Every November the same questions come up at the till: Can I put these outside? Do they need batteries? How many lights do I need for my tree? So here's our simple guide to choosing Christmas lights. It's based on the questions we get asked most, and on the lights we stock in the Christmas shop.
1. Indoor or outdoor?
This is the first thing to check. Outdoor lights need to cope with rain and wind, so the box will say "indoor and outdoor use" and usually give an IP rating. IP44 or higher means the lights are protected against rain and splashing water.
Indoor-only lights are fine on the tree, the mantelpiece or a windowsill, but don't be tempted to string them along the porch. Water and mains electricity don't mix.
Most of the Premier and Spectrum lights in our shop, like the Premier 240 LED TreeBrights, work indoors and outdoors. Each product page tells you which.
2. Mains or battery?
Mains lights plug into a socket, usually through a small transformer that turns the power down to a safe low voltage. They're the best choice for trees, hedges and anything that needs to stay lit all evening. There are no batteries to replace and they're cheap to run with LEDs.
Battery lights are perfect where there's no socket nearby: wreaths on the front door, table centrepieces, window displays, or decorations like our set of 5 acrylic robins and the musical LED Ferris wheel. Keep some spare batteries in the drawer for Christmas Day!
3. Why a timer is worth having
Many of our lights have a built-in timer. Press the button once and they come on at the same time each evening, stay on for a set number of hours, then switch themselves off. Many Premier timer sets run for 8 hours on, then 16 hours off, but check the box for each product. A timer saves electricity, saves you going out in the cold to switch them off, and means the house always looks lit when you get home.
4. How many lights for your tree?
As a guide, allow around 150 lights per foot of tree. For a typical 6–7 ft tree, 1,000 lights gives a lovely, full glow.
4–5 ft tree: 600–750 lights. Try the 1000 LED TreeBrights for a full look, or two sets of the 240 LED TreeBrights for a lighter sparkle.
6–7 ft tree: 1,000 lights. The 1000 LED TreeBrights is made for it.
8–9 ft tree: 1,500–2,000 lights. Try the 2000 LED Multi Action TreeBrights or the Twin Pack (2 × 1000).
10 ft and up: 2,000–3,000 lights. Try the Cluster + TreeBrights bundle (3,000 LEDs).
Tip: start at the base of the trunk and work up, weaving the lights in towards the trunk and back out along each branch. It gives a much richer glow than wrapping round the outside.
5. Warm white or coloured?
Warm white gives that classic, cosy candle-like glow and suits most homes and natural trees. Coloured and multi-action lights (which twinkle, chase and fade) are great fun for families and outdoor displays. Most of our tree lights have several settings, so you can switch between steady and twinkling.
6. Light-up figures for the garden
If you want the house to stand out on the street, a light-up figure makes a real statement. Our light-up stags, deer and fawn, swans and cone trees from Spectrum look stunning on a lawn or by the front door. Some of the larger figures are collection only because of their size, so just check the product page.
Come and see them lit up
The best way to choose is to see them switched on, and our Christmas shop on Main Street, Glenavy is now fully lit. If you can't make it in, you can shop the full range online. Delivery across Northern Ireland is £4.95, free on orders over £100.
Got a question about a particular set of lights? Call us on 028 9442 2826 or just ask in store. We're always happy to help.