Christmas Lights - Ace Hardware

Christmas Lighting Guide

Plan Your Design

Sketch your house to plan where to hang lights (roofline, windows, doors, bushes).
Measure each area to know how many light strings you need.

Choose the Right Lights

C9 Bulbs

Use: Rooflines, large outdoor trees.

Benefit: Bright and durable, these are perfect for outlining homes.

C7 Bulbs

Use: Rooflines, smaller outdoor trees, windows.

Benefit: Slightly smaller than C9 but still great for creating a bold, classic look.

Mini String Lights

Use: Bushes, railings, wreaths, tree trunks.

Benefit: Subtle and versatile, ideal for wrapping and detailed decorations.

Icicle Lights

Use: Roof eaves, porches, overhangs.

Benefit: Perfect for creating a snowy, dripping light effect.

Net Lights

Use: Bushes, hedges, large plants.

Benefit: Quick and easy way to cover large shrubs or bushes.

Install Light Clips

Use plastic light clips to attach lights to your roof or gutters without damaging your home. Avoid using nails, staples, or screws to prevent damage.
Choose clips designed for your light type, such as gutter clips for roof edges or shingle clips for attaching lights to shingles.

String the Lights

Roofline: Begin at the power source and run the lights along the roofline, using light clips every 6–12 inches for a neat appearance.
Windows/Doors: Outline windows and doors with C7 or mini string lights. Secure lights with clips or adhesive hooks.
Bushes/Trees: Wrap mini string lights around tree trunks or bushes. Net lights can quickly cover larger shrubs.

Check Power & Extension Cords

Use outdoor-rated extension cords and timers to automate turning the lights on and off.
Avoid overloading outlets by spreading lights across different circuits. Use a power strip with built-in circuit protection if needed.

Test and Adjust

Test the lights before hanging to ensure they work.
Once installed, check from a distance for any areas that need adjustment or additional lights.

Christmas lights are a must-have item for the holiday season. With a range of indoor and outdoor Christmas lights available, you can find what you need to add holiday spirit to every space. Whether you're looking for multi-colored string lights or classic white Christmas lights, you'll find a great selection of seasonal illumination at Ace.

Are LED Christmas Lights Better Than Incandescent Lights?

When it comes to choosing between LED and incandescent Christmas lights, there are a few key differences to consider. Incandescent Christmas lights are more affordable than LED lights, making them a budget-friendly alternative during the holiday season. These lights are known for their timeless charm by adding a warm, nostalgic glow to your holiday decorations as well as for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Although LED Christmas lights may be pricier up front, they have long-term energy-saving capabilities because they use less power than incandescent lights. They use up to 80% less energy than incandescent lights, which can help you save on your electricity bill during the holiday season. What’s more, they’re highly durable and longer lasting. Additionally, LED lights are more durable and less likely to break, making them a great choice for both indoor and outdoor use.

Color and Light Function Options

Each type of light has its unique characteristics and can be chosen based on your desired ambiance and decoration style.

Clear/White Lights	Clear or white lights are classic and versatile, providing a bright and elegant look. Perfect for creating a winter wonderland effect for indoor and outdoor light displays.
Multi-Colored Lights	Multi-colored lights add a festive and vibrant touch to your holiday decorations. Great for creating a fun and cheerful atmosphere.
Red Lights	Red lights are bold and eye-catching, perfect for adding a pop of color to your holiday decor. Can be used alone or combined with other colors for a more dynamic display.
Green Lights	Green lights are a popular choice for Christmas decorations, symbolizing the traditional color of Christmas trees. Can be used to complement other colors or create a monochromatic look.
Blue Lights	Blue lights offer a cool and calming effect, ideal for creating a serene holiday ambiance. Can be used to highlight specific areas or mixed with other colors for a unique display.
Color Changing	Allows you to switch between different colors, adding versatility and dynamic effects to your decorations.
Color Choice	Provides the option to select a specific color, enabling you to match your lights with your holiday theme or personal preference.
Constant	Offers a steady and continuous light, creating a classic and consistent look for your decorations.
Multi-Function	Includes various lighting modes such as flashing, fading, and chasing, allowing you to customize the lighting effects to suit different occasions.
Twinkling lights	Adds a sparkling effect to your decorations, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.

When to use Warm White vs. Cool White vs. Pure White Christmas Lights

Use Warm White lights to create a warm and cozy atmosphere

Warm white lights emit a soft, yellowish glow that creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. They are often used for indoor decorations to give a traditional and warm feel to the holiday setting.

Use Cool White lights for a modern winter wonderland

Cool white lights produce a bright, crisp light with a bluish tint. They are ideal for outdoor decorations as they provide a modern and vibrant look. Cool white lights are often used to create a winter wonderland effect.

Use Pure White lights for a sophisticated holiday look

Pure white lights offer a neutral white light that is neither too warm nor too cool. They provide a clean and elegant look, making them versatile for both indoor and outdoor decorations. Pure white lights are perfect for those who prefer a more contemporary and sophisticated holiday display.

Light Styles

Mini lights	Ideal for decorating your Christmas tree, mini lights offer a more subtle glow compared to traditional C9 lights. Available in colors like red, white or multicolor variations, these smaller string lights are perfect for adding a festive touch.
Icicle lights	These hanging lights create an understated look. Look for outdoor-rated icicle lights to hang from your rain gutters and transform your exterior into a winter wonderland.
Rope lights	Rope lights make it easy to decorate mantels and mirrors and illuminate certain decorations. They are also a viable option for lighting up decks, patios and walkways.
Net lights	Place these durable, easy-to-use lights over your outdoor plants and shrubbery to make decorating easy.

Bulbs Types:

C6	These bulbs are cone-shaped and provide a bright, sparkling light, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor decorations.
C9	Larger than C6 bulbs, C9 bulbs are perfect for outdoor displays and provide a bold, vibrant light that stands out.
Micro	Small and versatile, micro bulbs are great for intricate decorations and can be used in a variety of settings.
Micro Dot/Fairy	These tiny bulbs create a delicate, twinkling effect, perfect for adding a magical touch to your decorations.
Mini	Classic and widely used, mini bulbs are versatile and can be used for both indoor and outdoor decorations.
Rice	These small, cylindrical bulbs provide a soft, warm light, ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere.

Shop Christmas Lights at Ace Hardware

Shop for Christmas lights at Ace to help create a festive mood. Find icicle lights, rope lights and mini lights and more in a variety of lengths and festive colors from brands like Celebrations and Holiday Bright Lights. Also check out our current savings and deals on Christmas lights to help your dollar stretch a little further this holiday season.

Then, browse outdoor holiday décor and indoor Holiday decor. Shop online and visit your local Ace store to find holiday lights and seasonal decor to create a true winter wonderland.