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If half of a string of Christmas lights is out, it is likely because of a single burned-out, loose, or broken bulb within that section. Long strands of lights often contain more than one circuit, so when one bulb fails, it can cause the entire circuit (or half the strand) to go dark. To fix this, inspect the unlit section and test each bulb to ensure it is tight and functioning properly. Replacing the faulty bulb or repairing a damaged shunt will typically solve the problem.

You can take a few steps to prolong the life of your holiday lights. Make sure to replace burnt-out bulbs as quickly as possible to avoid overloading the rest of the circuit and knocking out more lights. Before packing them up each year, plug each strand into the wall to confirm everything is still working. Wrap the lights carefully back into their original packaging or something similar—winding a strand tightly together or leaving it to hang loose in a storage bin can lead to frayed or damaged wiring. 

Cold weather can cause older incandescent Christmas lights to fail by causing cracks in the finish or the glass itself. Modern LED lights are affected in the opposite way and perform even better as the temperature drops. 

Modern outdoor light fixtures are waterproof and weather resistant, and, provided they’re installed correctly and by a professional, the fixture and wiring can last for 20 to 30 years or more. The lifespan will depend largely on the quality of the fixture. The lifespan of the bulb will depend on the type of light you install:

• CFL bulb (for sustained use): 15,000 hours

• Halogen bulb (mostly for security): 2,000 hours

• HID bulbs (for security): 12,000 hours

• Incandescent bulb: 1,000 hours

• LED bulb: 50,000 hours