Christmas lights vs. christmas light projector: running cost
A christmas lights is cheaper to run: about $0 a year versus $1 for a christmas light projector at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $1 difference.
| Christmas lights | Christmas light projector | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 5 W | 8 W |
| Watt range | 2–200 W | 3–30 W |
| Typical use | 6 hours a day for 3 months a year | 6 hours a day for 4 months a year |
| Energy per year | 3 kWh | 6 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.09¢ | 0.1¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.5¢ | 0.9¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.16 | $0.26 |
| Cost per year | $0 | $1 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $1 | $3 |
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What drives the difference
- Christmas lights: Per strand: 100 LED mini lights draw about 4-7 W versus 40 W for incandescent minis; C9 incandescent strands draw 7 W per bulb. A typical home display has 10-30 strands, so multiply accordingly.
- Christmas light projector: Outdoor laser and LED holiday projectors draw about 3-15 W; video projector models used for window displays draw 30-200 W.
Ways to cut either cost
Use about 85-90% less power and stay cool.
See options on AmazonTurns lights on at dusk and off after a set number of hours.
See options on AmazonCovers a house front for under 10 W.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a christmas lights or a christmas light projector?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a christmas light projector costs about $1 a year versus $0 for a christmas lights. That's $1 more, or 2.1× as much.
How many watts do christmas lights and christmas light projector use?
A christmas lights typically draws 5 W (range 2–200 W). A christmas light projector draws 8 W (range 3–30 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.