How Much Do Christmas Lights Cost to Run in the UK?
Every December the same argument starts in my house.
The kids want the full festive glow. I start mentally calculating the electricity bill.
If you’re searching how much do Christmas lights cost to run, here’s the truth:
They’re far cheaper than most people think.
And unfortunately for me, that ruins my “we can’t afford it” excuse.
Quick Answer: Are Christmas Lights Expensive to Run?
No, not if you’re using LED lights.
Most modern LED Christmas lights cost:
• Around 0.5p to 1.5p for 6 hours of use
• Around 15p to 40p for the entire month of December
Even if you run multiple sets indoors and outdoors, you’ll usually struggle to spend more than £1–£2 extra across the whole month.
The real winter budget killer isn’t fairy lights.
It’s heating.
If you’ve read my breakdown on how much it costs to run a fridge freezer, you’ll know even appliances that run 24/7 don’t cost as much as most people assume. Christmas lights are in that same “sounds worse than it is” category.
How Much Electricity Do Christmas Lights Use?
LED Christmas lights use surprisingly little power.
Here’s a realistic guide for common LED sets:
Number of LED Lights | Approx Wattage |
|---|---|
200 compact LEDs | 3W |
1,000 compact LEDs | 6W |
1,000 standard LEDs | 6–9W |
Outdoor icicle lights | 10–12W |
To put that into perspective:
One old 60W filament bulb uses more electricity than six to ten sets of modern LED Christmas lights combined.
That’s the “aha” moment most people miss.
How Much Do LED Christmas Lights Cost to Run?
Let’s run the numbers using a typical UK electricity rate of 25p per kWh and 6 hours of daily use.
Example 1: 200 LED Lights (3W)
3W = 0.003 kW
0.003 × 6 hours = 0.018 kWh
0.018 × 25p = 0.45p per day
That works out at:
• Around 3p per week
• Around 14p per month
Example 2: 1,000 Compact LEDs (6W)
6W = 0.006 kW
0.006 × 6 = 0.036 kWh
0.036 × 25p = 0.9p per day
That’s:
• Around 6p per week
• Around 28p per month
Example 3: 1,000 Older LEDs (9W)
0.009 × 6 × 25p = 1.35p per day
That’s:
• Around 9p per week
• Around 40p per month
Even if you double that for outdoor lights, you’re still barely nudging your electricity bill.
For comparison, boiling the kettle a few times a day costs more.
If you’ve read my guide on how much a microwave costs to run, you’ll know short, high-power bursts of energy use are far more expensive than low-wattage items left on for hours.
The Real Bill Killer: Inflatables
String lights are cheap.
Fan-powered inflatables? Not so much.
A typical inflatable Santa runs at around 24W continuously while switched on.
24W = 0.024 kW
0.024 × 6 = 0.144 kWh
0.144 × 25p = 3.6p per day
That’s:
• Around 25p per week
• Around £1.10 per month
One inflatable can cost three to four times more than a large set of LED lights.
So if your neighbour’s garden looks like a festive theme park, that’s where the money’s going.
What If You’re Using Old 90s Filament Lights?
This is where costs jump.
Old-style incandescent Christmas lights can use 40–60 watts per set.
Using 50W as an example:
0.05 × 6 hours = 0.3 kWh
0.3 × 25p = 7.5p per day
That’s:
• Around 52p per week
• Around £2.30 per month — for one set
Swap those out for LED and you’ll cut running costs by up to 80–90% instantly.
If you’re serious about trimming energy use across the house, it’s also worth reading my breakdown of dehumidifier vs tumble dryer costs — that’s where real savings add up.
What About Pre-Lit Christmas Trees?
Pre-lit trees usually use between 10–15 watts depending on size.
Using 15W:
0.015 × 6 = 0.09 kWh
0.09 × 25p = 2.25p per day
That’s:
• Around 16p per week
• Around 70p per month
Still small change in the grand scheme of December spending.
How to Keep Christmas Light Costs Even Lower
If you want to squeeze every last penny:
• Use timer plugs
• Switch lights off before bed
• Stick to LED only
• Avoid mixing old filament sets with LEDs
• Check wattage before buying
We use timers in our house so everything switches off automatically at bedtime. No waste. No late-night “did you turn them off?” conversations.
Final Verdict: Can You Afford Christmas Lights?
Yes.
Unless you’re recreating Blackpool Illuminations in your front garden, Christmas lights will not wreck your electricity bill.
Even going all-in with multiple LED sets will probably cost less than a takeaway coffee across the whole month.
If your energy bill jumps in December, it won’t be because of fairy lights.
It’ll be the heating.
Unfortunately for me, that means I’ll have to find another excuse not to untangle them this year.
Further reading
If you’re interested in saving money, why not take a look at my posts on how to cut your heating bills and the best energy-saving gadgets?
FAQ
How much do Christmas lights cost to run per day?
Most LED Christmas lights cost between 0.5p and 1.5p per day if used for 6 hours.
How much electricity do Christmas lights use in the UK?
Most LED sets use between 3W and 9W, depending on size. That’s extremely low compared to older filament lights.
Are Christmas lights expensive to run overnight?
They’re still cheap, but running them all night will obviously double or triple the cost. Using a timer keeps costs minimal.
Do LED Christmas lights use a lot of electricity?
No. Modern LEDs are highly efficient and use up to 90% less electricity than old incandescent bulbs.
What uses more electricity — Christmas lights or inflatables?
Inflatables usually use significantly more because they rely on a fan running continuously.
