Long before electricity, people brightened the dark winter months with firelight — from the burning of the Yule log to candles placed around the home. The first recorded candlelit Christmas trees appeared in Germany in 1660 and eventually spread across Europe, reaching the United States later in the century.
While the glow of the candles was festive, it also posed a serious fire hazard, so the light could only be enjoyed for a short time.
Christmas lights: a revolutionary spark
While Thomas Edison invented the incandescent light bulb in 1879, his colleague, Edward H. Johnson, created the first electric Christmas tree lights in 1882. He hand‑wired 80 colored bulbs around a revolving tree in his parlor, all powered by a generator.
Johnson’s lights were ahead of their time, as electricity was not yet routinely available, and electric lights were considered expensive. President Grover Cleveland and his wife, First Lady Frances Cleveland, helped boost acceptance in the 1890s, when the White House Christmas tree was illuminated with colored bulbs to delight their young daughters.
The tradition of outdoor light displays, which we now associate with driving around to view beautifully lit homes and 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 the 1920s.
LEDs, smart displays and sustainability
Christmas lights have come a long way. Today’s LED lights shine brighter than ever, creating beautiful displays while using less energy — and they’re built to last.
Every holiday season, millions of light sets brighten homes across the country. From twinkling displays set to music to TV favorites like ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” modern holiday lighting turns neighborhoods into dazzling shows filled with festive “flip the switch” moments.
Year after year, Christmas lights keep adding sparkle to our homes and our holidays. They bring warmth and joy to the darkest winter nights — a mix of new technology and timeless tradition that makes them truly magical.
