Find the perfect glow for your holiday décor!
There are many elements that make your Christmas tree the heart of your holiday décor. From ornaments to treasured heirlooms and meaningful handmade class projects, each memento can take you back to a nostalgic place and time as you unbox these keepsakes year after year. But just as important as the decorations adorning your tree are the lights that give it a magical glow. The right lights set the ambiance for your space and complement your decorating style. Whether you are looking to add a soft glow, a cheerful burst of color, or want the flexibility to change your look throughout the season, the right lighting can provide a beautiful centerpiece that’s suited to your home and the way you prefer to celebrate.
As you shop for a pre-lit artificial tree, you’ll see two common lighting options: incandescent lights, which create a glow from a filament within the bulb, and LED lights, which use energy-efficient technology to shine brightly with less power. From there, you can compare various levels of warmth and brightness, and decide on which color and light functions best fit your needs. We’ll walk you through your options, whether you’re comparing incandescent and LED lights, or choosing between clear, warm white, multicolor, and Dual Color® options. so that you can choose the ideal option for your tree to look beautiful in your space while feeling just right for the way you celebrate.
Not sure where to start? First, decide which type of light you prefer. Consider what you want out of your tree when it comes to energy savings, maintenance, and costs.
Choose Incandescent Lights if:
You love the look of a traditional Christmas glow and want a more affordable pre-lit tree as you browse. Incandescent lights tend to have a cozy, warm hue compared to LED lights (though many modern LED options now come close to the comforting glow of incandescent bulbs). Some incandescent trees also include blinking or twinkling features, giving you movement beyond a steady-on setting.
Incandescent-lit trees also tend to be slightly less expensive than their LED counterparts (although they’ll cost more on energy bills in the long run—keep reading!).
A common complaint about incandescent lights is the fact that one blown bulb may cause the whole strand to go out, but our trees, like the 6.5 ft. Pre-Lit Norwegian Spruce, should spare you that aggravation: If one bulb dies, the rest of the strand will stay lit. Many incandescent strands may require occasional bulb or fuse replacements. National Tree Company carries replacement bulbs for our incandescent and LED pre-lit models.
Choose LED Lights if:
You want more color flexibility, greater energy efficiency, and a lighting option designed to last. While pre-lit LED trees can cost more upfront, they typically use less energy over time and ultimately save you money on electric bills (depending on how many years you keep your artificial tree). LED lights are designed for longer-term use, lasting up to ten times longer than incandescent lights, which can make them a smart investment if you plan to enjoy your tree for many years.
LED lights emit very little heat, making them cool to the touch. They also tend to last longer than incandescent bulbs. Their colors are crisp and clear: While incandescent lights give you the cozy glow that you’ve come to associate with classic Christmas memories, LED lights have made major strides in warmth beyond the cold bluish-white hue they were initially known for. And while incandescent strands are strictly one color, LED lights allow you to enjoy the variety of switching between warm white and multicolor. Like incandescent lights, LEDs also allow for a variety of settings such as twinkle, fade, and color-changing modes.
Once you’ve narrowed down which type of light you prefer, you can decide which color options best fits your style.
Choose Clear Incandescent or Warm White LED Lights if:
You want a clean, timeless holiday look. Clear and warm white lights evoke a more natural, peaceful glow that won’t compete with ornaments or other décor. They work beautifully in traditional homes, modern spaces, or any room where you want your tree to be elegant but understated.
Choose Multicolor Incandescent Lights if:
You want your holiday tree to feel cheerful, nostalgic, and full of personality. Colored lights are especially fitting for spaces with playfully themed trees and pair well with vintage-inspired ornaments. The colorful lights bring a joyous energy to any room and help create a mood that evokes classic holiday memories.
Choose Dual Color® LED Lights if:
You want the best of both worlds! Use the warm white setting for a simple, cozy glow, switch to multicolor when you want something more festive, or choose pastel for a softer look. Many National Tree Company Dual Color® trees, including our Pre-Lit Downswept Douglas Fir, include ten light functions: steady warm white; twinkle warm white; steady multicolor; twinkle multicolor; steady pastel; fading warm white to multicolor; random fading; fading warm white; fading multicolor; flashing warm white to multicolor. You can adjust the mood with just the click of a foot pedal!
The lights you choose on your artificial tree will shape the feel of your holidays for years to come. It’s important to invest in the option that best fits your home, traditions, and style. Whether you’re looking for a classic warm glow, a cheerful multicolor style, or the flexibility of Dual Color® LED lights, National Tree Company offers pre-lit trees designed to help your holiday shine year after year.
Ready to find your perfect tree? Explore Pre-Lit Trees to compare incandescent, LED, clear, multicolor, and Dual Color® options!
