Every December, Christmas lights illuminate homes, streets, and shop windows… but the same question always pops up: how much does this actually consume? Does it really affect your wallet, or is it such a tiny cost that you don’t need to worry?

The good news: if you use efficient technology like LED lights, the consumption is very low, even if you keep them on for many hours. Still, there are key details worth knowing if you want to decorate smartly and avoid surprises on your electricity bill.

LED lights vs. traditional lights: what’s the consumption difference?

A 100-light LED string uses between 5 and 10 W. That means if you keep it on for 6 hours a day throughout December, your cost won’t even exceed €1 on your electricity bill.

Traditional incandescent or halogen lights, however, can consume up to 60 W per 100 bulbs — 6 to 10 times more. If you use several old-style strings for many hours per day, you will see the impact.

Quick summary:

• LED lights → 80–90% less energy, longer lifespan, safer
• Old lights → high consumption, heat, shorter lifespan

How much does it cost to have Christmas lights on?

Here’s a quick example:

1 LED string of 8 W
6 hours per day
30 days
Average electricity rate: €0.14/kWh

Calculation:
8 W × 6 h × 30 days = 1,440 Wh → 1.44 kWh × €0.14 ≈ €0.20 per month

Even with 5 similar LED strings, the total wouldn’t exceed €1 per month. Simple.

Tips for decorating with Christmas lights without raising your bill

• Choose LED, always. They consume far less, don’t heat up, and last for years.
• Use timers. Program them to turn on only during key hours, like 18:00–23:00.
• Unplug when not in use. Small savings still count.
• Use natural light. In sunny areas like Costa Blanca or Costa Cálida, you can reduce daytime usage.
• Avoid overdecorating. A warm, simple design shines more than hundreds of lights.

What about outdoor lights?

Outdoor LED lights are designed for humidity and temperature changes. They remain very efficient even if they use slightly more power. Just make sure they’re energy-rated (A or above) and certified for outdoor use.

If decorating trees, facades, or terraces, reduce the lighting hours and avoid overloading sockets.

Do Christmas lights actually increase the bill?

If you use modern lighting and apply simple habits, the impact is almost zero. What affects your bill more is heating, appliances, and daily household use — not LED Christmas lights.

Christmas decoration doesn’t have to mean high energy consumption. Thanks to LED technology and smart usage, you can keep your home cozy and festive all December for very little money.

So if you thought lights would be expensive… don’t worry! What truly matters is choosing the right type and controlling how long they’re on.

And remember: it’s not the amount of lights that creates the magic — it’s how you use them.