How Much Do Outdoor Christmas Lights Increase Your Energy Bills?

The holidays should feel joyful, not stressful. One question we hear often from Sacramento homeowners is how much outdoor Christmas lights affect the electric bill. The truth depends on the size of the display, the type of bulbs you use, and how long you run them each night. At Santa’s Lights, we help families and businesses enjoy beautiful holiday displays without worrying about wasted power. For questions about design or pricing, give us a call at (916) 365-4842 for a free quote. We install Christmas lights in Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Rancho Cordova, and all of the surrounding areas.

How Do Outdoor Christmas Lights Use Energy?

LED vs. Incandescent Energy Consumption

Traditional incandescent Christmas lights use about 80 to 90 percent more electricity than modern LEDs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use up to 90 percent less electricity and can last as much as 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. A typical 100-bulb LED strand draws only a few watts of power, while older incandescent versions can use six to ten times as much. When you add up the difference across rooflines, trees, and pathways, the savings quickly become clear.

Real-World Example For Outdoor Lighting Costs in Sacramento

For a single-story home with 10 light strings and several small trees, an all-LED setup might cost $8 to $15 in extra electricity for the entire month of December. If you used old-fashioned incandescent lights, that same display could push $75 or more. Power rates vary slightly between Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and PG&E customers, but LEDs make a measurable difference no matter where you live.

Factors That Influence Your Holiday Energy Bill

The Number of Light Strings

Every light string draws a small amount of power. A simple roofline might use a few hundred bulbs, while a full property transformation with trees, bushes, and ground décor can involve several thousand. The more lights you use, the higher your consumption, even with efficient bulbs.

How Long You Leave the Lights On

Running lights from sunset until midnight uses about twice as much energy as shutting them off at 10 p.m. Timers or app-controlled systems make it easy to set schedules so your display turns off automatically.

Regional Electricity Costs

Electricity rates across California range from 25 to 40 cents per kilowatt-hour, higher than the national average of about 17 cents. Sacramento’s rates fall near the middle of that range, which means LED efficiency is especially valuable here. A display that might add $10 to a winter bill in the Midwest could cost closer to $20 locally.

Climate and Weather Conditions

Rain and moisture can shorten the lifespan of cheaper light sets, forcing replacements that cost more in the long run. That’s one reason Santa’s Lights uses commercial-grade LEDs built for Sacramento’s wet winters and hot summers. Reliable bulbs save both time and money over several seasons.

How to Keep Holiday Lighting Costs Low

Choose Commercial-Grade LEDs

High-quality LEDs convert almost all of their energy into light instead of heat. They last tens of thousands of hours, produce vivid color, and rarely fail. While the upfront price is slightly higher, they quickly pay for themselves through lower electricity use and longer lifespan.

Use Smart Plugs and Timers

Even the most efficient lights waste energy if they run all night. Smart plugs and Wi-Fi controllers can schedule on-off times, dim the lights, or switch between scenes automatically.

Avoid Overloading Circuits

A single circuit should handle no more than 1,400 to 1,500 watts for safety. LED lights make it easier to stay below that threshold because each strand uses only a fraction of the power older bulbs draw.

Design a Balanced Display

You don’t have to light every inch of your property to make an impression. Our designers often combine accent lighting, wreaths, and roofline illumination to create a polished look without overwhelming your energy use.

Comparing the Costs of LED vs. Incandescent Displays

The Department of Energy estimates that powering 10 strands of 100 incandescent lights for one month costs about $75. The same display using LEDs costs roughly $8. On a large home or commercial property, switching to LEDs can save hundreds of dollars each season.

SMUD reports that Sacramento households using efficient holiday lights typically add less than 2 percent to their December energy bill. That means for most families, the comfort and visual impact of professional lighting far outweigh the minimal power cost.

The Environmental Impact of Energy-Efficient Holiday Lighting

Using LED bulbs instead of incandescent ones reduces electricity demand and the carbon output tied to power generation. One study from the Center for Global Sustainability found that if every U.S. household switched to LEDs for the holidays, the nation could save enough energy to power 200,000 homes for a full year. In California, where the grid already supports millions of households, even small steps like this make a visible impact.

FAQs Regarding Christmas Lighting Energy Costs

How Much Do Outdoor Christmas Lights Add to an Average Electric Bill?

For Sacramento homeowners using LED lights, the increase usually ranges between $8 and $20 per month, depending on the size of the display and nightly usage.

Are LED Christmas Lights More Expensive Up Front?

Yes, but only slightly. LED strings may cost 20 to 30 percent more to purchase, yet they last several times longer and draw far less electricity, lowering overall costs.

How Many Hours Per Day Should I Run My Lights?

Most families run their displays four to six hours per night. Using a timer to shut them off automatically after bedtime keeps energy use consistent and affordable.

Can I Mix LED and Incandescent Lights?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. The different power draws can affect circuit balance. Our team uses only professional-grade LEDs for consistency and safety.

Will Smart-Controlled Lighting Save Electricity?

Absolutely. App-based systems allow you to dim lights, schedule on-off times, and avoid running them unnecessarily. The convenience alone often pays for itself in the first season.

How Do I Estimate My Display’s Energy Use?

Multiply the total wattage of your lights by the number of hours you plan to run them, then divide by 1,000 to convert to kilowatt-hours. Multiply that figure by your electric rate to find the approximate cost.

What If I Have Solar Panels?

Homeowners with solar power often see almost no increase in winter energy bills from holiday lighting, especially when using high-efficiency LEDs.

Does Santa’s Lights Use Energy-Efficient Bulbs?

Yes. Every installation we complete uses our commercial-grade LED lights, which are engineered for brightness, durability, and low power consumption.

Celebrate the Holidays Without Energy Worries

The beauty of holiday lighting doesn’t have to come with sticker shock. A professionally designed LED display gives your home a warm, festive look while keeping your electric bill manageable. At Santa’s Lights, we specialize in energy-efficient installations that shine all season without unnecessary costs. Call (916) 365-4842 today or send us a message to schedule your free quote before our calendar fills up.