How Much Do Christmas Lights Cost to Run?

Christmas lights can brighten a window, outline a building or turn an entrance into a festive welcome. What they cost to run depends on three things: the display’s total power, how long it stays on and your electricity rate.

You do not need to count bulbs by size to estimate the energy charge. Start with the wattage listed for the exact lights you plan to use.

A quick example

For illustration, a 100-watt display running six hours a day for 30 days uses 18 kilowatt-hours. At an example rate of $0.20 per kilowatt-hour, its energy charge is $3.60.

These are examples, not quoted utility rates or costs for a particular Dekra-Lite product. They cover energy charges only, before other charges and taxes.

Estimate your own display in three steps

1. Find the total watts. Use the stated wattage for each complete light strand or display component. When wattage is listed per bulb, multiply it by the number of those bulbs. Add the rated loads of the pieces you plan to run together.
2. Choose the operating schedule. Multiply hours per day by the number of days. A timer can help keep the display to your chosen schedule.
3. Use your electricity rate. Find the applicable per-kilowatt-hour energy charge on your bill or rate plan.

Estimated energy charge = total watts ÷ 1,000 × total running hours × price per kilowatt-hour.

A kilowatt-hour measures energy used over time. One kilowatt is 1,000 watts; running a 100-watt display for ten hours uses one kilowatt-hour. The U.S. Energy Information Administration explains these units.

Do LED Christmas lights cost less to run?

Compare the actual wattages of products that suit the look you want. If one complete display uses fewer watts and runs for the same hours at the same rate, its energy charge will be lower. An LED label or bulb size alone does not tell you the total load of your display.

Keep the purchase price separate from the running cost. A more efficient display can have a different upfront price; an energy-charge estimate does not establish its payback period or promise that two displays will look equally bright.

For shops, venues and larger displays

Your business rate plan may include time-of-use pricing or demand charges, so multiplying kilowatt-hours by one rate may not describe the whole bill. Check your applicable tariff or ask your utility how the operating schedule affects the charge. The Department of Energy explains commercial rate options.

Plan the desired glow and the operating hours together, then compare the selected products’ specifications. An energy estimate is separate from checking installation suitability, circuit limits and connection instructions.

Find the lights for your Christmas scene

Explore our LED Christmas light bulbs for the look you have in mind. Check the selected model’s wattage, base, voltage and compatible equipment before ordering.