The ‘hidden cost’ of Christmas lights

Christmas time, not so much mistletoe and wine these days its more LED lights and 1000s of them…

Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but one common festive habit could be quietly draining your wallet. Research analysed by TheCasinoWizard, reveals how a seemingly harmless tradition could add hundreds to your holiday bills—and it’s something almost everyone does.

Leaving Christmas lights on late into the evening or overnight might make your home look magical, but it’s costing you far more than you think. According to energy consumption data, LED lights left on for ten hours a day across the festive period could add between £50 and £70 to your energy bills. If you’re using older incandescent bulbs, that figure could easily double.

Here’s how it adds up LED Lights: On average, running a typical tree or outdoor display for 10 hours a day can cost up to £2.50 per week. Across the six-week festive period, that’s around £15 to £18 per display. If you have multiple displays, the costs soar.

Incandescent Lights: These use significantly more electricity, with costs averaging £5 per week—or up to £50 over the season per display. Coupled with rising energy prices in the UK, families could be unknowingly spending hundreds on electricity just to keep their homes glowing.

Three simple solutions to help save some festive dosh. Set Timers: Smart plugs or basic outlet timers can limit light usage to just a few hours after dark, ensuring your display isn’t draining energy overnight. Switch to LEDs: These lights use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Go Solar: Solar-powered outdoor lights can give you the same festive vibe without adding to your bill.