Outdoor Light Displays and Novelty Lights
The tradition of outdoor light displays, which we now associate with driving around to see beautifully lit homes and visiting elaborate light shows, began in North America. This expansion was made possible by the development of safe outdoor Christmas light bulbs and light strings in 1927.
In the 1930s, novelty lights started to emerge, spreading holiday cheer and boosting light sales during the Great Depression. This era saw the introduction of snowman lights, icicle lights, and various other holiday-themed lighting representations.
The Bubble Christmas Light
After World War II, bubble Christmas lights gained immense popularity. These lights contained a mysterious liquid that would bubble and create a tinkling noise as the chemicals inside boiled. Produced initially by the NOMA electric company, they became a sensation in the late 1940s and continued to be used until the 1970s, with many still operational today.
Aluminum Trees and Rotating Flood Lights
The popularity of aluminum Christmas trees in the 1950s prompted Christmas light manufacturers to invent multi-colored rotating flood lights to enhance their appeal. This innovation also contributed to the use of similar lighting techniques in outdoor displays, making them more attractive and versatile.
Three guesses why electric lights aren’t great for silver trees? We own two of them and their sharp, pokey metal branches make electric light strings a risky proposition.
Not related to electrical concerns, they are also risky for toddlers and short dogs. We used short fencing in our house around our vintage silver trees when our boys were little!
Continued Advancements
In recent years, Christmas lights have shown no decline in their popularity. They continue to evolve in both design and function. Tube and track lighting, featuring small mini lights encased in solid plastic tubing, have gained traction. In the 1970s LED Christmas lights emerged as a more energy-efficient and visually striking alternative. (LED technology was developed in large part by science that got us to the moon. Space flight was related to Christmas lights?!) These lights create stunning displays at night, are energy efficient, and are very durable compared to their glass counterparts.
Anyone who has toddler-help with Christmas light installation can understand why polycarbonate plastic construction is important.
Christmas lights have become a symbol of the Holiday season, offering a versatile means of creating beautiful displays. Many families have transformed decorating the tree, their homes, and yards with Christmas lights into a cherished tradition, bringing together loved ones for the opportunity to see the “flip the switch” moment. As the years pass, Christmas lights continue to brighten our lives and homes, with new uses and creative displays constantly emerging.
Evolution of Christmas Lights Styles and Designs
Christmas lights have come a long way since the early days of candles and lanterns. Today, there are many different types of Christmas lights available, including:
Types of Lights
Incandescent (glass) lights: Incandescent lights are the oldest type of Christmas lights. They are made with a thin filament that heats up and glows when electricity passes through it. Incandescent lights are relatively inexpensive, but they are also somewhat inefficient and produce a lot of heat. That being said, many people still prefer their warm look. For small installations, glass bulbs & cords and glass string lights are an economic choice, especially for homeowners installing lights for the first time.
LED lights: LED lights are becoming the most popular type of Christmas lights available today. Made with light-emitting diodes, they produce light when electricity passes through them. LED lights are much more efficient than incandescent lights, and they produce little to no heat under operation. LED lights are also available in a wide variety of colors and styles
Style of Lights
Bulbs and Cords: C7 or C9 light bulbs are installed into commercial Christmas cords. This style of lights allows the ultimate customization. You can choose the color of cord and color and style of bulbs. In addition to the cone shapes, round bulbs are also a popular choice and look like candy along a roofline.
Mini lights: Mini lights are small, delicate lights that are often used to decorate Christmas trees. Mini lights are available in both incandescent and LED varieties. We love the traditional look of glass mini lights but appreciate the variety and durability of LED string lights.
Icicle lights: Icicle lights are long, strings of lights that resemble icicles. Icicle lights are often used to decorate roofs and gutters. These have a classic look and are fantastic mixed with net lights of the same color.
Net lights: Net lights are a type of Christmas light that is made up of a mesh of lights. Often the mesh is hand tied. Net lights are often used to decorate large areas, such as shrubs and trees. We love this style of light for last-minute Christmas decorating.
Christmas lights are currently available in a variety of different colors, including pure white, warm white, natural pure white, clear glass, yellow, red, green, blue, orange, pink, teal, and purple. Some Christmas lights also have different effects, such as flashing, twinkling, and fading.
No matter what type of Christmas lights you choose, we love that Christmas lights represent a tradition passed down through hundreds of years that started with candles and landed on semiconductors—for now. Lights are a part of the Holiday season that everyone looks forward to.