LED vs. Incandescent Christmas Lights
LED and incandescent are the two primary types of Christmas lights that come in variety of shapes, sizes, colors, types and more. This category in particular refers to their power source.
Incandescent bulbs work by passing a current through a thin piece of wire, called a filament, which heats up and glows as a result.
LED, which stands for Light Emitting Diode, work by passing an electrical current through a microchip or semiconductor which creates light via electroluminescence.
Incandescent Lights: Although less energy-efficient, these lights offer a classic, warm glow that many people prefer. However, they are prone to overheating and have a significantly shorter lifespan, making them a less durable option for long-term use.
LED Lights: Known for their energy efficiency, LED lights consume up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 60,000 hours. They are safer because they produce very little heat and consume very low amounts of electricity relative to incandescent bulbs making them ideal for longer runs of bulbs.
LED and incandescent lights come in a variety of bulb shapes and sizes. Some of the most common bulb shapes and sizes you’ll see are:
- C9 – One of the most common sizes
- C7 – Very common, slightly smaller than C9
- C6 – Somewhat common, slightly smaller than C7
- T5, aka Mini bulbs – The traditional cylindrical design with a point. Commonly used everywhere
- M5 bulbs – Similar to T5, but no small point on the end
- 5MM bulb – Smaller, less common, looks like a M5 cut in half
- G12 bulb – Smaller, uncommon, looks like a 5M with a ball on top.
C9 Christmas Lights: The Best Choice for Large Outdoor Holiday Displays
Key Benefits:
- High visibility for large-scale, outdoor displays.
- Bright illumination, perfect for creating a dramatic holiday effect.
- Available in various styles (faceted, smooth, opaque) for customizable aesthetics.
Commonly Used:
- Outlining rooflines and windows.
- Decorating larger outdoor trees and commercial displays.
C9 bulbs are one of the most popular choices for Christmas lighting, especially for large, outdoor displays. These bulbs are the largest traditional Christmas light bulb size, making them ideal for outlining rooflines and the perimeters of buildings or entry ways.
Their bright glow and substantial size create a dramatic, festive effect that is highly visible from a distance. C9 bulbs are available in various styles, including faceted, smooth, and opaque, allowing homeowners to choose the perfect look for their holiday decor.
Be aware that not all C9 bulbs (or any other bulbs on this list) are the same. The ‘C9’ designation does not have a clear definition related to any of its factors like size, luminescence, power consumption, etc.
The only defining characteristic is the socket size, which is an E17. This characteristic only seems to muddy the water as this wouldn’t apply to pre-strung ‘C9’ lights
C7 Christmas Lights: Versatile Bulbs for Both Indoor and Outdoor Holiday Decor
Key Benefits:
- Versatile size for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Offers a classic look with options for faceted or smooth finishes.
- Bright enough to be seen from a distance but not as overpowering as C9 bulbs.
Commonly Used:
- Rooflines and window displays.
- Decorating trees and indoor settings.
C7 bulbs are another widely used option, particularly for those who want a similar C9 look without the larger profile. Slightly smaller, these bulbs offer similar versatility and are commonly used for outdoor setups. We use these bulbs to line windows and other accent parts of the home.
Like C9 bulbs, C7s come in various styles and colors, including faceted and smooth finishes, providing multiple options to suit different holiday aesthetics.
C6 Christmas Lights: Perfect for Decorating Trees, Wreaths, and Shrubs
Key Benefits:
- Subtle and versatile, perfect for smaller trees and wreaths.
- Faceted surface adds a shimmering effect for visual appeal.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, offering flexibility.
Commonly Used:
- Shrubs, small trees, and bushes.
- Wreaths and garlands for indoor or outdoor decor.
C6 bulbs are slightly smaller than C7s, making them a good choice for those who prefer a subtler appearance. They are commonly used for decorating smaller trees, wreaths, and shrubs, both indoors and outdoors.
C6 bulbs often have a faceted surface that adds a shimmering effect, enhancing their visual appeal, especially when used in clusters or as part of net lights. Their size makes them versatile enough for a wide range of holiday setups, offering a balance between brightness and subtlety.
T5 Mini Christmas Lights: Traditional Bulbs for Classic Holiday Decor
Key Benefits:
- Classic design that is highly versatile for numerous applications.
- Small size makes them perfect for intricate decorations like garlands and wreaths.
- Available in energy-efficient LED options for lower power consumption.
Commonly Used:
- Christmas trees, garlands, and wreaths.
- Indoor decorations and outdoor accents.
T5 bulbs, also known as mini bulbs, are a traditional and highly popular option for holiday decorations. Featuring a small, cylindrical shape with a pointed tip, they are perfect for use on Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths, and other festive decorations.
Their versatility and small size make them suitable for a wide variety of applications, both indoors and outdoors. T5 bulbs are available in LED versions, providing energy-efficient options for those looking to reduce energy consumption during the holiday season.
M5 Christmas Lights: Rounded Bulbs for a Modern and Clean Holiday Look
Key Benefits:
- Rounded design provides a consistent and clean look.
- Perfect for creating uniform lighting displays.
- Ideal for both traditional and modern holiday decor.
Commonly Used:
- Trees, bushes, and net lighting setups.
- Pathway and outdoor landscape lighting.
M5 bulbs are similar to T5 mini bulbs but have a rounded end rather than a pointed tip. They provide a clean, consistent look, making them a popular choice for creating uniform lighting displays. M5 bulbs are commonly used on trees, bushes, and as part of net lighting setups. The absence of the pointed end gives them a slightly softer appearance, which is ideal for those who prefer a more modern or streamlined look in their holiday decor.
5MM Christmas Lights: Compact Bulbs for Subtle and Delicate Lighting Effects
Key Benefits:
- Compact size ideal for subtle, low-profile lighting effects.
- Energy-efficient option for small-scale decorations.
- Provides a focused, pinpoint glow for delicate displays.
Commonly Used:
- Pathway lights and small bush decorations.
- Intricate holiday setups and indoor displays.
The 5MM bulb is a smaller and less common option compared to the traditional mini bulbs. Its compact size and shape resemble an M5 bulb that has been cut in half, offering a low-profile and understated glow.
These bulbs are often used for applications where a subtle light effect is needed, such as in pathway lights, smaller bushes, or as part of intricate, delicate displays. Due to their smaller size, they are ideal for areas where larger bulbs would be too overpowering.
G12 Christmas Lights: Unique Globe-Shaped Bulbs for Whimsical Holiday Displays
Key Benefits:
- Unique, rounded shape adds visual interest and a whimsical touch.
- Soft, diffused light suitable for close-up or indoor applications.
- Great for creating playful or distinctive holiday displays.
Commonly Used:
- Smaller bushes, garlands, and festive centerpieces.
- Indoor decorations and custom, detailed setups.
The G12 bulb is an uncommon choice for Christmas lighting, featuring a unique shape that resembles a 5MM bulb with a small, round ball on top. This distinctive design makes them perfect for those seeking a playful or whimsical look in their holiday displays.
G12 bulbs are smaller, making them suitable for close-up decorations such as smaller bushes, garlands, or indoor arrangements where a softer, rounded light is desired. Their distinctive shape adds visual interest, making them a unique choice for custom holiday setups.
LED & Incandescent Light Styles
Both LED and incandescent lights come in a variety of styles and bulb-cover materials. It’s safe to say that any incandescent bulb is available as an LED, due to their popularity. You’ll find the cover material, that is, the clear or colored housing surrounding the light filament or LED, to come in:
- Glass
- Acrylic / Plastic
- Polycarbonate
- Polystyrene
Glass is the least commonly produced in this list. Polycarbonate and acrylic are used almost equally as there is not a significant difference in these materials for the end consumer.
Polystyrene is another common plastic that is used. Given it is less durable than polycarbonate or acrylic, it offers a more affordable alternative material.
Styles of LED & Incandescent Christmas Lights
Christmas lights come in several styles, each designed for specific decorating purposes. Whether you are outlining your roofline, wrapping a tree, or creating a custom holiday display, there are options to fit every need:
Stringers
The classic Christmas light design, stringers are versatile and can be used for virtually any decorating purpose, from wrapping trees to outlining windows and rooflines. Light stringers are the empty sockets that are attached to wire that ends on a female or male plug.
Light stringers may also come pre-assembled as non-replaceable. This is common on the C9 or C7 stringers you would buy at any big box store. We generally recommend against buying non-replaceable bulbs as you lack the customization and ease of replacement as empty-stringers.
Icicles
Icicle lights hang down in a cascading fashion, making them perfect for creating a winter wonderland effect on roof edges, porches, or outdoor railings. These are commonly found hanging from gutters and rooflines. Icicles may come as a solid light or have a twinkling effect.
Wraps, Nets, Column/Tree Wraps
Wraps and nets are designed for easy installation on trees, columns, or bushes. They provide an even distribution of light, creating a professional, cohesive look with minimal effort.
Strips, Ropes
Rope lights and LED strips are flexible, making them ideal for outlining pathways, stairs, or architectural features. These styles are perfect for creating clean lines and a modern holiday aesthetic.
Selecting the right base and socket type for your Christmas lights is essential for both functionality and safety. Different light setups may require specific base sizes and wire types, depending on the environment in which they will be used.