Oh, the weather outside is frightful… but the sparkling lights are so delightful! As the air turns crisp and the first flakes of winter start to fall, homes and cities around the world begin to twinkle with the warm glow of Christmas lights. From humble beginnings to the dazzling displays we see today, the history of Christmas lights is a fascinating journey of tradition, innovation, and creativity.
The tradition of decorating with light during the winter season is not a modern concept. It dates back many centuries to ancient civilizations. Back then, the use of light in winter celebrations focused on fires and candles which symbolized hope and warmth during the darkest days of the year.
In the 17th century, Christians began to adopt the practice of using candles to illuminate their Christmas trees. The custom is believed to have started in Germany, where fir trees were brought indoors and adorned with candles to celebrate the festive season. These early lights were often attached to branches with pins or melted wax… and yes, they posed a significant risk of fire, but people used them anyway.
The introduction of electric light in the 19th century revolutionized Christmas decorating. In 1882, Edward H. Johnson, a partner and friend of Thomas Edison, created the first-ever electrically lit Christmas tree in his New York City home. He used a string of 80 hand-wired red, white and blue bulbs that he strung around the Christmas tree and placed it in his parlor room window. The display quickly garnered a lot of public and media attention, setting the stage for the future of Christmas lighting.
General Electric commercialized this concept in 1890 by introducing for sale the first string of Christmas lights. The cost of these made them prohibitively expensive, especially for use only 1 month out of the year, but prestigious facilities such as the White House adopted them. In 1895 President Grover Cleveland introduced the first electrically lit Christmas tree to the White House when First Lady Francis Cleveland flipped the switch at a public tree lighting.
By the early 1900s, electric lights began to gain popularity for public displays. In 1903, the New York Times reported on colorful electric displays on trees, highlighting their contrast to the crude candles that were commonly used. This innovation not only made Christmas decorating safer, but it also allowed for more elaborate and dazzling designs. The costs were still high and prevented wider acceptance, especially in homes… but that would change as General Electric would introduce an innovative concept in 1903: Christmas light strings for rent! While this concept was short lived, it definitely helped market acceptance and accessibility.
As electric lights became more accessible, their popularity soared. By the 1920s, the widespread use of Christmas lights had transformed holiday celebrations across the United States. Companies began to commercialize the idea, offering pre-strung Christmas light sets for families to purchase. General Electric played a significant role in this movement, producing affordable lighting options for the masses.
This new wave of Christmas lights led to creative advancements, with different colors and designs becoming available. The iconic use of the “C7” and “C9” bulbs became particularly popular, allowing homeowners to customize their holiday decorations.
As the tradition of using Christmas lights evolved, so did the scale of the displays. Cities around the world began to embrace the holiday spirit, organizing large public light displays that attracted visitors every year. Notable examples include the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City, which has been adorned with lights since the 1930s, and the Festival of Lights in Jerusalem, celebrating the Festival of Lights in December.
In 1963, the first televised Christmas light display took place in Los Angeles, marking the beginning of a new era in holiday traditions. Many families began to compete in decorative displays, with contests for the best-lit houses becoming a common fixture in neighborhoods across the country.
Today, Christmas lights come in a myriad of styles, from LED string lights to elaborate animated displays equipped with smart technology. Advances in energy efficiency have made it easier and more affordable for families to decorate their homes, and programmable light displays allow for stunning choreographed shows set to music.
Moreover, with the rise of social media, sharing holiday light displays has become a friendly competition, with families and communities showcasing their creative flair for the world to see.
The history of Christmas lights is a testament to humanity’s desire to bring warmth and light into the darkest months of the year. From candlelit trees to the dazzling displays of today, these shimmering lights symbolize joy, hope, and the spirit of togetherness during the holiday season. As you hang your lights this year, remember the rich history behind them—a tradition that continues to brighten our lives and illuminate our celebrations.
Featured Image Courtesy of Universal Concepts.
