Get matched with top holiday decorators in Lower Brule, SD

There are many types of Christmas lights to choose from when working with a light installer. The main types available for outdoor lighting are dome, LED, incandescent, and C9, and your lighting professional’s choice will depend on the location and overall design. 

C9 lighting is typically the most expensive option, ranging from $15 to $70 per 25-foot strand. These usually have fewer bulbs per strand, so you might need more than expected to cover a large area. Dome lighting is usually the most cost-effective option, ranging from $6 to $15 per 25-foot strand. These bulbs are smaller and rounder than other options, creating a softer look.

When it comes to bang for your buck, LED lights are the clear winner for Christmas lights. While these will cost more upfront, they’ll last you for many holidays to come—far longer than your basic halogen bulbs. Along with that, they also save you big on energy costs throughout the season.

Decorating a tree yourself will only take between one and two hours, but a professional designer may take more time to create their vision. When hiring a pro, assume the work will take a minimum of three to four hours.

No, you shouldn’t insert an LED light into an incandescent socket. It usually won’t fit anyway, but in the unlikely chance that it does, its electrical demands are too different for it to work properly.