The Pros and Cons of LED Christmas Lights

LED lights are all the rage because of their long lives and energy efficiency. But they're not a perfect solution.

It’s time to deck the halls for the holidays and you’re trying to decide if it’s time to switch over to LED Christmas lights. But are LEDs right for you?

Which Christmas Lights Are Right for You?

Unlike traditional Christmas lights, which utilize a filament to produce their holiday glow, LED Christmas lights use light-emitting diodes. This makes the lights more efficient and longer-lasting than your old-school Christmas lights.

Here’s a look at the top pros and cons of LED Christmas lights:

Pros of LED Christmas Lights

  • LED Christmas lights won’t be hot to the touch, so they are safe for use if you have young children or pets.
  • Plus, you don’t have to worry about the lights overheating and causing your holiday wreath.
  • LED lights are efficient so they won’t result in sky-high energy bills—as the typical Christmas lights electric bill can certainly add up—even if you decide to go all out and decorate your home like Clark Griswold.
  • You’ll have plenty of choices. LED Christmas lights come in all kinds of shapes, styles, sizes and colors so you can find the perfect lights for your style.

Cons of LED Christmas Lights

  • One of the clear drawbacks to LED Christmas lights is the upfront cost. They are more expensive than traditional lights, however, remember that cost will likely be offset over time with lower energy bills along with the fact you likely won’t have to replace them as often.
  • LED light can be harsh for some. In fact, the blue light from LEDs can cause some people to feel nauseous or get headaches.

Whichever lights you choose, you’ll need to figure out the best lighting for your space. Plus, you can use this Christmas tree light hack to make your lights shine even brighter this year. Here is a homeowner’s guide to holiday lighting to help.

Rachel Brougham
Rachel Brougham lived through a major home renovation in 2019, knows the ups and downs of home improvement, and loves sharing tips with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, she’s won several awards for her writing and has covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food. She’s written for several publications beyond newspapers including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent, and she currently writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column. Her memoir, Widowland, about the sudden loss of her husband, was published in 2022. She specializes in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her tending to her garden (both vegetables and native plants), playing with her dog, watching sports with her family or getting some exercise. A native of Michigan, she currently lives in Minneapolis. An avid user of Instagram, you can follow her @RachBrougham.