There’s something truly magical about driving through a neighborhood aglow with festive holiday lighting. From classic warm-white icicles draped across rooftops to vibrant, animated displays dancing in sync with music, holiday lights have a way of spreading cheer like nothing else. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to brighten your front porch or a business wanting to create a show-stopping display, understanding the different types of holiday lighting available is the first step to creating the perfect seasonal atmosphere.
At PMT Lawns, we help bring those winter dreams to life with professional, insured installation, secure takedown, and seasonal storage options that make decorating effortless. Below, we’ll break down the most popular types of holiday lighting for hanging, their unique benefits, and how to use them effectively to create a stunning holiday display.
Why Choosing the Right Holiday Lighting Matters
The right lighting isn’t just about aesthetics—it sets the tone for the entire holiday season. Well-planned lighting can:
- Create a warm and inviting atmosphere
- Enhance curb appeal and attract attention
- Highlight architectural features
- Reflect your unique holiday style and personality
- Add a professional, polished finish to your property
Different lighting types offer different effects. Some are perfect for outlining roofs, others are designed for wrapping trees and columns, while others work best for wide surface coverage. Understanding each type can help you design a display that looks elegant and cohesive rather than chaotic or cluttered.
1. C9 and C7 String Lights – The Classic Roofline Glow
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When most people imagine holiday lights outlining a house, they’re picturing C9 or C7 string lights. These classic bulbs are the gold standard for outlining rooflines, gables, windows, and driveways.
Features of C9 and C7 Lights:
- C9 bulbs are larger and brighter, making them perfect for roof peaks, gutters, and commercial buildings.
- C7 bulbs are slightly smaller but offer the same traditional holiday glow.
- Available in warm white, cool white, or a rainbow of festive colors.
- LED options provide excellent energy efficiency and long-lasting durability.
Best Uses:
- Rooflines and gutters
- Driveways and pathways
- Perimeter outlining of homes or commercial buildings
Why They’re Great:
C9 and C7 bulbs deliver that classic holiday lighting look—elegant, timeless, and easy to customize. Their structured spacing creates clean lines, which is why they’re one of the most popular choices for professional installations.
2. Mini Lights – The Twinkle That Transforms
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Mini lights are smaller, more flexible string lights that twinkle beautifully and can be wrapped around almost anything. They’re a holiday decorating staple for homeowners who want that magical “winter wonderland” feel.
Features of Mini Lights:
- Typically feature small bulbs close together on a single wire
- Come in clear, warm white, or multicolor options
- Available in traditional incandescent or long-lasting LED
Best Uses:
- Wrapping trees and shrubs
- Winding around columns, railings, or porch posts
- Adding sparkle to wreaths and garlands
Why They’re Great:
Mini lights are incredibly versatile and can bring subtle shimmer or bold brilliance, depending on how they’re used. They layer beautifully with larger bulb styles like C9s for a dynamic, professional look.
3. Icicle Lights – Elegant Winter Aesthetic
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Few things say “winter” quite like icicle lights dangling from eaves. Their vertical drop design creates the illusion of melting ice or falling snow, adding a touch of elegance and charm to any property.
Features of Icicle Lights:
- Multiple short light strands hang down from a main horizontal string
- Typically used in white or cool blue for a frosty, winter effect
- Available in standard and LED versions for better durability and brightness
Best Uses:
- Rooflines and eaves
- Overhangs and awnings
- Pergolas, decks, and covered patios
Why They’re Great:
Icicle lights give your home that soft, snowy glow without overpowering other decorations. They pair well with both classic and modern holiday themes.
4. Net Lights – Uniform Coverage Made Simple
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When you want perfectly even light coverage across bushes, hedges, or walls, net lights are a game changer. Instead of wrapping individual strands, net lights are laid over surfaces like a blanket for quick, uniform coverage.
Features of Net Lights:
- Grid pattern keeps bulbs evenly spaced
- Easy to install and remove
- Available in multiple colors and light types
Best Uses:
- Bushes and hedges
- Shrubbery and garden beds
- Flat walls, fences, or low structures
Why They’re Great:
Net lights save time and labor while achieving a professional, symmetrical look that’s hard to replicate with regular string lights. Perfect for homeowners or commercial properties that want clean lines and fast installation.
5. Curtain Lights – Dramatic, Elegant Displays
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For a truly enchanting display, curtain lights provide cascading strands that hang vertically like a shimmering waterfall. They’re especially popular for backdrops, patios, and entryways.
Features of Curtain Lights:
- Multiple vertical strands attached to a single horizontal strip
- Often used in warm white or soft tones for a dreamy effect
- Can be static, twinkling, or animated
Best Uses:
- Backdrops for entryways or patios
- Large windows and glass doors
- Commercial storefronts or event spaces
Why They’re Great:
Curtain lights bring an elevated, elegant touch to holiday décor. Their cascading effect looks stunning both day and night, making them a favorite for high-end displays.
6. Projection and Laser Lights – Modern Convenience
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For homeowners who want to make a big impact with minimal effort, projection and laser lights are an excellent option. These devices project light patterns—such as snowflakes, stars, or color washes—onto walls, roofs, or landscaping.
Features of Projection Lights:
- Simple plug-in operation with wide coverage
- Available in moving or static displays
- Great supplement to traditional lighting
Best Uses:
- Large exterior walls
- Landscaping and trees
- Accent lighting for existing displays
Why They’re Great:
Projection lights are fast to install, energy-efficient, and create instant wow-factor. They’re perfect for those who want a low-maintenance holiday lighting solution that still feels festive and impressive.
7. Animated and Synchronized Lights – The Showstopper
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For those who want to go all out, animated and synchronized lighting systems create dazzling displays that can even sync to music. These setups use programmable controllers to make lights flash, fade, and dance in perfect rhythm.
Features of Animated Lighting:
- Controlled via smart systems or programmable timers
- Compatible with various bulb types
- Can be customized for unique shows
Best Uses:
- High-visibility homes or businesses
- Community displays and events
- Large rooflines, trees, and lawn décor
Why They’re Great:
This is the lighting choice that turns a house into a holiday destination. Animated displays create excitement and draw crowds—perfect for businesses looking to attract attention or homeowners who love to be the talk of the neighborhood.
8. Garland and Wreath Lighting – Festive Accents
Holiday lighting isn’t just about rooftops and trees. Garlands and wreaths add beautiful finishing touches to doors, windows, railings, and columns. When lit, they provide a soft, inviting glow that completes the festive look.
Features of Garland & Wreath Lights:
- Typically use mini lights or micro LEDs
- Easy to customize with ribbons, ornaments, and greenery
- Battery-operated or plug-in options available
Best Uses:
- Front doors and entryways
- Porch railings and fences
- Around windows and columns
Why They’re Great:
Garlands and wreaths create welcoming focal points and add depth to a display. They pair perfectly with larger lighting features for a layered, balanced aesthetic.
9. Pathway and Stake Lighting – Guiding the Way
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Pathway lighting adds both beauty and safety to a holiday display. These lights are installed along sidewalks, driveways, or garden beds to illuminate the way for guests and create a finished, cohesive look.
Features of Pathway Lights:
- Mounted on stakes for ground placement
- Available in classic bulbs, candy cane shapes, or decorative designs
- Often use LED for longevity and brightness
Best Uses:
- Driveways and walkways
- Garden borders and landscaping
- Entryways and steps
Why They’re Great:
Pathway lights provide a warm welcome and make your property safer by clearly marking walkable areas—especially important during winter months.
10. Specialty Lights – Unique Touches That Stand Out
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For decorators who want to break away from the traditional, specialty lights offer unique shapes, patterns, and effects. These can include snowflakes, stars, globes, or themed figures that give your holiday lighting a one-of-a-kind twist.
Features of Specialty Lights:
- Custom shapes and motifs
- Can be combined with other lighting styles
- Ideal for themed displays
Best Uses:
- Accent areas or focal points
- Hanging from trees or porch ceilings
- Standalone statement pieces
Why They’re Great:
Specialty lights let you personalize your holiday display with creative, memorable elements that reflect your unique style or branding.
LED vs. Incandescent: Choosing the Right Bulb Type
One of the biggest decisions when selecting holiday lighting is choosing between LED and incandescent bulbs. Each has its advantages.
LED Lights:
- Energy-efficient and long-lasting
- Cool to the touch, safer for outdoor use
- Brighter and more durable
- Available in many colors and styles
Incandescent Lights:
- Classic warm glow many people love
- Often slightly lower initial cost
- Easy to replace individual bulbs
For most modern displays, LED lighting is the preferred choice due to its efficiency, brightness, and durability in winter conditions.
Professional Installation vs. DIY Holiday Lighting
While hanging your own lights can be a fun tradition, professional installation offers key advantages that can save time, enhance safety, and produce stunning results.
Benefits of Professional Holiday Lighting Installation:
- Insured and safe installation from experienced technicians
- Properly secured lights to withstand winter weather
- Clean, professional design and layout
- Timely takedown and seasonal storage for your lights
- Reduced risk of ladder accidents or electrical issues
At PMT Lawns, we handle everything from start to finish—including custom design, professional hanging, maintenance throughout the season, and safe removal after the holidays. We even offer storage solutions so you don’t have to worry about finding space in your garage or attic.
Seasonal Storage: Protecting Your Investment
One often overlooked part of holiday lighting is what happens after the season ends. Tossing your lights in a box or leaving them exposed to the elements can lead to damage, tangling, or complete replacement next year.
Professional storage ensures:
- Lights are carefully organized and labeled for easy reinstall
- Bulbs are protected from moisture and temperature swings
- No tangling or broken strands
- Faster, easier setup the following holiday season
With storage handled, you can focus on enjoying the holidays—not untangling wires in freezing temperatures.
Customizing Your Holiday Lighting Design
No two properties are alike, and the best holiday lighting displays are the ones that reflect your unique style and space. When customizing your lighting plan, consider:
- Color Scheme: Classic white for elegance, multi-color for festive fun, or warm white for cozy charm.
- Focal Points: Rooflines, trees, pathways, and entryways are great anchor points.
- Layering Lights: Combine C9 bulbs with mini lights, net lighting, and accents for dimension.
- Theme: Traditional, winter wonderland, modern minimalism, or playful character themes.
A well-thought-out lighting design can elevate your home or business’s holiday curb appeal, making it memorable for everyone who passes by.
Safety First: Why Insured Installation Matters
Holiday lighting involves ladders, electricity, and working in cold, sometimes icy conditions. Hiring a fully insured professional crew is the best way to protect your property and ensure everything is installed correctly.
With PMT Lawns, every installation is:
- Done using safe, weather-resistant techniques
- Installed with secure clips and fixtures (never nails or staples that damage your home)
- Tested to ensure electrical safety and proper function
- Backed by insured technicians for peace of mind
Eco-Friendly Holiday Lighting Tips
Holiday cheer doesn’t have to come with a huge energy bill. Here are some simple ways to keep your display eco-friendly and cost-effective:
- Switch to LED bulbs for energy savings and longer life
- Use timers or smart plugs to control lighting schedules
- Choose warm or soft white tones for lower wattage
- Properly store lights to reduce waste each season
These small adjustments can reduce your environmental impact without sacrificing sparkle.
Making the Season Bright with PMT Lawns
Hanging holiday lights is about more than just décor—it’s about creating a warm, joyful atmosphere that welcomes friends, family, customers, and neighbors. At PMT Lawns, we’re proud to help homeowners and businesses bring their festive visions to life.
When you work with us, you can expect:
- Custom lighting designs to fit your style and property
- Professional installation by insured experts
- Hassle-free takedown and seasonal storage
- Reliable service and maintenance throughout the season
Whether you prefer a simple, elegant roofline or a full, synchronized display that turns heads, our team can make it happen—safely, beautifully, and stress-free.
Final Thoughts: The Right Lighting Makes All the Difference
The holidays are a time to celebrate, gather, and share joy—and lighting is one of the most powerful ways to set that festive mood. From classic C9 bulbs and twinkling minis to modern projectors and elegant curtain lights, the possibilities are endless.
The key is choosing the right combination of lighting types for your space and letting experienced professionals handle the heavy lifting. With the right plan, your property will shine bright all season long.
✨ Light up your holidays the smart way—with PMT Lawns.
📞 Contact us today to schedule your holiday lighting installation and create a display that’s merry, bright, and truly unforgettable.
