Christmas Lights Day - December 1
Mon, Dec 1, 2025

Christmas Lights Day

National Christmas Lights Day is observed in the United States on December 1 each year. It’s time to celebrate the season by decorating your home and yard with festive lights! We all look forward to this wonderful time of year to enjoy the beautiful glow.

History

Before electric lights, Christmas trees were decorated with candles. While beautiful, they posed a serious fire risk. In 1880, Thomas Edison created the first electric Christmas lights and adorned his laboratory with them. Americans were initially cautious, but their safety and charm soon won hearts. In 1903, General Electric began mass-producing affordable electric Christmas lights, making them widely available. In 1917, 15-year-old Albert Sadacca innovated the light garland by connecting strings of electric bulbs into a single decorative strand.

Interesting Facts

  • The tradition of decorating Christmas trees with candles originated in Germany in the 17th century.
  • In the 1920s, the National Outfit Manufacturers Association (NOMA) introduced multi-colored Christmas lights.
  • Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) became commercially available for holiday lights in 1998, offering greater safety and energy efficiency.

How to Take Part

On National Christmas Lights Day, decorate your house or yard with lights and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Take a walk around the neighborhood to admire displays, or team up with neighbors to create a coordinated light show. Share photos on social media to spread holiday cheer!

When is Christmas Lights Day in 2025?

Christmas Lights Day is observed on December 1 each year.

Observations

Weekday Month Day Year
Monday December 1 2025
Tuesday December 1 2026
Wednesday December 1 2027
Friday December 1 2028
Saturday December 1 2029