There are no rules against using Christmas lights year-round. In fact, they’re both functional and festive – making them a must-have for home decorating. Read on for our guide to getting the best use out of your Christmas lights all year.
Types of Year-Round Christmas Lights
Keep your light display timeless by doing away with holiday-specific light designs. For Christmas lights you can leave up all year, choose from these versatile types below.
Fairy Light String
Smaller LED bulbs give a softer and warmer gleam to both indoor and outdoor spaces. String them above your headboard, in teepee tents, or on undecorated wreaths, garlands, and shrubbery for a magical glow.
Festoon Light String
With larger bulbs perfect for stringing overhead across roof gutters and moldings, festoon light strings turn any space instantly festive. Use to illuminate al fresco entertaining areas or to cast a welcoming glow on your porch.
Twinkly Curtain Light String
Twinkly lights allow you to customize and program your very own light show. The cascading effect is perfect for blank walls or open spaces and allows you to make a colorful curtain to use as a backdrop for parties or DIY photo booths.
Lighted Decorations
Lighted décor in simple or classic shapes and designs can be used for most occasions, not just holidays. Create a charming year-round vignette by hanging groups of them from trees or porch beams, where they can serve as both décor accent and ambient light.
How To Use Christmas Lights Year-Round
Light strings add a cozy ambience to virtually any space. Check out these ideas and get inspiration for how you can repurpose Christmas lights throughout the year.
Create Festive Backyard Décor
Design a welcoming oasis where guests can relax from day to night. Cascading Christmas lights hung from tree branches evoke a magical atmosphere, while lanterns and garlands with fairy lights bring even more warmth to the space. You can also use Christmas lights to illuminate your shrubbery or pathways, helping guests find their way around your backyard.
Light Up Kids’ Tents
Turn merrymaking into magical memories with the help of fairy lights. Keep them handy for impromptu backyard camping nights or even indoor pretend play. Accentuate with lanterns and lighted wreaths and garlands for that cozy atmosphere.
Make Lighted Backdrops
Create a decorative conversation piece on a plain corner of your porch or patio. Use a cluster of lighted decorations hung at different lengths for a stylish look. Accentuate with pre-lit foliage for a vibe that’s simultaneously cozy and polished.
Dress up an Evergreen Mantel
Keep your mantel decorated all year with an evergreen wreath and garland lit up with the soft glow of Christmas lights. It is an elegant way to keep your plain mantel festive looking throughout the year, and it makes it easy to dress up this prime decorating area for each holiday that comes. Simply add ornaments or themed décor – the possibilities are endless. Add fresh or artificial blooms for Mother’s Day, hand-painted eggs for Easter, fake cobwebs for Halloween, and ornaments for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Consider it a blank canvas for your creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read on for insight into some common concerns about decorating with Christmas lights year-round.
What Should I Do About Old Christmas Lights? Can Christmas Lights Be Recycled?
If you’re figuring out what to do with old Christmas lights, first assess if they are still salvageable by troubleshooting as per the manufacturer’s guide. However, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw them out to prevent any potential fire hazards from old lights. Since they are classified as electronic waste, check with your local dump or recycling center to see how you can properly dispose of them.
Can Christmas Lights Stay Up Year-Round?
As shown by the ideas above, you can repurpose Christmas lights for various decorating projects throughout the year. You may also choose to leave up your simple Christmas light display and add seasonal or holiday elements as needed. Do note that you should choose high-quality and durable lights for outdoor display since they’ll be getting regular use. Consider also switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs.
What Are the Best Year-Round Christmas Lights?
Don’t skimp on lights if you’re planning to use them regularly. There are many light types to choose from, but LED bulbs burn just as bright as traditional incandescent Christmas lights while being more energy- and cost-efficient in the long run. Check out Balsam Hill’s extensive range of quality indoor and outdoor Christmas lights and you’ll be sure to find one suited to your needs and budget.
We hope this article provided valuable insight into all-year Christmas lights. You can also sign up for our catalog for more visual inspiration and information on our products. Wondering where to buy Christmas lights year-round? Tap on the icon below to see our selection of Christmas lights.
Learn More About Christmas Lights
Learn more about decorating with Christmas lights by reading the articles below.