Best Christmas Lights 2026: Indoor & Outdoor Options
From classic string lights to smart LEDs and projectors, we cover the best Christmas lights for every setup and budget.
Choosing the Right Christmas Lights
The right lights set the whole mood for your holiday season. But with hundreds of options—LED vs incandescent, string vs net vs projector—it's easy to get overwhelmed.
We've tested and researched the best options for every situation.
Quick Picks
| Category | Our Pick | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best String Lights | Twinkle Star 200 LED | $17 | Trees and indoor/outdoor use |
| Best Outdoor | Christmas Projector Lights | $33 | Whole-house coverage with minimal effort |
| Best Smart Lights | Twinkly RGB | $60 | App-controlled color shows |
| Best Icicle | Joiedomi 300 LED | $26 | Rooflines and porches |
Best String Lights: Twinkle Star 200 LED
Price: $16.99 | Rating: ★★★★½ (4.6/5)
These versatile LED string lights work indoors or outdoors and offer 8 different lighting modes. At 66 feet, they'll wrap a large tree twice or cover significant outdoor areas.
Why They're Great
- 8 modes including steady and various twinkle patterns
- Waterproof for outdoor use
- Memory function remembers your last setting
- Very affordable for 200 LEDs
Things to Know
- Plug-in only (no battery option)
- Green wire may show on white/silver trees
Best for Lazy Decorators: Snowfall Projector
Price: $32.99 | Rating: ★★★★½ (4.4/5)
If you want maximum festive impact with minimum effort, a projector is hard to beat. Stick it in the ground, plug it in, and project a realistic snowfall onto your entire house.
Why It's Great
- Covers up to 40 feet of projection distance
- Surprisingly realistic snow effect
- Built-in timer (6 hours on, 18 off)
- IP65 waterproof—handles real weather
Things to Know
- Needs an outdoor outlet
- Effect looks best after dark
- Bulb replacement can be tricky if it burns out
LED vs Incandescent: Which Should You Choose?
LED Pros:
- Uses 80-90% less energy
- Lasts 20,000+ hours vs 1,500 for incandescent
- Stays cool—safer and won't dry out trees
- More durable
Incandescent Pros:
- Warmer, more traditional glow
- Cheaper upfront
- Easier to find replacements
Our Take: LED is worth it for outdoor lights (durability matters) and tree lights (safety matters). If you love that classic warm glow for indoor accents, incandescent still has its place.