There is something magical about holiday lights. They bring warmth to cold winter nights, create that nostalgic sparkle in every neighborhood, and turn ordinary spaces into joyful wonderlands. But as holiday traditions evolve, so do lighting preferences — and what Baby Boomers love isn’t always what Gen Z wants hanging on their rooftops.
This year, Americans are redefining how they decorate — from permanent holiday lights to smart, energy-efficient systems that keep the glow alive all year long. Let’s explore the top holiday lighting trends across generations and what they reveal about how we celebrate the most festive time of year.
For Baby Boomers, the holidays mean nostalgia — twinkling bulbs, steady glows, and plenty of color. Many still prefer traditional outdoor holiday lights, like red-and-green C9 bulbs and incandescent string lights that remind them of childhood Christmases.
Boomer trend highlights:
Boomers value reliability, so they lean toward durable, weatherproof outdoor lights that can handle harsh winters. Many also rely on professional holiday light installation services to recreate that perfect, picture-book glow every December.
Gen Xers blend old-school charm with modern practicality. They love festive curb appeal but don’t want tangled wires or complex setups. This generation is embracing LED outdoor holiday lights that save energy and last longer, without losing that cozy holiday feel.
Popular Gen X choices:
Many Gen X homeowners are also discovering solar-powered holiday lights — a smart, sustainable alternative that cuts down on electricity costs. Their homes often mix classic string lights with modern LED accents, creating elegant displays that shine brighter and cost less to maintain.
If there’s one generation turning holiday lighting into an art form, it’s the Millennials. Think Pinterest-worthy setups, warm minimalism, and sustainable materials. For them, holiday lighting isn’t just decoration — it’s a vibe.
Millennial favorites include:
They’re also fans of DIY setups — mixing holiday light balls and fairy lights with greenery or wall art to create Instagram-worthy backdrops. Sustainability is key, so they opt for low-voltage LEDs and reusable designs that last season after season.
Gen Z is taking holiday lighting into the future. They’re playful, tech-savvy, and unafraid to stand out — whether it’s with neon LED strips, animated holiday lights synced to music, or color-changing RGB holiday setups that match every mood.
Trending Gen Z lighting ideas:
To Gen Z, holiday lighting is personal expression. It’s about creativity — designing immersive experiences that make any space feel festive without sticking to tradition.
Despite differences, one thing unites all generations — the joy of light. Whether it’s classic bulbs on a cozy suburban porch or modern solar-powered LED lights illuminating city balconies, Americans love using lighting to bring warmth and togetherness during the holidays.
several common holiday lighting trends are emerging for 2025:
Eco-consciousness is at the heart of new holiday décor. Solar holiday lights and energy-efficient LEDs are helping families reduce their carbon footprint while still keeping the magic alive.
The rise of permanent holiday lights is one of the biggest trends of the year. These versatile fixtures can switch colors for any occasion — red and green for Christmas, pink for Valentine’s, or gold for New Year’s Eve — all controlled from a smartphone app.
From holiday tree light controllers to smart plugs, automation has simplified the setup. You can now manage lighting schedules, color schemes, and brightness levels with just a few taps — no more tangled timers or unplugging in the cold.
Jolly Holiday Lights and Holiday Festival of Lights events across the U.S. continue to inspire homeowners to go big. Entire neighborhoods are joining forces to create walk-through experiences with synchronized outdoor lighting and festive themes.
Many Americans are finding creative ways to merge vintage holiday bulbs with modern LED strings, creating displays that feel nostalgic yet contemporary. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and technology — something everyone can appreciate.
Choosing the right lights depends on your style, budget, and setup needs. Here’s a quick guide:
Whether you prefer subtle elegance or a full-blown winter wonderland, there’s a lighting style for everyone this season.
Holiday lighting is no longer just a seasonal activity — it’s evolving into year-round decor. Permanent LED systems are leading the way, allowing homeowners to enjoy festive lighting any time they choose. Expect to see even more innovation in 2025, with voice-controlled features, solar advancements, and customizable designs dominating the market.
Lighting is becoming more personal, interactive, and sustainable — and Americans are loving every bit of it.
If you’re planning to upgrade your holiday display or experiment with a new look this season, AQ Lighting has everything you need to make it memorable. From outdoor holiday lights to permanent LED systems and custom installations, they provide premium-quality fixtures built to withstand even the coldest winters. Whether you’re a DIY decorator or prefer professional setup support, AQ Lighting ensures the perfect balance of style, safety, and sustainability for every project.
This holiday season, transform your space with the brilliance of AQ Lighting — where innovation meets festive charm. Explore their collection today and give your home a radiant glow that shines brighter, longer, and smarter.
The biggest holiday lighting trends in 2025 include permanent LED systems, solar-powered lights, and app-controlled smart lighting. Americans are also mixing vintage bulbs with modern designs for a nostalgic yet energy-efficient look.
Permanent holiday lights are LED lighting systems installed once and used year-round. You can change colors and brightness with a mobile app, making them perfect for every holiday or special occasion.
Yes! Modern solar holiday lights use high-efficiency LEDs that provide vibrant illumination. They’re ideal for driveways, gardens, and rooftops — and they help reduce energy costs.
Choose waterproof, UL-rated LEDs, store them properly after the season, and avoid overloading circuits. You can also invest in permanent or solar-powered lights designed to withstand all weather conditions.
Absolutely. Many homeowners combine classic incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LEDs for a unique, layered lighting effect that blends warmth with modern brightness.
Always use outdoor-rated extension cords, secure lights with clips instead of nails, and ensure your outlets are GFCI-protected. For large or elevated setups, hiring a professional installer is best.
Holiday lights are typically temporary and seasonal, while permanent outdoor lighting systems can stay up all year. Permanent lights offer color-changing features to match any event or holiday.
Yes — solar lights and low-voltage LEDs are great eco-friendly choices. They use minimal electricity and last much longer than traditional bulbs, reducing waste and energy use.
Warm white, red, and green remain classics, but new favorites like gold, icy blue, and multicolor RGB setups are gaining popularity, especially among younger generations.
You can find durable, energy-efficient holiday lighting at AQ Lighting, which offers a wide range of outdoor and permanent LED fixtures. Their lights are built for performance, safety, and style — perfect for every generation’s holiday décor.
