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National Christmas Lights Day

Light up your holiday season with National Christmas Lights Day! Get ready to dazzle friends, family, and neighbors with festive decorations.

Tuesday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEDecember 1

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSeasonal

SUBCATEGORYWinter

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to welcome in the holiday season with National Christmas Lights Day on Dec. 1! This day has been celebrated since the early 2000s and is a great way to honor one of the most popular traditions of this time: decorating your house with festive lights. Whether you prefer classic white bulbs or multicolored strands, it's always a perfect time for some fun and cozy decorations.

TIMELINE

National Christmas Lights Day Timeline

First Electric Christmas Lights

Thomas Edison introduces the first strand of electric lights during the Christmas season of 1880, replacing dangerous open candles.

First Commercial Christmas Lights

Edison's partner, Edward H. Johnson, created the first string of electric Christmas tree lights, which went on sale in 1890.

First National Christmas Tree Lighting

President Calvin Coolidge lights up the first National Christmas tree on the White House lawn.

Outdoor Lighting Gains Popularity

Safe outdoor Christmas lights were popularized in the 1950s, leading to widespread decoration of homes and neighborhoods.

National Christmas Lights Day Inception

The celebration of National Christmas Lights Day began in the early 2000s to honor the tradition of decorating homes with festive lights.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Christmas Lights Day

String lights around your home

Whether you choose to go for a classic white Christmas theme or something more colorful, stringing lights around your home is a great way to celebrate National Christmas Lights Day.

HOST

Host a decorating party

Invite over friends and family and have a decorating party. Have everyone bring their own set of lights and decorations. Get creative and make it fun.

VISIT

Visit local holiday light displays

Check out your local town or city to find any holiday light displays or events that are happening near you. Many cities and towns will have festive light shows, parades, or other holiday celebrations.

CREATE

Create a light show

Design your own light show with synchronized lights or even lasers! You can create all sorts of different effects with the help of technology.

DONATE

Donate to organizations that provide holiday lights

There are many charities that provide holiday lights to families in need all over the world. Consider donating money or lights to these organizations to help spread some cheer this holiday season.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Christmas Lights Day

Christmas lights add beauty to any space

Holiday lighting can make any space more festive and inviting. Whether you're hanging up a few string lights indoors or dressing up your backyard for a block party, Christmas lights will add all the cheer you need! Plus, there are so many different options available - from LED bulbs to icicle lights - making it easy to find exactly what you need for your celebration.

Christmas lights are beautiful

There's something special about the sight of Christmas lights twinkling in the night sky. Whether it's a lighted tree in your living room or strings of lights adorning your home's exterior, holiday lighting helps create an atmosphere that is truly magical and brings joy to everyone who sees them.

Christmas lights bring people together

One of the best parts about National Christmas Lights Day is that it encourages us to come together with our family and friends to decorate our homes and yards in festive holiday lighting. There's nothing like being outside on a winter night, adorned with bright and cheerful lighting, and enjoying the company of your loved ones.