Christmas Designers

22 years ago my plan was to take a temporary job with a Christmas lighting company. Make a little money to help pay the bills and then move on with my life. After all, no one can actually earn a living in the Christmas business. That’s just crazy! Well, here I am, more than two decades later. That temporary job...[...]

GFCIs and Christmas Lights - A Survival Guide When it comes to Christmas lighting and decorating, nothing kills a Christmas masterpiece faster than a GFCI tripping. All it takes is a little moisture sneaking into the Christmas lighting or electrical system and then BAM, in a millisecond, everything goes dark. The GFCI has decided that the mixture of electricity and...[...]

While Col. Harry Shoup sat at his desk at the U.S. Continental Air Defense Command at the height of the Cold War, he was probably hoping not to receive many calls to the red phone sitting ominously in the corner. The number was known only to himself and a four-star general at the Pentagon, a direct hotline put into place...[...]

It doesn’t matter how serious or passionate you are about your Christmas light display; If you don’t work like the professionals do, your results simply won’t be able to compete. Luckily, top-tier Christmas design doesn’t require complex techniques or dozens more hours of labor—it just requires using the right materials for the job. If you’ve been wondering why professionally-installed displays...[...]

If there’s one problem that has plagued nearly every amateur who’s ever tried to set up a top-tier Christmas light display, it’s what to do with extra light line. You don’t have to be a pro to notice it in your own neighborhood: Those points on an otherwise perfectly lit perimeter where the installer suddenly realized their string was several...[...]

No matter how wintry it is outside, folks will get heated if you bash their favorite Christmas movie. On the one hand, we’ve got the finely aged classics like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “A Christmas Story,” “Home Alone,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and, um, maybe “Die Hard.” Stack these up against newcomers like “Elf” around Christmas...[...]

It started back in 1983, when Chuck Smith of Franklin, Tennessee hooked up his Apple II computer to some Christmas lights. By his account, the resulting strobing, flashing light display was “truly amazing, but the most terrible thing ever seen for Christmas.” Next to the staid, static lights of his neighbors, he felt like a show boater. But just before...[...]

If you’re a Christmas enthusiast looking to up the ante on your annual light display, it can be difficult to know where to start. Maybe you’ve done a little digging, and have discovered the open industry secret that is empty socket light line. You know that the key to clean a display with no trailing lines is measuring out the...[...]

There’s nothing more satisfying than owning a business that provides a good living for you while making customers exceptionally happy. We know that feeling very well at Christmas Designers, because a Christmas lighting and decorating business is just that kind of enterprise. We get to earn money while helping people celebrate an incredibly important time of year. And as small...[...]

For some people, Christmas lights are an essential piece of the holiday season. For others, they’re a way of life. Get any seasoned light installer talking about their craft, and you’re sure to hear a barrage of unfamiliar terms, strong opinions, and unmitigated passion for their favorite hobby. But whether you’re a Christmas enthusiast on a mission to make your...[...]

What type of Christmas tree decorator are you? Does your tree reflect your personality? Maybe you match it to the decor in your home? Or maybe you go for a specific theme? Through the years the style of the Christmas trees has changed with the times and culture from a traditionally tinsel dripped creation with bold bulb lights, to something that's a personal...[...]

The holiday travel gauntlet is almost upon us. Before we tuck into our turkey dinner or tear a single shred of wrapping paper, we have to brave the chaos and crowds that go hand-in-hand with Thanksgiving and Christmas. The bad news is, if you’re getting on a plane this holiday season, there’s probably no avoiding the haggard hordes. Last year...[...]

The holiday season is the time when families bundle up, pile into their cars and drive around taking in all the glimmering holiday lights. But don’t forget: While onlookers are cruising through your neighborhood, they’re not just marveling at the animatronic reindeer — they’re also sizing up your curb appeal. After all, it’s impossible for them to “Ooh!” and “Aah!”...[...]

Thanksgiving is a perfect time to decorate with warm glowing accents. Fairy lights, string lights, and hanging lights create inviting spaces everywhere you look—especially at the table. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering together, showing hospitality, spending quality time, and reflecting on what we're thankful for. Setting an atmosphere for the occasion is important! Use string lights in your fall decor to...[...]

There’s nothing quite like a dazzling display of white Christmas lights. Indeed, it’s a great option for your holiday displays—if all you want to do is dazzle people. When you stop to think about it, you’ve probably seen white lights decorating restaurant patios and parking lot trees at all times of the year. There’s nothing uniquely “Christmas” about them. Outlining...[...]

Your Shopping Guide to Commercial Christmas Trees It’s hard enough deciding on a Christmas tree that everyone in your family will enjoy—for business owners, property managers and office managers who need to decorate retail and office spaces for Christmas, there’s a much bigger puzzle to solve. Commercial Christmas trees, also called Christmas tower trees are seen by thousands, even tens...[...]

Some would say that there are two types of people in the world, crazy Christmas people and crazy Halloween people, so maybe this just makes us crazy people but we love both! A fully decked out holiday home is just as important as a super spooky one in our book. Plus, decorating your home for Halloween is a great way...[...]

Fairy lights may arguably be the most versatile lighting style for decorating any time of the year. Their bendable wires allow them to be twisted and turned into any shape around anything and they have a perfect soft twinkling glow. However, their time to shine brightest is definitely during autumn! Fall brings back the romantic feeling of a crisp breeze and...[...]

If you haven’t looked at LED lights in the last few years, their uses in your home might be limited to holiday lights. We love that LED Christmas lighting has earned a top spot in holiday decorating for their durability, ease, and longevity, but there are many uses for LED lights. LED Christmas lights can provide your home with beautiful...[...]

You’ll hear it more than once from us here at Christmas Designers: At the holidays, you’re not just in the business of selling, you’re in the business of helping people celebrate. People are in more than just a shopping mood at Christmas. They’re in the mood to find the perfect gift for someone they care about. They’re in the mood...[...]

If you’re a business owner, you know how important the holiday shopping season is. It's that time of year many owners, especially small business owners, make the most profit. However, many struggle with how to attract customers to their store when it seems every business is working too hard to attract customers. At ChristmasDesigners.com, we understand the need for quality...[...]

A statement lighting fixture can really step up the style of a room, but it's hard to come by a light that's both bold and inexpensive. When it comes to making a decision to splurge or save on statement lighting, you should always consider a high-end do-it-yourself option. Using everyday items such as string lights in innovative ways can produce results that look as...[...]

We live in a world of stunning visual experiences—from CGI in movie theaters, to augmented and virtual reality you can enjoy in your living room, to the technology behind today’s breathtaking, eye-popping, gravity-defying theme parks. So why, in such a world, do American retailers still celebrate Christmas as if all we had available were extension cords and light strings? Strolling...[...]

You must be a Christmas decorating and lighting enthusiast, right? How do we know that? Because you’re here -- reading about decorating and lighting your house for Christmas. If you’ve never decorated your house in a real amped up way, you’ve come to the right place. At Christmas Designers, we can help you achieve your wants and desires for a...[...]

  Although we are in the throes of summer, winter will be here before you know it and it will be time to pick out the most noticeable symbol of the season, the Christmas tree. If you love having a fresh-cut evergreen tree in your living room for several weeks during Yuletide, then it is important that you know how...[...]

The Christmas season just would not be the same without shimmery, sparkly lights to illuminate everything and make the holiday even more shiny and bright. When it comes to picking the lights that will adorn your tree and home, you have many choices. LED Christmas lights are one of the best choices that are on the market today. If you...[...]

What is the difference between SPT-1 and SPT-2 wire? This is a question we get asked on a daily basis and anytime we write an article or put together a video about this topic, it always gets a lot of views. And the popularity of this information isn’t limited to only pro Christmas installers and Christmas enthusiasts, but is also...[...]

From pool parties to Christmas cocktail parties, a glowing garland is a perfect solution for any event's decor. It can be hard to find a string of lights for every theme, but the good news is you can make one yourself for just about any occasion! You just need a simple string of lights and a little imagination—it's easy! Here are some...[...]

Ah, the Parisian cafe, a locale which possesses a level of ambiance admired by all, with tables and chairs that keep friends and lovers seated close together placed on richly charactered cobblestone street side patios. And oh the lighting! Strings of glowing bulbs swag and arch back and forth to create a ceiling of light that perfectly lights the faces next...[...]

Keeping your spaces glowing through the holidays and beyond is easy, in fact, you can install string light displays that can stay put during the holiday season and every season between. These looks can be permanent fixtures of your interior décor that keep your home illuminated and warm. Here are some easy installations to get you going and glowing! Classic String Light...[...]

A glowing yard is a staple of summer nights and warm weather gatherings. While glimmering string light canopies and zigzagging patio lights are stunning displays, your yard may not always offer the perfect space for creating such grand illuminations. Here are a few great ways to light up your yard, garden, or porch in simple yet beautiful ways. 1. Under-Umbrella Lights...[...]

One of the hardest parts about seeing Christmas go each year is letting go of our bright, glowing, cheerful decorations. We know it's considered (in some circles) "tacky" to keep Christmas lights up too long during the rest of the year...of course if it was up to us this would not be the case! Luckily, we have figured out some...[...]

Who knew the old Christmas tunes were so powerful? According to a study published in the Journal of Business Research, Christmas music can have an effect on our mental health, either triggering a sense of joy in its listeners or sadness and anxiety in connection with all things associated with the holidays. Let’s face it, you either love or hate...[...]

We're continuing our tour across the United States to bring the best and brightest Christmas attractions to you. Picking up in Mississippi, we'll weave our way around the Eastern half of the US, stopping at some amazing holiday lights and sights, until we make it to Florida. We hope each stop fills you with joy and inspiration this holiday season...[...]

Christmas trees add lots of joy and beauty to our households every holiday season. But let’s face it – they also add a bit of risk. By just heeding a few common sense Christmas tree safety tips, you can help ensure that the most wonderful time of the year doesn’t turn into the most tragic. Christmas Tree Safety is Worth...[...]

Every year, the Christmas season brings a sense of joy and cheer to millions of people all around the world. But, apparently, it also brings with it some very...inappropriate...advertisements. From firearms to naughty Santas and everything in between, we hope these inappropriate Christmas ads show you that the Christmas season can bring something else besides joy and cheer: unadulterated laughter...[...]

We're touring 21-states worth of dazzling light displays starting in Texas, heading westward, and looping back around and down to Louisiana. View LED forest, enchanted train rides, and luminous desserts from the comfort of your own home. Take some notes while you're at it, these bold light shows may inspire you to take your own holiday display to the next...[...]

  Multiple colors of white LEDs can be used when done properly. In the above picture, 2800 Kelvin Warm Whites are complemented by trees with 6000 Kelvin Cool White. How many different ways can you say "white"? Really only one way - assuming you're speaking only one language. How many different ways can you 'see' white? Lots of different ways...[...]

Who knew Christmas lights could be so powerful? According to David Sloan Wilson, an evolutionary biologist at Binghamton University in New York, the density of Christmas decorations in a city or town can demonstrate the strength of its community. "It turns out that this urge to decorate your house is an expression of neighborliness." says Wilson. "Some of the best...[...]

Which grade of Christmas Designers' LED Christmas lights will be the just right lights for you? As you likely know if you're already a Christmas Designers’ customer, we offer two different grades of LED Christmas lights: a Retail Grade and a Pro Grade. We offer the two different grades of LED lights simply for the convenience of our customers; we...[...]

The Christmas season is known for bringing happy, joyous, and above all else heart-warming advertisements, the kind you actually like watching because they make you feel good. But not everyone gets it right. Some are bad, cringeworthy, downright shocking, and even confusing. Luckily, though, these ads are also typically something else: highly entertaining for all the wrong reasons. That’s why...[...]

One of the best feelings that the holiday season offers is familiarity. You see the faces of your closest friends and family, you feast on the delicious dishes that you wait to eat again year after year, and you’ll lie restlessly awake on Christmas Eve, finding it hard to fall asleep before the big day at any age. Christmas is...[...]

If you’re like me, you grew up surrounded by Christmas lights every December– and you loved it. From the smell of evergreen trees to the nip of the cold Winter weather, when December rolls around we’re instantly filled with a feeling of warmth and joy because we know it’s Christmas time. Let’s face it, though, without Christmas lights– it just...[...]

We are gearing up for Thanksgiving and friends-giving celebrations around here. As much as we may be ready to fast-forward to the official Christmas season, Thanksgiving is its gatekeeper and we have to honor that. Plus, we wouldn't pass up a hearty holiday feast. Find a few favorite recipes from the Christmas Designers crew here and don't forget to hang up...[...]

In the long and interesting history of Christmas lights, nothing has shined as brightly as the light-emitting diode (or LED). But what makes LED Christmas lights such a powerful light source? And how are colors created in LEDs? The process that creates the light which emits from the LED is the same as with incandescent lights, electricity is consumed and...[...]

With an abundance of information (and misinformation) available on new and old lighting technologies, it’s hard to know which to choose for your holiday decorating. To help you make an informed decision of your own, below is some straightforward information on the types of lighting options available to you. LED   The term “LED light” refers to a lighting type that...[...]

Gathering, harvesting, giving thanks—these are the sentiments that autumn is all about. The cool weather and invigoratingly crisp air make it the perfect time of year for dining alfresco, gathering by the fire, and making s'mores on the patio. We have a few tips in preparation of your outdoor spaces for hosting friends and family this fall. Here are your...[...]

The cooler of our two seasons are arguably some of the most exciting times of the year for decorating. This is true for both residential and commercial décor and displays. It’s all rich colors, lush textures, and (our personal favorite) bright lights. String lights, in particular, have gained immense popularity in the world of cozy home décor and DIY decorating...[...]

Christmas traditions from around the world. Some are weird. Some are wacky. Some are wonderful. And some are all three!  Perhaps more than any other holiday, Christmas is a time of traditions. Many Christmas traditions are hundreds, even thousands of years old, handed down from generation to generation. The Christmas traditions that we practice here in America are quite familiar...[...]

C9 LED Retrofit Bulb Light Line versus C9 Stringer Light Sets When shopping for LED lights, Christmas enthusiasts and commercial Christmas buyers are often faced with a decision: whether to buy a C9 LED retrofit bulb and light line or a stringer light set. Or both! It's a question that can be rather confusing for a newbie to the world...[...]

Christmas is a time for good cheer…. It’s a time for people to come together and enjoy each other’s company, delight in the beauty of Christmas, and appreciate everything the holidays has to offer. ...but it’s also a great time for business. In fact, the holidays aren’t just great. For many businesses, the Christmas season is without a doubt the...[...]

For nearly a century, decorating our homes with Christmas lights and decorations has been an American tradition. What began in the 1920’s with the first residential light show eventually expanded to become a hallmark of suburban life over the next fifty years Christmas. But it wasn’t until the 70’s that America took its newfound Christmas lighting fascination to the next...[...]

Halloween Porch from Better Homes & Gardens   Halloween offers the potential to go about as crazy with décor as any holiday could. For as much as we know that there are Christmas enthusiasts, we know the die-hard Halloween folks are out there, too. The tough part about it is, it’s truly only one night. While Christmas seems to...[...]

It can be so difficult to find winter decorations that don't shout Christmas. Here are a few ideas around the house for tasteful after-Christmas winter decorations. Winter Home Decor Winter Decorations from The House of Smiths   Winter Mantle Decorations   Winter Tablescape   Winter Mudroom Winter Vases Vases make fantastic decor items because they can be placed anywhere around the...[...]

There's no denying it: this time of year can be just a little bit sad. Another wonderful holiday season has come to an end. All that remains is the clean up - and for some of us maybe a bit of personal recovery time, too! But though putting away your lights at season's end may not be quite as joyful...[...]

OK, fess up: Are your Christmas lights still up? If so, you're not alone. Christmas was weeks ago, and yet you can still find the occasional house with Christmas lights on display. No judgment being passed here. (Hey - we're in the business of selling Christmas lights. So it would suit us just fine if everyone left their lights in place...[...]

The Christmas season ended months ago. And millions upon millions of Christmas trees have long since been hauled to the curb; yesterday's symbol of holiday joy transformed in a flash to nothing more than today's trash. Seems kind of sad, doesn't it? (Unless, of course, you use an artificial tree. In that case, your tree is stored away all snug...[...]

No holiday is as fun and exciting for kids as Christmas. And a big part of the Yuletide excitement comes when it’s time to put up the Christmas tree. Christmas trees symbolize the magic of Christmas, and for kids, breaking out the Christmas tree ornaments means that the Christmas season has officially begun. You can make it even more exciting...[...]

Christmas Enthusiasts around the world put their creativity and love of Christmas lights together with the music of the holidays to create amazing light shows. Come see our collection of wild and crazy home Christmas light displays.     1. Preston Family in Kingman, AZ 2. Lights on Pascolo in Chaska, MN 3. Kloos Family in East Brunswick, NJ 4...[...]

The editors of The SweetHome were on GMA sharing their picks for the top Christmas lights on the market. After extensive testing, they chose Christmas Designers' 5 mm wide angle conical lights as the best outdoor Christmas lights!                                 Ganda Suthivarakom, editor of The Sweethome, and ABC...[...]

Add to Your Treasure Trove of Christmas Memories with Professional-Quality Christmas Light Photos Christmas comes but only once each year. And each passing holiday season offers you the opportunity to add to your stash of precious Christmas memories. But there's no better way to supplement those memories than through the magic of photography. The Christmas season provides many photographic opportunities...[...]

Christmas trees symbolize the magic and joy of the holiday season. So it only makes sense to provide your tree with the care that will help to keep it lush, green and lovely into the New Year. And doing so will bear benefits beyond just the appearance of your tree. Because a well cared for tree will also be less...[...]

  For hundreds of years, the go-to light for celebrating Christmas was the candle. The warm, cheery glow of candlelight no doubt added an elegant touch to many a Christmas tree in bygone years. But candlelit Christmas trees also sparked many a house fire that in a flash transformed a happy holiday into a terrible tragedy. All of that changed...[...]

Domenick DellaNeve passed away recently. You didn't know him; I didn't either. But he lived a long, full life. And from all accounts he lived a very rich life, a life that touched many others. I imagine that many people wouldn't have considered Domenick a particularly exceptional man - at least not in the (sometimes flawed) terms that society considers...[...]

Build excitement for the season by counting down the days to turning on your Christmas lights. Switch-on day: the day that Christmas lights are switched on for the season. It's a day that all Christmas Enthusiasts look forward to with great anticipation. Because for a Christmas Enthusiast, switch-on day represents the true beginning of the Christmas season. For many Christmas...[...]

We came across a recent news story that was kind of humorous, in a way. And in another way, a little bit spooky. We thought we'd share it with you. It seems that in the Philippines, the government takes the quality of Christmas lights rather seriously. According to the news story, a governmental department called the Department of Trade and...[...]

Much of the information we provide about installing Christmas lights and decorations is focused on homeowners. But that's not really fair! After all, millions of Christmas Enthusiasts aren't homeowners. Instead, they live in apartments, townhomes, and condos. But there's no reason that these millions of Christmas Enthusiasts can't participate in the Christmas decorating fun. Because even if you don't live...[...]

Perhaps one of the most spectacular and awaited times of the year is Christmas and all the days leading up to it. This is when the weather is starting to get a little colder and we are all starting to get into the holiday spirit. It seems like everywhere you look there is some happy reminder of this joyous season...[...]

Have you seen the Christmas comedy classic: National Lampoon's Holiday Vacation? If so, you're sure to remember Clark Griswold's ultra-ambitious Christmas light project for his home. His would be a home that could be seen from space, by golly. He had strung so many lights on his house that when they were all turned on, the power company had to...[...]

Your Christmas light display last year - was it all you had hoped for? When you stood back and surveyed your handiwork from curbside, were you satisfied with it? Was it everything you'd expected it to be? Or did you experience a tiny tinge of disappointment? Perhaps you felt that your display was missing something, just some final touch of...[...]

Christmas time is fast approaching and with it comes the time to start decorating!  For those full of the holiday spirit, decorating is a fun and creative time, and for those who are not quite in the holiday spirit, this time of year can be full of stress and hair-pulling. Regardless of which category you fall into, these 17 ways...[...]

So you're thinking of hiring a professional Christmas light installer to put up your Christmas light display this year? That's not a bad idea. In fact, it's a very good idea. Every holiday season there's a frightful rash of injuries, trips to the ER — and even the occasional death — as homeowners perform light installation chores that are very...[...]

Would you like to add a unique and enchanting dimension to your outdoor Christmas display this season? Consider hanging a number of animated snowfall tubes within the winter-bare foliage of your trees. Animated snowfall tubes - also called falling snow lights - consist of a series of brilliant white LED lights that illuminate sequentially from top to bottom within a clear...[...]

Ah, Christmas! For most people, it's the happiest time of the year. It's a time when people are friendlier, kinder, more generous and magnanimous. It's when the Christmas spirit almost makes the age-old wish for 'peace on earth, goodwill among men' seem truly possible. And the sights! Everywhere you go you can see stunning, jaw-dropping displays of Christmas lighting that...[...]

Today's question is one that we're asked quite frequently. Chuck in Omaha is the latest to ask us this question: How long do LED Christmas lights last? Before I get into the details of actually answering the question, I'd like to post a little editorial preamble… Be Careful Who You Ask We take pains here at Christmas Designers to be...[...]

Many people wonder how, as professional installers, we're able to quickly attach Christmas lights to brick, concrete or stucco. These surfaces can be difficult to work with and time consuming to install. This is where hot glue comes in. Using hot glue to attach lights to solid, non painted surfaces is quick, easy and very effective. This type of installation...[...]

Today we’re answering one of the most frequently asked questions we receive and that’s, what is the most popular style of Christmas light you sell? That's a question we get asked all the time by people trying to decide which lights they should buy. It's a natural question to ask, and it's also a very easy question to answer. Because...[...]

I work in the Christmas business all year long. And because of that, I think sometimes people wonder if maybe I get a little bit jaded about Christmas: Since I'm around Christmas-related activity all the time, doesn't that blunt the joy and excitement of Christmas when the holiday season rolls around? Nope. I'm happy to say that it doesn't. Mostly...[...]

It's Christmastime, 1880. A train full of weary travelers winds its way across the rural New Jersey countryside. Some of the passengers doze fitfully, lulled by the rhythmic clickity-click of the rails. Others gaze idly into the darkness, huddling against the cold. All is quiet among the weary travelers save for the occasional murmur of conversation and sighs of boredom...[...]

It's Sad, But Even the Christmas Industry Has its Share of Bad Apples A top-quality commercial Christmas tree is an investment that will pay many dividends throughout decades of service. But buying a commercial Christmas tree is a major expenditure. And for all sizable purchases, caution is warranted. That's because most industries have their scam artists and snake-oil salesmen. And...[...]

It's hard to believe, but another holiday season is just around the corner. Time truly does fly! But for Christmas Enthusiasts, that's good news. The sooner Christmas comes, the better. It seems the world is forever in need of that precious moment of peace and joy that Christmas always brings. And one thing we know about Christmas Enthusiasts: They're always...[...]

It's Never Too Early to Get Ready for Installing Next Season's Christmas Light Display As you read this, Christmas may be a ways off. But it's never too early to start planning for it. After all, part of what makes Christmas the most wonderful time of the year is the anticipation and the buildup. And no matter the time of...[...]

Use LED Christmas Lighting to Create a Warm and Cheery Ambiance for the Outdoors We're a big proponent of using LED bulbs for Christmas décor. But in truth, the very same LED bulbs that are used for Christmas lighting can be used for a wide range of purposes year round. One great example is using LED retrofit lights to cast...[...]

Christmas Enthusiasts are just like everyone else when it comes to shopping: we're all looking for the best bargains available. And that certainly applies to shopping for Christmas lights. Most Christmas Enthusiasts are willing to spend big bucks on their Christmas decorations. But like everyone else, they want the best value possible from each dollar spent. That's one of the...[...]

For some time now, lots of people -- us included -- have been heralding LED Christmas Lights as a wonderful innovation. We, and many others, have for years proclaimed LED Christmas Lights as a great boon to Christmas Enthusiasts. But some of you just aren't seeing it. Instead, lots of Christmas Enthusiasts remain unconvinced about the advantages of LEDs over...[...]

Let's just talk bluntly for a moment: Commercial Christmas trees are used primarily by businesses and municipalities, and they have a different mission to fulfill than private Christmas trees. Yes, both commercial Christmas trees and the tree in your home portray the spirit of Christmas. Yes, both trees can give people the warm fuzzies about the most wonderful time of...[...]

Have you considered starting a Christmas light installation business? If you're among the many people looking for a way to ramp up your income and be your own boss, it's certainly worth considering. The Christmas light installation business offers a unique opportunity because it doesn't require a large investment to get started. It also requires little in terms of prior...[...]

Do you pack away your Christmas lights at the end of each holiday season? Do you take them all down, carefully place them in containers, and put them in storage? Do your lights languish out-of-sight and out-of-mind, hidden away in the dark of a closet or attic from July to November? If so, what a waste! Why limit your lights...[...]

A pool party can be a great way for friends and family members to get together and have some fun while cooling off from the heat. With the summer approaching, these gatherings are going to play a big role in plans for many people. If you are planning one of these events and want to make sure that it stands...[...]

With the selection of modern outdoor lighting solutions, you have a variety of designs that are truly unique. Instead of the older designs that favored practical lighting over style, you can now choose from a range of lights that will allow the individual to add a more personal touch to outdoor spaces. The following includes some of the most unique outdoor...[...]

Pretty globe string lights are no longer used just for decorating the house and yard for Christmas. Many designs for outdoor areas, and a few inside, have come together using globe string lights, hung in an array of patterns to fit any area or event. Canopy Patterns When designing the canopy for any space, the first thing to decide is what...[...]

When deciding the main use of a pergola, people tend to focus on furniture needs, such as dining tables, outdoor patio chairs and couches, or barbecues and fire pits. And at times, lighting is not decided until the furniture is picked out, and must then fit in with the rest of the décor. Whether looking for something simple, elegant, or...[...]

What's the most popular part of a wedding? For many people, it's the reception. In recent years, in fact, there's been a rather revealing trend: couples are spending more on the reception, and less on the ceremony. Another recent trend is the growing popularity of outdoor wedding receptions. It's a great way to escape the ordinary and boring. As one...[...]

Our patio string lights might be among the most underused and under-appreciated products we sell. That's a shame, because these lights are also among the most elegant and stylish of the many varieties of lights that we sell. And patio string lights are certainly not holiday-centric; they're quite appropriate to use for parties, gatherings, and outdoor décor at any time...[...]

More than 75% of homeowners are making updates to their outdoor living areas, and many of them are turning to the latest trends in backyard lighting to determine what would best suit their needs. Houzz Landscaping Study Energy Efficient Exterior Lighting As more options become available, many people are choosing products that are all-around more efficient. LED lights are rising...[...]

Decorating the house for Christmas can be some real fun. With lights and decorations, the house gets a nice festive feel, and it helps everyone to get into the holiday spirit. While decorations and lights might be great to put up and nice to have around, nobody really enjoys the part where you remove the decorations and pack them away...[...]

For most people, decorating the home for Christmas is just a nice way to make the house a little more festive and spread some holiday cheer. For others, it offers a chance to go over the top and make a display that will really get some attention. Elaborate Christmas light shows are nothing new, but in recent years, it has...[...]

If you enter a frog in a frog-jumping contest in California, and your frog suffers the misfortune of dying during the contest, you can't eat the frog. It's the law. In Mississippi, if you bang your thumb with a hammer and let slip a foul word, you'd better be alone. Because if 2 or more people hear you swear, it could...[...]

Christmas is fast approaching, and for those still engulfed in decorating, the last couple weeks left may be more panicked than usual, especially for those trying to think outside the box for this year’s holiday décor. But all one really needs is an idea, one tiny detail, that just may bring together an entire room, or in this case, a porch...[...]

The answer is yes: most Christmas lights do contain trace amounts of lead. So do miniblinds. And some cosmetic products. And extension cords. And computer cords. And batteries. And the power cords of essentially every single item of electrically powered equipment in your home. And even the soil in your lawn. And that "lead-free" plumbing that delivers drinking water to...[...]

Christmas will be here before you know it. And this year, as always, lots of communities around the nation will hold Christmas lighting contests. It's become a very popular Christmastime tradition. And though there's only one first-place winner for each contest, it's a win-win for everyone involved - the participants, the spectators, and the community at large. But if you're...[...]

  Hi Jason, Can you explain why someone would want to use a 5 mm Wide Angle Conical Christmas light as opposed to the classic bulb design of the M5? - Chris Hi Chris, Thanks for asking; that's actually a very important question. It's important because I feel that lots of Christmas Enthusiasts as well as casual Christmas lighters are...[...]

We sell many wonderful products at Christmas Designers. But one of our very favorite products tends to fly under the radar a little bit. And that's a shame, because it means lots of Christmas Enthusiasts are missing out on one of the most delightful of holiday decorations: animated snowfall tubes. Enchanting, and a Little Bit Magical The very best Christmas...[...]

One of life's greatest joys for many Christmas Enthusiasts is decorating the outsides of their homes for Christmas. Getting all the lights out of storage, clambering up ladders, and attaching the lights to eaves and trees is a yearly ritual - one that spells the beginning of the holiday season for millions of Christmas Enthusiasts worldwide. But there's a problem...[...]

If you're a Christmas Enthusiast, you take a lot of pride in your holiday displays. You go through a lot of work to put them up every year, and endure no small expense in buying and maintaining them. And while you certainly enjoy the breathtaking beauty of your Christmas light displays, you get even more satisfaction from the joy that...[...]

This is the time of year that Christmas Enthusiasts dream about for months on end - it's time to decorate for Christmas. Part of decorating for Christmas, of course, involves shopping for Christmas lights. And that can be fun, too. But that fun can be spoiled - or at least tainted a bit - when Christmas Enthusiasts make some common...[...]

Long chains of leaves or flowers, known as garlands, have been around for centuries. They were originally used in religious ceremonies, but over time were more commonly used as decorations in homes and other buildings at times of celebration. They were worn during weddings and festivals, and adorned statues. Today, garland is most commonly used to decorate homes for the...[...]

Strength lies in numbers. Power derives from strength. These two truisms can help you elevate your Christmas light display from the ordinary to the exceptional. Unfortunately, it's a concept that too few Christmas Enthusiasts utilize in designing their light displays. The Common and the Ordinary We've noticed a trend as of late. It seems that the go-to color scheme that...[...]

Have you ever thought about how much of an impact the word 'style' has upon your life? Because it's certainly true that style does impact your life; it impacts all of us. The impact that style can have upon our lives is pretty substantial. In many cases, the influence of style can even cause us to do some rather strange...[...]

If you're an experienced Christmas Enthusiast, then you probably already know exactly what you're going to do for this year's Christmas light display. You've likely decided about the lights you'll be installing, and where you'll be installing them. But if you're a newbie Christmas Enthusiast, you probably don't have it all planned out. You probably don't know which lights to...[...]

Halloween decorating and light displays are increasingly found in neighborhoods around the country. As the light displays become more sophisticated, you find more Halloween enthusiasts lighting up their home and yard. Here are our top 10 picks for Halloween light displays in 2015. The Animated Ghostbusters At first glance, the lights display on this house appears to be just a...[...]

    Hi Jason, what is the difference in the Christmas lights and materials that professional Christmas installers use compared to what the average homeowner uses? - Henry Hi Henry, That's a great question. But like the answers to a great many of questions, the answer to this question begins with: "It depends…" Because in reality, you could break homeowners...[...]

Christmas is all encompassing. The Christmas spirit isn't something that you experience only at home. When it's that time of year, you feel the Christmas spirit all the time, and everywhere you go. So does everybody else. When people are out and about during the holiday season, they expect to see lots of grand displays of Christmas lights - and...[...]

Christmas is almost here again, which means it’s time to start thinking about decorations. But what to do? There are dozens of decoration types, including wreaths, lights, garland, and of course, stockings. And there are almost as many themes to organize those pretty props to make a mantel shine as brightly as the ever-popular Christmas tree. So, here’s a simple...[...]

Your Christmas light display last year - was it all you had hoped for? When you stood back and surveyed your handiwork from curbside, were you satisfied with it? Was it everything you'd expected it to be? Or did you experience a tiny tinge of disappointment? Perhaps you felt that your display was missing something, just some final touch of...[...]

Clark Griswold would be proud! So you think we sell Christmas lights and decorations? You think we sell bulbs and banners and bows? Cords and clips? Snowflakes and silhouettes? Timers and trees? Nope, that's really not what we do at all. And quite frankly, we wouldn't have much interest in doing that. It wouldn't be nearly as much fun...[...]

A Majestic Mountain Pine Commercial Christmas Tree creates a stunning centerpiece in front of Children's Medical Center in Plano, TX Are you shopping for commercial Christmas trees for this holiday season? If so, you probably already know that you have plenty of choices - too many choices, you might already have decided. But even if you've been somewhat overwhelmed...[...]

Have you included some of our LED Animated Snowfall tubes in your outdoor Christmas decorations? If not, you might want to consider doing so. Because snowfall tubes can add sort of a unique, mystical element to your outdoor holiday décor. If you haven't yet seen our snowfall tubes in action, take a look at the video above. There are many different...[...]

Are you thinking of starting a Christmas lighting program for your business? It's worth thinking about, because it's very much worth doing. Dressing up your business in Christmas lights and decorations can pay off quite handsomely. In fact, the Small Business Administration advises that creating a festive atmosphere for your business is one of the top 5 ways to attract...[...]

It's been a big summer for Christmas Designers. We've moved into a new warehouse to accommodate our booming business. And our family keeps growing, too. The newest addition to the Christmas Designers family is Vee Barrows. Vee will be based at our South Florida location. Vee will have a very important job at Christmas Designers: expanding sales. She is certainly...[...]

For all Christmas Enthusiasts, Christmas is truly a magical time of year. And for most Christmas Enthusiasts, the yearly tradition of installing Christmas lighting signals the beginning of that magical season. But there's a common scenario that's played out year after year among Christmas Enthusiasts: An enthusiast invests money on his Christmas lighting and outdoor décor. He pours hours of...[...]

Hi Jason, I'm making the switch to professional grade LED Christmas lights this year. But I'm perplexed by all the various lens designs and I'm at my wits end trying to figure out what is the best Christmas lights for outdoor foliage lighting. Please Help!   - Gary   Gary, this is a question that comes up quite frequently. And...[...]

Which LED mini light is the very best LED mini light? That's a tough question to answer! Because there's a jumble of variables to consider when selecting the best mini light for any particular purpose. But certain lights might be the better choice for certain jobs. So let's discuss the most popular styles of mini lights, and the advantages of...[...]

Done and Done. Out of the Old, and Into the New. Finally! We told you awhile back that we would be moving to a new (to us) warehouse. We were excited about it. It gives us more than 70,000 square feet of space. With 4,000 square feet of office space. The new warehouse facility is a huge improvement over our...[...]

There is nothing that can put you in the holiday mood like a Christmas tree. Putting it up in your living room and decorating it is a ritual that brings the family together and marks the true beginning of the season. Heading down to the local hardware store or garden center to choose the perfect tree, then sheltering in the...[...]

  And not just for big cities… Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on Christmas decorations every year by municipalities and communities of all sizes. But is it all a tremendous waste of money? Is it a frivolous frittering of public resources? Hardly. No matter where you live, dressing up your city in a grand display of Christmas lights...[...]

Christmas is a time of fun and festivities. It's a time of friendship and family. It's a time of peace and goodwill. But let's face it - Christmas is also a time of business. There's nothing wrong with that. After all, without the commercial aspects of Christmas, we'd be hard-pressed to be able to enjoy all the other aspects of...[...]

Wrapping outdoor trees in lights can elevate your outdoor party, wedding, or Christmas display from great to spectacular. It's a wonderful way to make sightseeing Christmas Enthusiasts say "ooh" and "ahh" as they slowly pass by your home. But for all the 'oomph' that wrapping trees will add to your display, it's really not a difficult task. Just follow a...[...]

A New Home AND New Family Members   It's turning out to be a BIG summer for the Christmas Designers team! We told you last month about our impending move to a big new warehouse. It's a 50,000 foot warehouse with room to expand to 75,000 feet. And what often happens when families move to larger homes? They get bigger...[...]

LED light adoption has increased by double from the figure from just a couple of years ago. Two-thirds of Americans have purchased LED lights for some part of their home, whether it is for the lights in the rooms, Christmas lights, or other uses. Osram Sylvania conducts a Socket Survey yearly to check on the lighting habits of Americans. According...[...]

As the old saying goes, there's a right way and a wrong way to do every job. And that's especially true for installing Christmas lights. In fact, for every type of surface to which you wish to attach a light, there's probably one right way and lots of wrong ways to do it. Choosing that one 'right way' will pay...[...]

If you're a Christmas Enthusiast gearing up for another great holiday season, you've probably got some decisions to make. And unless you already have on hand all the Christmas lights you'll need, one of those decisions will be very basic: what kind of bulbs to buy. For light lines that are used in outdoor displays, particularly for outlining structures, C9...[...]

Not so very long ago, LED Christmas lights were the new kids on the block. Traditional incandescent lights were the most popular type of Christmas lights, as they had been for many decades. But in just a few short years, that changed. LED lights became more and more popular. And now, because of the many unique benefits they offer, LED...[...]

If you're in charge of picking out the Christmas lights and decorations for your homeowner's association entrance, you have a weighty responsibility on your shoulders. That's because the entrance to your HOA forms visitors' very first impression of your neighborhood. And if you're not careful, you can give first time visitors the distinct impression that they're entering Scroogeville. But your...[...]

  Planning an outdoor party? Whether your party will be held on your patio or at some other outdoor venue, lighting can make all the difference in creating an elegant, ethereal atmosphere for your party. Lighting can take your party from ho-hum to unforgettably delightful. And the very same string lights that you might use to decorate your place for...[...]

  "Do You Sell Any Christmas Lights that are Made in the USA?" That's a question that we hear frequently at Christmas Designers, and truthfully - though we'll admit that we may get a bit tired of repeatedly answering that question - we're not really tired of hearing the question. The reason is because that question indicates some good things...[...]

Understanding the Differences Between Incandescent and LED Christmas Lights Once upon a time - and not so terribly long ago - candles ruled the roost when it came to decorative Christmas lighting. Candles, in fact, were the go-to choice for many centuries simply because they were essentially the only practical choice. But then an invention by one Thomas Alva Edison...[...]

First impressions are important. A wise old saying tells us that's true. And modern-day scientific research supports the wisdom of the old saying. That's why many homeowners associations spend a considerable chunk of change on making entryways appear elegant and stately. They understand that first impressions really are important. They understand that the entryway to their HOA can quickly plant...[...]

The kids are back in school, there's a nip in the night air, and football season is underway. That means that Halloween is right around the corner. And that's good news for most Americans. Everyone knows that the most popular holiday is Christmas. But did you know that the annual Fall Festival of Fright ranks third in popularity, just behind...[...]

You can do your part in shining a pink glow of hope upon the fight against breast cancer. Today - this very day - nearly 640 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States.* This hour - this very hour - more than 4 women will die from breast cancer in the United States.* According to...[...]

The Contest: At Christmas Designers we love our customers and that's why we're making it easy for one of our loyal fans on social media to win a $150 gift certificate to christmasdesigners.com It's easy to enter, just follow these steps: Fill out the contact form so we know how to get in contact with you if you've won the...[...]

Crafty ideas for Halloween Someone who likes to craft hardly needs an excuse or reason to pick up a project. However, if you need some inspiration or an incentive to get creative Halloween is the perfect occasion to get motivated. Halloween has an advantage of being flexible. It allows each person their own individual style while only making the request...[...]

Get a Head Start on Making this Christmas Season Special How was your Christmas last year? Was it great? Was it less than the best you've ever had? No matter what last Christmas was like for you, all that remains of it is the memories – lots of good memories, we hope. Christmases past, of course, offer us nothing except...[...]

Christmas trees, arguably, are the single most popular form of Christmas decorations. Ask any group of Christmas Enthusiasts to choose just one must-have item of Christmas décor, and most are likely to choose a Christmas tree above all others. After all, Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without a Christmas tree, would it? And some of those Christmas trees are B-I-G...[...]

Decorations that everyone looks forward to each holiday season. What makes Christmas so special? To be sure, there are lots of reasons that Christmas is such a special and unique time of the year for everyone. But part of the appeal of Christmas is the universal celebration of the holiday. Everyone gets involved - including businesses and cities. Take a...[...]

LED Christmas lights are great for celebrating all seasons.   According to an old song (and an even older book of the Bible), "to everything there is a season." That age-old wisdom also applies to modern LED lighting. For every season, there are colors that are most particularly appropriate. After all, we associate certain sights, sounds and moods with each...[...]

The emotional appeal of Christmas colors and why they make us feel good. For the past few years, our most popular color of LED Christmas lights at Christmas Designers has been warm white. The warm white LED light has a slight yellow hue that many Christmas enthusiasts describe as a warm color. For some folks some lights capture more of...[...]

Five tools of the trade that Christmas Enthusiasts rely upon for expressing their Christmas spirit. The spirit of Christmas - it's what motivates Christmas Enthusiasts. It's the Christmas spirit that makes the whole world a better place during that all-too-brief season of joy and peace. It's the Christmas spirit that makes the holiday season such a special time of year...[...]

Celebrate the traditions of the holiday season using LED lights, Garlands, and Christmas Wreaths.   Even in the midst of these dog days of August, there is a whiff of change in the air. The days are getting shorter and across the country, teachers and students are returning to the classroom. Yes, Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s...[...]

After being challenged by our team, Jason Woodward takes the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. For more information on ALS or to donate, please visit http://www.alsa.org.[...]

Is this year going to be your very first time putting up Christmas lights? Here's a little bit of practical advice for helping you off to a smooth start. OK, you've decided. This year is going to be the year you take the plunge. This year, you're going to join the ever-growing group of Christmas Enthusiasts who make Christmas so...[...]

The very best Christmas displays aren't only about colorful Christmas lights.   As any self-respecting Christmas Enthusiast knows, the primary colors of Christmas are red and green. But do you know why green is a primary Christmas color? It's because of the centuries-old tradition of making greenery a part of Christmas celebrations. It’s a tradition that took root through the...[...]

Doing Some Shopping For This Year's Christmas Display? There's Something You Should Know.     Psst. I've got a secret for you. Now don't share this with just anyone. But if you're shopping for Christmas lights and decorations, there's something you should know: buy commercial. Yes, that's right. Even if you're an individual Christmas Enthusiast purchasing lights and decorations for...[...]

Decorating commercial buildings with C9 LED Christmas lights is a great way to show your holiday spirit AND reap the benefits of customer goodwill.   As Christmas draws closer, you're probably laying out plans for your home's Christmas display. You're probably also thinking of ways you'll want to improve your display from last year, and inventorying your supply of Christmas...[...]

Christmas LED lights aren't just for Christmas. They can brighten your life all year round.   At Christmas Designers, we sell Christmas LED lights. But while we're obviously huge fans of Christmas, we almost hate to use the term "Christmas lights" when referring to the lighting products we sell. That term is so limiting. It's true that our lights are...[...]

Are you planning to buy LED Christmas lights this year? Avoid these common mistakes… The holiday season will soon be upon us, and that means that people will be buying lots of LED Christmas lights over the next several months. Not surprisingly, we think that's a good thing; after all, we're in the business of selling LED Christmas lights. So...[...]

  Since their introduction, LED icicle Christmas lights have become one of the most popular types of Christmas lighting. But in truth, LED icicle lights are great for creating innovative and eye-catching décor at any time of the year. Icicle light sets are composed of short strings of M5 mini-bulbs dangling down from a main line. The strings of bulbs...[...]

Does Christmas sometimes leave a nasty aftertaste in your mouth as the bills roll in and the interest expenses mount? If so, you might greatly benefit by planning a Christmas budget. If you head into the Christmas season without knowing how much you can spend, you might end the Christmas season feeling like Ebenezer Scrooge – haunted by Christmases past...[...]

Tips for Christmas preparation that will help you get the most out of this Holiday season. How time flies! Though it may seem as if the last Holiday season is barely past, the next will soon be upon us. For Christmas enthusiasts that's a good thing, actually it’s a great thing! The Holiday season is the best time of year...[...]

Battery LED Christmas Lights are Great for More than Just Christmas   Battery-powered Christmas LED lights represent the perfect marriage of two modern technologies: LED lights and small batteries. It's a perfect marriage because modern batteries last longer than ever before. And LED lights consume energy in dainty little sips compared to the guzzling gulps of incandescent bulbs. So battery-powered...[...]

Green is the new white, and that's why at Christmas Designers we strive to provide eco-friendly lighting products   "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas," The continued sentiment of generations of Christmas enthusiasts, both before and after Bing Crosby sang those lyrics in the immortal Christmas tune White Christmas. While most Christmas enthusiasts continue to long for a white Christmas...[...]

Christmas Designers is exploring the possibility of expanding their eCommerce distribution facility in Sherman, TX. The building being considered is part of the old Burlington Building Complex on the South Side of Sherman. The complex dates back to the late 1800s and is considered a historic site.[...]

How-To Tips for Hanging Christmas Lights on a Variety of Surfaces If you’re a fan of the National Lampoon Vacation series of movies, you probably remember Clark Griswold's Christmas light installation antics in Christmas Vacation. Old Clark made a number of buffoonish mistakes in that movie, all to great comedic effect. But in real-life terms, Clark's Christmas light installation techniques...[...]

Build-Your-Own C7 and C9 Light Lines: Not Just For Professionals When you're looking to buy light lines for your Christmas lighting project, your choices really boil down to two options: 1. Buy ready-made stringer sets that are ready to use right out of the box 2. Buy empty socket light lines, bulbs and fittings, and build your own custom-made light...[...]

Some people prefer chocolate. Some prefer vanilla. Some prefer strawberry. And some people prefer some other exotic flavor. If you ask people about their favorite flavor of ice cream, you'll get some pretty decisive answers. There's not a lot of wishy-washiness when it comes to favorite ice cream flavors. And similarly, there's not a lot of wishy-washiness when it comes...[...]

A child is born, a beautiful baby boy. As with most brand-new babies, he's the center of his family's attention. He's showered with the love of parents and grandparents, brothers and sisters. They dream the usual dreams inspired by the promise and potential of a new life: What will he grow to become? A schoolteacher? A scientist? President of the...[...]

  We all know that scene from National Lampoons when Clark brings out the tubs of lights, and to the utter dismay of his son, they are all tangled in a huge ball. Doesn’t really scream FUN! So, in order to avoid this scenario, we have a few great tips that are sure to make the weekend in November a...[...]

Minleon LED Retrofit Bulbs If you're a Christmas enthusiast shopping for LED Christmas lighting, you're faced with sort of a 'good news - bad news' scenario. The good news is that you have a vast array of products and price ranges to choose from. The bad news is that you have a vast array of products and price ranges to...[...]

  What's a Four-Letter Word for Christmas? The phrase "four-letter word" doesn't exactly convey a positive connotation, does it? It's a phrase that conjures up words that cause censors to bleep and mothers to scold. If you accidentally bang your thumb with a hammer you're liable to let slip one of those four-letter words. If you're a comic working blue...[...]

If you've spent any time at all on our website, you know that we're very high on LED Christmas lights. We consider them the far better choice over incandescents for Christmas enthusiasts and professional installers. And it's not just because we sell them. After all, there's still some demand for incandescent lights, so we sell those too. So whether you...[...]

Commercial Light Trees: Elegant and Durable Christmas Grandeur Our commercial light trees represent a study in contrasts: elegantly beautiful and yet cast-iron durable; adds a touch of sophistication and excitement to any Christmas display, yet astoundingly simple to assemble and install. These light trees are very popular in commercial installations, but they're also great for residential homes. We offer our...[...]

The Best Buys in Christmas Lights? Undisputedly LEDs. Here's Why… From candles to LED Christmas lights, a lot has changed in the past 100 years. For many centuries, if you wanted to light up your home with bright and cheery Christmas lights, you had one choice - fire. Lamps and candles were just about the only options available, with candles...[...]

If you're a frequent visitor to ChristmasDesigners.com, you know that we regularly post in-depth articles about the products we sell. But in this case, I'm posting a review about a product that we don't sell. Why would I do that? It's simply because I've been very impressed with this product. I was asked to review it awhile back, and I...[...]

  It’s no secret that LED Christmas lights can save lots of energy. In fact, depending on the type of light set, the energy savings can be anywhere from 80% to 95%. But if you're like a lot of people these days, when you hear numbers like this you probably just assume that it’s marketing hype, with very little basis...[...]

Full Wave LED Christmas Lights: A Quicker Flicker Can Make a Difference When you're shopping for LED Christmas lights, you should be aware of the difference between full wave lights and half wave lights. All LED Christmas lights are either full wave or half wave, and we do offer both varieties in our online store. All of the professional/commercial grade...[...]

C6 LED Christmas Lights Look Great in a Wide Variety of Lighting Applications C6 LED Christmas lights are also known as the diamond light thanks to the beautiful illumination created from the intricate facets on the surface of the bulbs. Everyone remembers the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It's the story of a little girl who (quite rudely...[...]

Commercial Outdoor Christmas Trees Generate Joy and Goodwill It's not always possible to have a live Christmas tree like they do at the Christmas Market in Dresden Germany. However, by choosing a quality commercial artificial tree, you'll get the beauty of a real tree, score points by being environmentally conscious, and all while still creating an amazing experience for shoppers...[...]

White is white, right? Wrong. When it comes to buying LED Christmas lights, if you want white, you're going to have to clarify that decision just a bit. Because as it turns out, there's really no such thing as "just white" - at least when it comes to LED lights. In fact, there are three variations of white LEDs: warm...[...]

Planning on buying some new lights for Christmas this year? Why not buy them early and get double-duty out of them? It's worth considering, because those Christmas light sets can also be used to make great Halloween light displays. Though no holiday is as big as Christmas, Halloween is pretty popular in its own right. And lots of people that...[...]

Best LED Christmas Lights for Outdoor Lighting Approach a group of experts in any field, and ask a question that begins with: "What's the best all-around…," and you're likely to end up with a lively discussion on your hands. That's because defining "the best" of anything is usually rather difficult. And the varying opinions and experiences of those with knowledge...[...]

Have a Holiday Ball With HoliSpheres When you buy Christmas decorations that are easy to use, easy to store, and suitable for use on many occasions throughout the year, you're getting great value for your money. And that's the case with Holispheres. Holispheres are simple in design; it's one of those products that make you wonder why nobody thought of...[...]

38' Outdoor Christmas Tree surrounded by NASA rockets at Kennedy Space Center, FL Commercial-Grade Outdoor Christmas Trees Offer Majestic Beauty and Provide a Magnetic Draw Know these 5 tips before buying one… The phone rings. I answer it. And on the other end is a voice of desperation. The conversation begins like so many other calls we receive: "Hi...[...]

M5 LED Christmas Lights Offer Great Versatility for Both Indoor and Outdoor Use   Is it an outie or an innie? That's a question that might cross one's mind during a bout of self-absorbed naval gazing. But it's also a question that might come to mind when you're planning this year's Christmas light display. That's because some LED Christmas bulbs...[...]

Once upon a time candles were used to add decorative lights to Christmas trees. There's no doubt that a Christmas tree lit with the bright and cheery light of candles was a beautiful sight. There's also no doubt that many a home was reduced to a pile of cinders and ashes as a result of the combination of candles and...[...]

When it comes to wrapping trees and scattering the foliage with LED Christmas light sets, most people, ourselves included, use 5 mm Wide Angle Conical light set. Conicals are by far the most popular LED set we sell and look great for foliage lighting. We also see a number of people going with M5 light sets, which have a similar...[...]

It's no secret that not everyone can install Christmas lights like a pro. In fact, most people are more than content to go down to their local big box store, buy a few boxes of inexpensive Christmas lights and randomly string them around their yard. But then there are those folks that don't just want to keep up with the...[...]

We've all see the businesses and homes that are outlined with absolutely perfect perimeter lighting. Every bulb is exactly in line with the next bulb and every dormer, ridge row and architectural structure is cleanly outlined with no extra cord or bulbs hanging off the end. When done correctly, perimeter lighting can take an ordinary lighting project and turn it...[...]

As professional Christmas installers, one of the most valued pieces of hardware that we carry with us are slide on plugs, also known as zip plugs or vampire plugs. Our toolboxes are always crammed full of hundreds of these handy little plugs. We've come to count on slide on plugs so much that we don't know how we ever lived...[...]

One of our favorite ways to install professional looking C7 and C9 perimeter light line is with LiteClip Strips. LiteClip strips consist of 5' plastic strips that are permanently attached with adhesive, staples or screws. Once the strips have been installed, you simply clip on the appropriate size clip for fast perimeter lighting installations year after year. Clips are available...[...]

Many people often wonder when is it appropriate to turn on my Christmas lights for the holiday season.... Traditionally, Thanksgiving weekend has been the unofficial start of the Christmas decorating season and many people light everything up even later, using December 1st as their target date. But recently we've seen more and more people begin to break tradition and choose...[...]

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is, "Do you sell made in the USA Christmas lights?" Many of us strive to buy USA made products as often as possible, and it can be frustrating when we have no other option but to buy something that was made in China, Vietnam or India. Most Americans that are at...[...]

Making sure you have adequate electrical infrastructure in place is critical in order to safely light up your home or business. In the third part of this multi part how-to Christmas electrical series, we're going to be taking a look at how to know if you have enough electrical infrastructure for your Christmas lights and decorations. In the previous...[...]

In part 1 of our Christmas Electric 101 series, we reviewed how to calculate how many watts and amps your Christmas lights and decorations are using. Knowing this helps you keep your lighting and decor safely lit without overloading any circuits or cords. If you've spent much time installing Christmas lights, then you've probably experienced the frustration of tripped breakers...[...]

One of the most valuable tools for serious Christmas enthusiasts as well as professional installers is a clamp meter. A clamp meter allows you to determine how many amps you have running through a circuit. While this can be useful, often times you will want to isolate your amp draw down to a single cord. Clamp meters are designed to...[...]

How do I calculate how much electricity my Christmas lights and decorations use? This is a question we are frequently asked. To help you understand not only how to calculate your electrical needs, but also how to use this information to make sure you are not overloading your electrical cords and circuits, we're putting together a multi-part blog series that...[...]

Are you ready to celebrate this very green holiday? Green Shirt to wear so you don’t get pinched – CHECK Plenty of Shamrocks – CHECK “KISS ME I’M Irish” pin (even if you’re not!) - CHECK Reservations for the traditional meal of corn beef and cabbage - CHECK Plans to attend a local parade – CHECK Green Beer – CHECK...[...]

When it comes to LED Christmas Lights, the lens design options are impressive. But at the same time it's confusing as to which design works best in various lighting applications. We receive a lot of calls and emails from customers that are overwhelmed by the number of options available for LED Christmas lights. It wasn't that long ago that Christmas...[...]

One of the most often asked questions we get from customers is, "How long do LED Christmas lights last?". This question is completely understandable. LED Christmas lights are not cheap and while everyone has heard about the great power savings and the recent improvements in LED technology, people are still concerned whether or not the upfront expense of buying LEDs...[...]

When it comes to C7 and C9 LED Christmas lights, you have a choice of either using a pre-molded stringer set which have bulbs that are already attached to the cord, or you can go with what is referred to as empty socket light line and add your own bulbs. Most professionals and experienced Christmas enthusiasts prefer the empty socket...[...]

Anyone that has ever installed Christmas lights has no doubt run into the problem of having one light bulb fall out of the line causing the whole set to go out. While the problem of one bulb burns out the whole set goes out is no longer much of an issue, outages caused by missing bulbs continues to be a...[...]

C7 and C9 LED Christmas lights are two of the most popular styles of Christmas lighting. Traditionally these larger bulbs were extremely power hungry causing high electric bills and making it difficult to install the lights when limited electrical infrastructure was available. However, now days with LEDs being so energy efficient, C7 and C9 bulbs have grown in popularity. Nearly...[...]

This year we've seen a huge surge in people buying LED replacement bulbs. These bulbs fit into any standard C7 or C9 light socket and offer 40% more illumination than standard LED stringer style sets. When buying LED replacement bulbs, it's important to understand that not all bulbs are created equal. By spending a few extra cents per bulb, you'll...[...]

A frequently asked question we receive on a daily basis is, "With LED Christmas lights, if one bulb goes out will the whole set go out?" The answer to this question is not as simple as it might seem. It all depends on what kind of outage we're talking about. Since the one piece LED bulb and socket design is...[...]

A frequently asked question we receive on a daily basis is, "With LED Christmas lights, if one bulb goes out will the whole set go out?" The answer to this question is not as simple as it might seem. It all depends on what kind of outage we're talking about. Since the one piece LED bulb and socket design is...[...]

This year we're featuring brand new C9 LED Christmas Lights that has already gotten a lot of attention on our website. This set has the best illumination of any C9 stringer set that we've seen. The best feature is the fact that the lens is threaded allowing you to remove it and replace the LED if it goes out. This...[...]

As LED Christmas lights have begun to outsell traditional incandescent light sets, more and more new sellers have begun to emerge into the online LED market with inaccurate claims on LED Christmas light specs. Although there are a number of reputable sellers throughout the Christmas industry, there are also a fair share of less than reputable sites making unrealistic promises...[...]

Installing a Male Slide on Plug Male and female slide on plugs are often used by professional Christmas installers. Slide on plugs allow you to custom make your own extension cords as well as custom cut perimeter light line for cleaner and more professional results. Slide on plugs are available in Spt-1 and Spt-2. If the cord you are using...[...]

We are often asked, “How can I start a professional Christmas lighting installation business”. Many people find great enjoyment in installing Christmas lights and decorations on their own home or business and it’s not unusual to wonder how those of us that do make our living doing this professionally actually got started. Just about everyone in this industry has a...[...]

Summer's Here!!! So many families I know will be off this weekend to have a fabulous time camping in their pop up campers, travel trailers and even tents! Setting up camp becomes a little competitive so why not add some festive lights to your awning or hang our G50 bulbs and light line betwen the trees to say "Our camp...[...]

LED Light Bulbs - 100 Years In the Making Being in the Christmas lighting and decorating industry, we're always talking about LED technology being the latest and greatest thing. Over the past few years we've seen a huge migration from old technology incandescent into new high tech LED Christmas lights. While many people are vaguely aware that LED technology has...[...]

This beautiful Oregon Cascade Fir Tree was a great addition to our product line last year. In comparison to our already popular Rocky Mountain Pine tree, the Cascade Fir offers three ply garland (as opposed to 2 ply); 53 tips per branch (as opposed to 31); and has a more downswept branch look for a natural appearance. An increase in...[...]

Warm White LED Christmas Lights Warm white is the most popular color of LED Christmas lights. It has a slight yellow hue giving it a warmer look that is closer to what most people are familiar with when using traditional incandescent Christmas lights. Warm White LEDs tend to be the most problematic color when it comes to color consistency. The...[...]

You have decided to get your banner program rolling but "What kind of hardware do I need?" This answer can be based on your long term plans or even your budget. Click on the link below to review our banner hardware explanation page. Banner Bracket Explanation Page Your banner hardware is your major investment. Once that's done, the opportunity for...[...]

Spring is in the air and summer is right around the corner! Don't leave your poles "naked". Once you have made your initial investment in the hardware, it is cost effective to keep your seasonal banners up! They are sure to add color and excitement to any downtown street, parking area or community. CALL FOR DETAILS! (800) 432-5139[...]

Christmas Designers strives to offer the best pricing on the web. We will continue to do so although we will be seeing a slight increase in our 2011 pricing. Prices will rise for several reasons: the U.S. Dollar exchange rate is down and continues to fluctuate, the international copper costs continue to rise, labor costs in China have increased and...[...]

I want to change the perimeter lighting around my house from the old style incandescent light line to new LED light line. What type of light line would work best for me? Christmas Designers offers LED light line in the three following styles: LED Stringer Sets LED stringer sets are the most popular option of LED perimeter style lighting as...[...]

Why? It is important to keep track of the age of your Christmas lights sets. Older lights are more prone to failure. By knowing the age of your lights; you can put the older ones in less visible areas and you will be able to replace the oldest lights with new ones as they near the end of their life...[...]

Large outdoor LED Christmas Tree designed for cities and businesses to bring some extra holiday cheer. Uses 90% less electric than traditional trees. Sizes from 16' to 100'. Custom options available.[...]

22 years ago my plan was to take a temporary job with a Christmas lighting company. Make a little money to help pay the bills and then move on with my life. After all, no one can actually earn a living in the Christmas business. That’s just crazy! Well, here I am, more than two decades later. That temporary job...[...]

GFCIs and Christmas Lights - A Survival Guide When it comes to Christmas lighting and decorating, nothing kills a Christmas masterpiece faster than a GFCI tripping. All it takes is a little moisture sneaking into the Christmas lighting or electrical system and then BAM, in a millisecond, everything goes dark. The GFCI has decided that the mixture of electricity and...[...]

While Col. Harry Shoup sat at his desk at the U.S. Continental Air Defense Command at the height of the Cold War, he was probably hoping not to receive many calls to the red phone sitting ominously in the corner. The number was known only to himself and a four-star general at the Pentagon, a direct hotline put into place...[...]

It doesn’t matter how serious or passionate you are about your Christmas light display; If you don’t work like the professionals do, your results simply won’t be able to compete. Luckily, top-tier Christmas design doesn’t require complex techniques or dozens more hours of labor—it just requires using the right materials for the job. If you’ve been wondering why professionally-installed displays...[...]

If there’s one problem that has plagued nearly every amateur who’s ever tried to set up a top-tier Christmas light display, it’s what to do with extra light line. You don’t have to be a pro to notice it in your own neighborhood: Those points on an otherwise perfectly lit perimeter where the installer suddenly realized their string was several...[...]

No matter how wintry it is outside, folks will get heated if you bash their favorite Christmas movie. On the one hand, we’ve got the finely aged classics like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “A Christmas Story,” “Home Alone,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and, um, maybe “Die Hard.” Stack these up against newcomers like “Elf” around Christmas...[...]

It started back in 1983, when Chuck Smith of Franklin, Tennessee hooked up his Apple II computer to some Christmas lights. By his account, the resulting strobing, flashing light display was “truly amazing, but the most terrible thing ever seen for Christmas.” Next to the staid, static lights of his neighbors, he felt like a show boater. But just before...[...]

If you’re a Christmas enthusiast looking to up the ante on your annual light display, it can be difficult to know where to start. Maybe you’ve done a little digging, and have discovered the open industry secret that is empty socket light line. You know that the key to clean a display with no trailing lines is measuring out the...[...]

There’s nothing more satisfying than owning a business that provides a good living for you while making customers exceptionally happy. We know that feeling very well at Christmas Designers, because a Christmas lighting and decorating business is just that kind of enterprise. We get to earn money while helping people celebrate an incredibly important time of year. And as small...[...]

For some people, Christmas lights are an essential piece of the holiday season. For others, they’re a way of life. Get any seasoned light installer talking about their craft, and you’re sure to hear a barrage of unfamiliar terms, strong opinions, and unmitigated passion for their favorite hobby. But whether you’re a Christmas enthusiast on a mission to make your...[...]

What type of Christmas tree decorator are you? Does your tree reflect your personality? Maybe you match it to the decor in your home? Or maybe you go for a specific theme? Through the years the style of the Christmas trees has changed with the times and culture from a traditionally tinsel dripped creation with bold bulb lights, to something that's a personal...[...]

The holiday travel gauntlet is almost upon us. Before we tuck into our turkey dinner or tear a single shred of wrapping paper, we have to brave the chaos and crowds that go hand-in-hand with Thanksgiving and Christmas. The bad news is, if you’re getting on a plane this holiday season, there’s probably no avoiding the haggard hordes. Last year...[...]

The holiday season is the time when families bundle up, pile into their cars and drive around taking in all the glimmering holiday lights. But don’t forget: While onlookers are cruising through your neighborhood, they’re not just marveling at the animatronic reindeer — they’re also sizing up your curb appeal. After all, it’s impossible for them to “Ooh!” and “Aah!”...[...]

Thanksgiving is a perfect time to decorate with warm glowing accents. Fairy lights, string lights, and hanging lights create inviting spaces everywhere you look—especially at the table. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering together, showing hospitality, spending quality time, and reflecting on what we're thankful for. Setting an atmosphere for the occasion is important! Use string lights in your fall decor to...[...]

There’s nothing quite like a dazzling display of white Christmas lights. Indeed, it’s a great option for your holiday displays—if all you want to do is dazzle people. When you stop to think about it, you’ve probably seen white lights decorating restaurant patios and parking lot trees at all times of the year. There’s nothing uniquely “Christmas” about them. Outlining...[...]

Your Shopping Guide to Commercial Christmas Trees It’s hard enough deciding on a Christmas tree that everyone in your family will enjoy—for business owners, property managers and office managers who need to decorate retail and office spaces for Christmas, there’s a much bigger puzzle to solve. Commercial Christmas trees, also called Christmas tower trees are seen by thousands, even tens...[...]

Some would say that there are two types of people in the world, crazy Christmas people and crazy Halloween people, so maybe this just makes us crazy people but we love both! A fully decked out holiday home is just as important as a super spooky one in our book. Plus, decorating your home for Halloween is a great way...[...]

Fairy lights may arguably be the most versatile lighting style for decorating any time of the year. Their bendable wires allow them to be twisted and turned into any shape around anything and they have a perfect soft twinkling glow. However, their time to shine brightest is definitely during autumn! Fall brings back the romantic feeling of a crisp breeze and...[...]

If you haven’t looked at LED lights in the last few years, their uses in your home might be limited to holiday lights. We love that LED Christmas lighting has earned a top spot in holiday decorating for their durability, ease, and longevity, but there are many uses for LED lights. LED Christmas lights can provide your home with beautiful...[...]

You’ll hear it more than once from us here at Christmas Designers: At the holidays, you’re not just in the business of selling, you’re in the business of helping people celebrate. People are in more than just a shopping mood at Christmas. They’re in the mood to find the perfect gift for someone they care about. They’re in the mood...[...]