Choose a pre-lit tree for the look, glow, and setup that fit your holiday style.
There’s nothing quite like a beautifully illuminated Christmas tree. Lighting does more than just brighten a room. It can help set the mood of the season.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about pre-lit tree options, comparing classic warm white or cheerful multicolor lights, or searching for a tree that twinkles or alternates colors (some of ours can do both!), this guide will help you understand the features that matter most and which kind of pre-lit tree is right for your home and decorating style!
What is the difference between an unlit and pre-lit tree?
Artificial trees come in two forms: unlit and pre-lit. An unlit tree gives you the flexibility to leave it bare or add your own strands of lights. National Tree Company’s pre-lit trees are carefully designed with light placement that’s evenly positioned among branches, keeping their fullness and the tree’s height in mind, so the tree feels evenly illuminated. Pre-lit options also spare you from the annual task of untangling and stringing lights yourself!
The importance of a well-lit tree
Lighting is one of the most important features when it comes to a Christmas tree. If a tree has too many lights, it can overwhelm the rest of your festive décor. If a tree is too dim, it won’t “pop” in the same way a properly lit one will. Lighting color options also help tell the story of your Christmas vibe: Warm or cool? Classic or trendy?
In years past, most pre-lit trees came with incandescent lights in just one color option. Now, thanks to strides made in LED technology, lights can easily switch between white and multicolor at the click of a button to give you a range of options for the holiday season!
Types of bulbs
There are two main forms of lightbulbs that you’ll find on artificial pre-lit trees. Incandescent lights tend to be warmer (both in hue and bulb temperature) and rely on a filament to distribute the light through the glass casing. While a common complaint with incandescent lights is that they can go dark if just one bulb dies, trees like our reliable 6.5 ft. Pre-Lit Norwegian Spruce Tree with Clear Lights will remain illuminated even if a bulb goes out.
Unlike their incandescent cousins, LED bulbs use a light-emitting diode to cast their glow instead of a filament. While they can have a warm tone, LED bulbs are cool to the touch and don’t use as much energy (around 92 percent less than incandescent lights and they last nearly ten times longer!).
The “temperature” of the bulbs also impacts the overall appearance of the lighting. If you’re looking for a cozy vibe with a soft glow, it’s best to go with a warm-temperature bulb. Cool-toned lights are bright, but the colors themselves will have a sharper look to lend a chic wintry feeling.
Bulbs by the numbers
Regardless of whether the tree is lit with incandescent or LED lights, it’s important that your tree has the proper number of bulbs in relation to its size to ensure maximum glow. As a general guide, many shoppers look for at least 100 bulbs per foot of tree height, so a 6-foot tree would have around 600 bulbs. Tree shape matters as well. The slimmer the tree, the fewer lights it will need to achieve an even glow. Tree thoughtfully considers the ratio of tree height to light count when designing our products, so all of our trees are carefully crafted to include just the right amount of light.
Light settings for making merry
There are different light settings for different effects to consider as you choose your tree. Steady-on means that the lights stay lit with no movement. Twinkle settings give a shimmering blinking effect, while fade settings are programmed for lights to slowly brighten, then gradually dim. There are also dual-color options that allow you to alternate colors, so you can show off a colorful tree one minute, then a warm white one the next. You also have the option with a dual-color tree to leave the lights white, multicolor, or even pastel, or you can switch over to a setting that allows them to rotate. (Some of our trees, including the Downswept Douglas Fir Pencil Slim Hinged Tree with Dual Color LED Lights, have ten different settings, so you can get the most color and twinkle out of your holiday!)
We’ve made things easier when it comes to setup: Our PowerConnect™ feature, available on select trees, has a through-the-pole lighting system, which means you don’t need to connect multiple strands of lights when putting up your tree. (Check out our Pre-Lit Princeton Fraser Fir Tree with PowerConnect and Dual Color LED Lights). The less tedious work you have to do on tree-trimming day, the better!
Still deciding if a pre-lit tree is right for you? These frequently asked questions can help you compare the options before you commit:
What type of Christmas lights are the best?
That depends! For instance, incandescent lights may be a more affordable option if you’re on a budget. But when it’s time to replace your tree, keep in mind that LED lights will last longer, remain cooler, and save money on your energy bill in the long run.
Are LED lights worth the investment?
LED lights can be on the pricier end in the short term, but the energy savings when running them (they use 92 percent less energy than incandescent lights!) translates into savings on your electric bill. They also last nearly ten times longer than incandescent bulbs. So if you’re all about celebrating with a tree that’s consistently lit for the entire holiday season year after year, that may make LED lights worth the slightly higher cost.
What does dual-color lighting mean?
An artificial pre-lit tree with dual-color bulbs has the capability to illuminate with both white and multicolor lights. You can choose whichever hue you want at the flip of a switch. Our options offer 10 light settings, allowing you to toggle between options depending on your holiday style.
Can lights be replaced on a pre-lit tree?
Yes! National Tree Company carries replacement bulbs for our incandescent and LED pre-lit models.
Ready to find your holiday glow? Shop Pre-Lit Trees to compare lighting styles and features!
