
Christmas lights have evolved far beyond simple white strands. Today, holiday decor boasts a vast array of styles, colors, and sizes of lights, ensuring there's something for every taste. To help you select the best indoor holiday lights for your needs, we've thoroughly researched and reviewed several options from top brands.
We examined key factors like bulb type, shape, strand length, power source, cost, and more. Plus, for additional expert advice on choosing and using your holiday lights, we consulted Scott McQuade, Vice President of Sales at Margie Mae’s Holiday Decor.
Our Top Pick
Wintergreen Lighting 5mm LED Wide Angle Light Set
Available in a variety of colors, these lights feature high-quality, moisture-resistant, and energy-efficient bulbs.
The bulbs can’t be replaced individually if they burn out.
For a blend of variety and dependability, the Wintergreen Lighting 5mm LED Wide Angle Light Set is a fantastic option. These energy-efficient LED bulbs give off a warm, inviting glow—free from the harsh blue light often associated with bright-white LEDs. Available in a range of 12 vibrant colors, from classic warm white to bold, bright hues, as well as multi-color strands, you’ll find the perfect fit for your display.
A typical strand consists of 70 bulbs spread across a 24-foot length. For optimal lighting coverage, you can connect up to 44 strands end-to-end, which is an impressive capacity. The bulbs are crafted with top-notch quality, featuring Energy Star-certified one-piece bulbs that are sealed to protect against dust, moisture, and corrosion.
However, a downside to this design is that the individual bulbs can’t be replaced. While the entire strand won’t stop working if one bulb burns out, that particular section will remain dim until you replace the whole strand. On the plus side, these lights come with a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Bulb Type: LED | Bulb Shape: Mini conical | Length: 24 feet | Power Source: Plug-in
Best Budget
Wondershop Mini Christmas String Lights
These lights are very affordable, yet still offer a good variety of color options.
Some users may find the ‘twinkle’ effect flickers a bit too quickly for their liking.
For those who shop for holiday decor just for the season, the Wondershop Incandescent Smooth Mini Christmas String Lights are a great budget-friendly choice. Featuring a classic look with slim, pointed T5 bulbs on a twisted green wire, these lights come in six color options, including three multi-color combinations to match your theme.
Two of the color options—white and multi-color—also offer a ‘twinkle’ effect. While the effect can add some visual flair, it tends to flicker too rapidly, creating more of a flashing effect that may not have the cozy vibe you’re after.
Each strand consists of 100 lights across a 21.12-foot-long wire, and you can connect up to 9 strands end-to-end. If a bulb burns out, the rest of the strand stays lit, though only a few spare bulbs are included in each box. While these lights are not meant for long-term use, they provide an affordable and timeless touch of holiday cheer.
Bulb Type: Incandescent | Bulb Shape: Miniature T1.75 | Length: 21.1 feet | Power Source: Plug-in
Best Twinkling
612 Vermont Clear Christmas Twinkle Lights
The twinkle effect is spread out and gentle, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
You can only link up to four sets together at once.
Achieving the perfect twinkle effect on indoor lights can be challenging, but the 612 Vermont Clear Christmas Lights hit the mark. Each strand features 100 lights, with 12 twinkle bulbs and the rest remaining static, creating a soft and subtle effect that still makes a noticeable impression.
Each strand measures nearly 22 feet in length and can be connected to others. However, if you plan to link several strands together, note that only four can be connected per outlet. These lights come in clear, with a warm white glow from their incandescent bulbs. The package includes two replacement steady bulbs and two twinkle bulbs, but additional replacement bulbs are not currently available for purchase separately.
Bulb Type: Incandescent | Bulb Shape: Miniature bulb | Length: 21.8 feet | Power Source: Plug-in
Best Large Bulb
Dazzle Bright Christmas String Lights
The faceted bulbs add depth and sparkle, available in a variety of vibrant colors.
The bulbs cannot be replaced individually if one burns out.
While the classic, pointed Christmas light design tends to be the most common, sometimes you need a more bold statement. The Dazzle Bright C9 Christmas String Lights showcase 100 large, teardrop-shaped bulbs per strand. To add more depth, the bulbs feature a faceted ‘jewel’ cut, offering a light-fracturing effect without requiring any twinkle effects.
These lights come in multiple color options, including two multi-color varieties (rainbow and red/white) and two different shades of white (one cool, one warm). Though only three strands can be connected, the 66-foot length of each strand makes this restriction feel less limiting. This makes them perfect for larger rooms, trees, or even outdoor setups, as they’re safe for outdoor use.
If you plan to use them outdoors, make sure to keep the power adapter dry—while the strands are water-resistant, the adapter is not. Another downside is that if a bulb burns out, it cannot be replaced individually. Despite this, these large, vibrant lights are sure to grab attention when used in your home or yard.
Bulb Type: LED | Bulb Shape: C9 teardrop bulb | Length: 66 feet | Power Source: Plug-in
Best White
Home Accents Holiday LED Mini Warm White String Light
You can connect up to 30 strands end-to-end.
The white hue isn’t quite as warm as you might expect from the name.
For the quintessential look of white Christmas lights, the Home Accents Mini LED Warm White String Lights deliver the perfect classic glow. Each strand is equipped with 100 mini bulbs, providing ample light wherever you choose to hang them. Plus, the ability to connect up to 30 strands from a single outlet makes them ideal for larger displays and decorations.
Whether you like the white hue of the bulbs depends on your color preferences. These LED bulbs don’t have the typical “blue” tone commonly seen with LEDs, but they’re also not as warm-yellow as the classic incandescent lights you might remember from childhood. Instead, they strike a balance, leaning more towards a ‘true’ white or ‘paper’ white. If this tone appeals to you, these will be a great fit.
Bulb Type: LED | Bulb Shape: Miniature bulb | Length: 34 feet | Power Source: Plug-in
Best Smart
Philips Hue Festavia String Lights
They offer a broad range of colors and patterns, with the added benefit of customizing the white light to your desired tone.
They are on the expensive side, even for smart lights.
For a step up in Christmas lighting, the Philips Hue Festavia String Lights are smart LED lights that feature 250 mini bulbs strung along a 65-foot cord, offering ample illumination for trees or large areas. These lights can be programmed to display an extensive range of colors, and they allow for color transitions and effects that can change depending on the scene, with the ability to use up to five colors at once. A standout feature is the option to adjust the white light, toggling between a cool tone and a warm, cozy glow.
Thanks to their smart capabilities, you can control these lights with the Philips Hue smartphone app, selecting from preset scenes or creating your own color schemes. They’re also compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, and you can schedule light shows or make real-time adjustments. Another fun feature is syncing the lights with your music for an immersive experience! Although they’re a bit of an investment, the variety and customization they offer could justify the price tag for those looking for a premium lighting experience.
Bulb Type: LED | Bulb Shape: Mini conical | Length: 65 ft | Power Source: Plug-in
Best Lighting Effects
Jmexsuss LED Indoor String Lights
These lights are available in more than a dozen color options and feature up to 11 distinct modes for varied lighting effects.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to link multiple strands together.
The JMEXSUSS Indoor String Lights bring dynamic motion and texture to your space. Available in over a dozen color options, including both solid hues and multi-color combinations, these lights offer 8 to 11 different lighting effects depending on your chosen color. Effects range from flowing wave patterns and slow fades to rapid twinkling, chasing sequences, and steady lighting. To switch between modes, you’ll need to manually press a button on the plug, as they cannot be controlled via smart apps.
These lights differ from typical indoor holiday lights by using a delicate wire to connect the bulbs, giving them a more subtle, “fairy light” look rather than the bulkier cords of other lights. This makes them more versatile for different spaces but also means the bulbs cannot be replaced if they burn out.
Note that these lights don’t support connecting multiple strands together, and about 10 feet of the length is just lead wire. Combined with the plug-in design, this may become cumbersome for large displays. However, for smaller spaces, they’re an excellent choice.
Bulb Type: LED | Bulb Shape: Fairy lights | Length: 43 ft | Power Source: Plug-in
Best Icicle Lights
Kringle Tradition Clear Icicle Lights
These short, connectable strands are perfect for decorating smaller indoor areas.
Even when linked together, the total length per plug isn’t very long.
While icicle lights are often thought of as outdoor decor, the Kringle Tradition Clear Icicle Lights are designed to bring that charming draped look indoors. Each strand is 8.5 feet long and features four different “icicle” lengths, creating a more natural, varied effect, making them a great choice for smaller spaces.
While the shorter strands are ideal for illuminating smaller indoor spaces, such as a mantle or small window, you can only connect up to three strands at once. This limitation results in less coverage compared to other options. However, this set stands out by offering a greater number of replacement bulbs than most brands, with six regular bulbs, three flasher bulbs, and two fuses included.
The incandescent “bright” white light may divide opinions. It's not as cold as the usual blue-toned LED icicle lights for outdoor use, but it also doesn’t match the warm glow of typical indoor incandescent lights. For those seeking a middle ground, this light strikes that balance.
Bulb Type: Incandescent | Bulb Shape: Miniature bulb | Length: 8.5 ft | Power Source: Plug-in
Final Thoughts
The Wintergreen Lighting 5 mm LED Wide Angle Light Set stands out as our top choice for indoor holiday lighting. With its wide color selection, ability to connect multiple strands to one plug, and energy-efficient, high-quality bulbs, it offers excellent value. For those on a budget, the Wondershop Incandescent Smooth Mini Christmas String Lights may not be as durable, but they still provide plenty of festive charm at an affordable price.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Indoor Holiday Lights
Type of Bulb
McQuade points out two primary types of bulbs: incandescent and LED. Incandescent bulbs have the classic warm glow, while LED lights are energy-efficient and tend to have a cooler tone. However, McQuade suggests opting for LED bulbs that use the latest COB (chip-on-board) technology, as these provide a brighter, warmer glow. He notes, 'These are perfect for creating a cozy feel indoors, especially on Christmas trees when combined with other lights.'
Bulb Shape
When you imagine holiday lights, you likely think of those small ‘mini’ bulbs on green wires. But according to McQuade, modern lights now offer much more variety, giving you the opportunity to choose a style that best suits your preferences.
“C9 Faceted LED bulbs are large and striking, making them ideal for creating a bold, vintage-inspired look on large trees or even outdoor displays. C7 bulbs are somewhat smaller, but share the same nostalgic charm that has made them popular for generations,” he explains.
There are countless other bulb shapes available, each with unique color options, sizes, and patterns. When selecting indoor Christmas lights, consider the space you want to decorate and whether the bulb shape aligns with the vision you have in mind.
Power Source
Indoor Christmas lights come in both plug-in and battery-powered versions. According to McQuade, 'Plug-in lights are best for bright, enduring displays, while battery-powered lights work well for smaller, portable decorations where cords may be a nuisance.' Your choice will ultimately depend on the space you’re working with and the availability of nearby outlets.
While plug-in lights are typically brighter, they do come with the potential hassle of tangled cords. If you’re looking to avoid outlet constraints, battery-powered lights are a great choice since they can be placed anywhere. 'However, you will need to replace the batteries regularly, and they might not be as bright as plug-in options,' McQuade warns.
Special Effects
Today’s holiday lights offer far more than just a simple white glow. Depending on the type, many come with exciting features like twinkling, flashing, color-changing, and other fun effects.
'Color-changing lights are a fantastic option,' says McQuade, 'because they allow you to switch hues without needing to swap out bulbs. I love this feature because it lets us enjoy a variety of colors without extra effort.' He particularly recommends twinkling and flashing lights if you want your decorations to feel more dynamic. 'Chasing lights are another fun effect—they create the illusion of lights running along the string, which looks especially magical when wrapped around trees.'
Questions You Might Ask
How long do indoor Christmas lights last?
The lifespan of your holiday lights depends on both the type of lights and how well you store them. According to McQuade, LED lights tend to outlast traditional incandescent bulbs, especially with proper care. 'Indoor LED Christmas lights can last about 6 to 7 years if stored in a dry, cool place after the holidays and aren’t left up year-round,' McQuade recommends.
What’s the best way to hang Christmas lights indoors?
Christmas lights can do more than just adorn a tree. When decorating around windows or doors, McQuade suggests using command hooks or adhesive strips to hang Christmas lights, as they 'adhere to walls without leaving any marks.' For added versatility, light clips can be used to drape lights over shelves or mirrors.
For ceilings or tougher surfaces, McQuade advises using cup hooks for straightforward hanging. He also reminds decorators to 'always make sure the lights aren't too heavy for the hooks, and avoid overloading a single outlet!'
Is it OK to leave indoor Christmas lights turned on overnight?
McQuade mentions that it’s generally fine for your lights to stay on overnight, particularly LED lights, as they remain cool to the touch. However, it’s best not to make a regular habit of leaving them on all night.
'For safety, consider using a timer to automatically turn them off after a while,' McQuade advises. 'Ensure your lights are safety-certified, such as being UL-listed, and avoid plugging too many into one outlet. If you're concerned, it’s always a good idea to unplug the lights before heading to bed.'
Take Our Word for It
This article was crafted by Amanda Prahl, a holiday shopping writer for Mytour with over five years of experience creating lifestyle content. To determine the best indoor Christmas lights, she reviewed a range of options from multiple brands, comparing them by bulb type, strand length, power source, and more. Amanda also consulted Scott McQuade, Vice President of Sales at Margie Mae’s Holiday Decor, to gain expert advice on choosing the perfect indoor Christmas lights for various needs and tastes.