The History of Christmas Lights


The tradition of Christmas lights dates back centuries. The first Christmas trees were decorated with candles, which were attached to the tree with wax or pins. This tradition originated in Germany in the 17th century, and it spread to other parts of Europe and the Americas over the next two centuries.

In 1882, Edward H. Johnson, a friend of Thomas Edison, created the first strand of electric Christmas lights. Johnson hand-wired 80 red, white, and blue light bulbs and wound them around his Christmas tree. This was a significant innovation, making Christmas lights much safer and more convenient.

Electric Christmas lights quickly became popular, and by the early 20th century, they were being mass-produced and sold worldwide. In 1909, the first electric Christmas lights were used to decorate the White House Christmas tree.

The 1920s and 1930s

In the 1920s and 1930s, Christmas lights became even more popular as they became more affordable and accessible. New types of Christmas lights were also developed, such as icicles and net lights.

The 1950s and 1960s

In the 1950s and 1960s, Christmas lights became even more elaborate as people began to decorate their homes with thousands of lights. Christmas lighting competitions were also held in many communities.

Present Day

Today, Christmas lights are an essential part of the holiday season. They are used to decorate homes, businesses, and public spaces worldwide. Christmas lights have also become more energy-efficient in recent years, thanks to the development of LED lights.

Here are some of the most popular types of Christmas lights today:

  • Icicle lights: Long, thin lights that hang down like icicles.
  • Net lights: Large nets of lights that can be draped over bushes, trees, and other objects.
  • Laser lights: Lights that project laser patterns onto walls, houses, and other objects.
  • Smart Christmas lights: Lights that can be controlled with a smartphone app.
  • Projection mapping: Lights create 3D images and animations on buildings and other surfaces.

Christmas lights are a beautiful and festive way to decorate for the holiday season. They add a touch of magic to any home or business, and they bring people together to celebrate the joy of Christmas.