The best Christmas tree lights for 2024 - for every tree and table

The best Christmas tree lights should sit at the centre of Christmas. The holiday season hasn't started until you've unwound (and maybe untangled) your cluster lights, then debated how to sit them on the tree, and stood back to give an appreciative 'ooh' and 'ahh' as they twinkle.

Much as the best Christmas tree lights are pretty, they have to be practical. Be it string lights best on artificial Christmas trees indoors, or large bulb lights for outdoor Christmas decorating ideas there are plenty of tree lights for different decorating needs. 

I've been through all the best Christmas tree lights out there. I've tested the colourful vs bright white light debate; thought about whether they should flash and blink; and whether a remote is worth it. I've compared models for brightness, bulb shape, size, and features and come up with this quality, budget-friendly lust.

And if you’re not set on which style you’d like for your festive display, then we’ve spoken to the experts too, for their advice on which are the best Christmas lights to go with the latest Christmas tree decorating ideas.

Best Christmas tree lights: best indoor and outdoor sets

Since there are more than a few Christmas tree lights to choose from, I've looked to lights from the retailers we know and love, like Amazon, Balsam Hill, Lights.com, and more. They're available in both the UK and the US too – meaning no one has to miss out on the fun. Here are my top picks:

How to choose the best Christmas lights for you

There are lots of lights out there to choose from, and finding the perfect set for you, your tree and your home aesthetic can be tricky. There's color, type and style, length of lights and of course price to think about. Plus, the possibility of personalisation is an extra special touch to consider. So to help you decide, we've spoken to the experts below for their advice on which lights might be: 

FAQs

What kind of lights look best on a Christmas tree?

From Festoon and Edison styles to fairy and LED lights, there are lots of types to choose from when it comes to Christmas lights. There are long-length options or some with shorter lead lengths and smaller bulb sizes. If you opt for an alternative Christmas tree you'll have different needs again. But which one looks best on a Christmas tree? While we'd first suggest this depends on whether you've chosen an artificial or a real Christmas tree, it also depends on which Christmas tree theme you've decided to go for:

Cluster string lights: Simple yet effective cluster string lights are the most popular type of light to decorate the tree with. Available in every color you can imagine, with simple LED glass bulbs, they're classic and sure won't go out of style. Pablo Diaz Barriga, VP of International Business at Balsam Brands confirms "Traditionally, Christmas trees are lit with multi-colored or white string lights. Sizes can vary, but the best can be set to modes like twinkling, waves, and fade."

Micro LEDs: If you're wanting to bring a more cozy feel to your home this winter, Emily Kelsey, at Lights4fun, suggests, "The subtle green cable and delicate glow of micro LEDs will seamlessly blend in with your Christmas tree as they discreetly weave around each branch. Designed to be almost invisible when off and sparkle when illuminated, microlights also allow for easy decorating".

What color of lights are best on a Christmas tree?

Considering the rest of your festive decor and home aesthetic will help determine which color tree lights you opt for. "Do you use lots of colors in your decor?" asks Sheva Knopfler, co-founder and creative director of Lights.com. If so, she suggests "choosing multicolored lights to continue the fun. If you use more neutrals colors in your decor, white lights may look better with the aesthetic." 

The trendy Christmas tree decorations you've decided on will also need to work with which color lights. As Pablo at Balsam Brands puts it. "Your Christmas tree lights should complement rather than fight the baubles and other decorations you might hang on your tree. Colorful lights can look fantastic set against metallic golds and silvers which reflect the colors of the lights, or can be paired with colorful decorations for a nostalgic feel, for example."

But you also don't need to pick just one option because as Pablo and Emily both suggest, smart Christmas tree lights, like our number one Twinkly Lights, give you the option of choosing alternative color at the touch of a button. You can select from a wide range of colors, effects, and designs to customize your own Christmas tree display. 

How many lights do you need for a 7ft Christmas tree?

Whether you've opted for a small tabletop or a large 7ft tree, knowing how many lights you need for the density of your tree can make all the difference to the display. For example, Diaz from Balsam Hill states, "generally speaking, an average 7ft tree of medium density will need around 900 lights. For a brighter look, you might want to add more or less for lighter coverage." 

But it's also important to always check the length of the lights to ensure you have enough to get from the top to the bottom. Emily recommends, "using 20 meters of lights to illuminate a 7ft Christmas tree".