The Illuminating History of Christmas Lights ✨

Christmas is celebrated around the world, with the focus of the day on family and, for many, the birth of Jesus Christ. But few traditions capture the magic of the season quite like the twinkling glow of Christmas lights. To truly appreciate them, let's journey through their fascinating history—from ancient winter festivals to the dazzling displays we enjoy today.

Early Celebrations of Light in Winter

Long before electric bulbs, midwinter was a time of joyous celebration across cultures, honoring the return of light during the darkest days.

The Norse people of Scandinavia marked the winter solstice (starting December 21) with feasts and massive Yule logs—huge trunks burned for up to 12 days, bringing warmth, light, and communal cheer.

Meanwhile, ancient Romans celebrated with feasts for children and Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, again centering light as a symbol of hope.

The First Christmas Tree Lights

Many credit 16th-century Protestant reformer Martin Luther with sparking the tradition of illuminating evergreen trees.

Legend has it that, walking home one starry winter night, Luther was awestruck by twinkling stars through evergreen branches. Inspired, he brought a tree indoors and adorned it with candles to recreate the heavenly scene for his family—a tradition that endured for centuries.

Christmas in Early America

The Pilgrims weren't initially fans—Christmas was even outlawed in parts of the colonies from 1659 to 1681 due to Puritan views. But in places like Jamestown, it was observed, and attitudes softened over time.

By June 26, 1870, Christmas became an official U.S. federal holiday. Americans soon embraced gift-giving, cards, and decorated trees.

Early trees used real candles attached with wax or pins, paired with homemade ornaments that sparkled in the flame's reflection. Beautiful, yes—but risky and short-lived!

Between 1902 and 1914, glass balls and lanterns added safer, reflective charm.

The Birth of Electric Christmas Lights

The game-changer arrived in 1882, courtesy of Edward Johnson, a New York inventor and associate of Thomas Edison.

Johnson hand-wired his tree with 80 red, white, and blue incandescent bulbs—each tiny at just 6/8 inch. The mesmerizing effect caught on, leading to mass production by 1890 and sales by General Electric in 1903 (though pricey—many rented sets from stores!).

The first consumer pre-wired strings came from the American Eveready Company.

Christmas Lights Become a Tradition

Incandescent bulbs allowed trees to glow steadily for days, spreading the sparkle to homes, squares, and cities.

One iconic tradition started modestly in 1931 at Rockefeller Center, where workers decorated a simple tree. By 1933, it was lit up—and today, it boasts over 50,000 lights!

Modern Christmas Lighting Options

Today, choose from classic incandescent or energy-efficient LED Christmas lights in endless varieties: mini lights for cozy spaces, bold C7/C9 bulbs for vintage vibe, dripping icicle lights for eaves, and net lights for effortless shrub sparkle.

Inspiration for Your Own Display 🎅

Bring the magic home with stunning Christmas light setups! Here are some beautiful examples of modern LED displays to spark your holiday creativity:

A Tradition That Continues to Shine

The history of Christmas lights weaves together ancient rituals, innovation, and pure wonder. Their warm (or colorful!) glow welcomes loved ones and sparks childhood magic under the tree.

Whether incandescent or LED Christmas lights, they deliver the same timeless holiday spirit. Ready to create your own dazzling display? Shop now at Christmas Light Source! 🎄✨