the same warm glow with far less energy. With the cost difference so large, most homes see noticeable savings the very first season.
Light up the house, make it festive, and enjoy the holidays without worrying about a surprise on your electricity bill.
