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What Are The Best Permanent Christmas Lights?

October 17th, 2024 | 4 min read

By Nathan Dube

white permanent Christmas lights

When choosing the best permanent Christmas lights for your home, several factors come into play: installation preferences, budget, style, and desired features. Let’s break down the top options in the market, so you can find the lights that perfectly match your needs. Whether you're into DIY projects or prefer to have professionals handle them, there are solutions tailored just for you.

It's important to research these options before making a choice. If you just go out and buy the first lights you come across, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise. This could lead to paying way too much, getting the wrong type of lights, or getting lights that don’t have the proper functionality.

With our 20+ years of combined experience, we know exactly what you are looking for when searching for the best permanent Christmas lights, and we want to make your search as simple as possible.

In this article, we will review the best types of permanent Christmas lights which include: 

DIY permanent Christmas lights

1. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Permanent Christmas Lights

For those who like home projects and want control, DIY permanent Christmas lights can be a fun, affordable option.

Pros:

  • Cheaper upfront cost: Since you're installing the lights yourself, you save on professional installation fees.
  • Design freedom: You can choose exactly where to place the lights and customize them to your liking.
  • Flexible options: There are various brands, styles, and features to choose from, including some with smartphone app control.

Cons:

  • Time-consuming: Installation can be labor-intensive, especially for larger homes or complex rooflines.
  • Potential for mistakes: If you’re not careful, improper installation could lead to malfunctions or even electrical hazards.
  • Less polished appearance: While you can still achieve a great look, professional installations tend to be more precise.

DIY lights are a great fit if you’re handy, love customizing projects, and want to save money. However, if you want a flawless installation, you might prefer to look at professionally installed options.

2. Professionally Installed Permanent Christmas Lights

If you’d rather leave the installation to the experts, there are several options to consider based on the look and features you want.

A. (Single) 1 LED Outward-Facing Permanent Christmas Lights

These lights are designed to shine outward, making your home easily visible from the street. While basic, they’re bright, noticeable, and effective.

Pros:

  • High visibility: Perfect if you want your home to stand out from a distance.
  • Cost-effective: Since they’re simple in design, they tend to be less expensive than more advanced options.
  • Quick installation: Professionals can install them quickly, minimizing any disruption to your home.

Cons:

  • Basic design: If you’re looking for a more refined or elegant look, these may not be the best option.
  • Limited architectural accent: Because the lights only shine outward, they don’t highlight your home’s architectural features as well as other types. 
  • Damaged gutters: Drilled through gutters and drip edges resulting in exposure to the elements and ultraviolet rays.

(Single) 1 LED Downward-Facing Permanent Christmas Lights

B. (Single) 1 LED Downward-Facing Permanent Christmas Lights

These lights shine downward toward your home. They provide a more elegant and subtle look compared to outward-facing lights. 

Pros:

    • Elegant design: These lights create a sleek and refined appearance, perfect for homes with unique architectural details.
    • Perfect for highlighting features: They enhance the beauty of your home’s structure, landscaping, or other elements.
    • No damaged gutters: These are installed without being drilled into your gutters.



Cons:

  • Less visible from a distance: Because they shine downward, these lights are less visible from far away.
  • Slightly more expensive: The refined look and architectural focus come with a slightly higher price tag. They cost more because they are put in an aluminum track which is a more costly material.

3. RGB (Three) 3 LED Downward-Facing Permanent Christmas Lights

These lights use three different LED colors—red, green, and blue—to create a range of color combinations. They’re ideal for homeowners who enjoy experimenting with different lighting combinations.

Pros:

  • Versatile color options: You can change the colors to suit any event, not just Christmas.
  • Customizable displays: With RGB lights, you have creative freedom to design lighting patterns and effects.
  • Architectural focus: Like other downward-facing lights, these highlight the structure and design of your home.

Cons:

  • No true white light: If you prefer a clean, classic white for Christmas, these may not be ideal, as they struggle to replicate a true white.
  • More complex installation: Due to the advanced features, they may be trickier to install and require a bit more time.

blue green permanent Christmas lights

4. RGBWW (Six) 6 LED Downward-Facing Permanent Christmas Lights

For the ultimate in versatility, RGBWW lights offer six LEDs that are capable of producing 16 million color variations. These lights provide the ability to create both colorful and traditional white displays. 

Pros:

  • Unlimited color combinations: You can achieve any lighting color or effect you want, including true white.
  • Best for architectural lighting: These lights not only light up your home but also accentuate its design in a stunning way.
  • Top-quality: These are high-end, durable lights, built to last and impress.

Cons:

  • Higher cost: With all the added features, these lights come with a premium price tag.
  • Complex installation: These advanced systems take more time to install, and professional help is highly recommended.

halloween permanent outdoor lights

Which Permanent Christmas Lights Are Right for You?

When it comes to choosing the best permanent Christmas lights, it all depends on your preferences, budget, and how much effort you want to invest in installation.

  • For DIY enthusiasts: A DIY permanent lighting system might be the perfect fit. You can save money, control the design, and pick lights that match your style. However, be prepared for the time and effort involved.
  • For a sleek, professional look: Consider professionally installed outward- or downward-facing lights. These lights are efficient, elegant, and perfect for homeowners who want their lighting to look polished without the hassle.
  • For those who want cutting-edge technology: If you enjoy having lots of options and want lights that can change for every holiday or occasion, RGB or RGBWW lights are the best choice. They offer incredible flexibility and customization, though they come at a higher cost.

No matter which permanent Christmas lights you choose, they'll add beauty, convenience, and cheer to your home each year. Consider your needs and budget. Choose the best lights for your home. Enjoy the magic of having Christmas lights ready to go—without the yearly hassle of installation!

green permanent christmas lights

How Much Do Permanent Christmas Lights Cost?

This article gave you a good idea of the best permanent Xmas lights available today. But, you are probably wondering, how much do permanent Christmas lights cost?

Every home’s permanent Christmas lighting solution is going to be different. Every roof has a different amount of linear footage. Every home is unique. So, your cost for permanent Christmas lights may differ from your neighbors'.

Do you want to know the cost of permanent Christmas lights and what affects it? If so, you are going to want to read this companion article How Much Do Permanent Christmas Lights Cost?

This article will explain the factors that affect the cost of your home's permanent outdoor lights. It will also help you estimate their price.

 

Nathan Dube

Nathan Dube is the Content Marketing Manager at Lux Lights.