The holiday season is a time of warmth, joy, and family, but also a time when power safety deserves extra attention. As we deck the halls and string up lights, it’s essential to be mindful of the risks. Christmas lights can turn a home into a festive wonderland, but when misused, they are also linked to electrical fires, injuries, and property damage… and none of us want a National Lampoon’s holiday.

Christmas Light Hazards: What the Statistics Say

Here’s a look at some sobering statistics and facts about the risks associated with Christmas lighting and holiday decorations:

Fires Involving Christmas Trees

• According to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to on average 160 home fires each year that begin with Christmas trees.
• These fires result in roughly two civilian deaths, 11 injuries, and $12 million in property damage annually (based on data from 2016–2020). (NFPA)
• Electrical distribution or lighting equipment (which includes decorative lights) was involved in 43% of Christmas tree fires. (National League of Cities)
• Roughly 18% of tree fires are specifically started by decorative lights. (NFPA)
• Also, in one-quarter of those deadly fires, a heat source (like a candle or a hot piece of equipment) was too close to the tree. (NFPA)

Other Holiday Decoration Fires

• The National Park Service (NPS) cites that decorations (excluding trees) contribute to around 790 home fires per year, leading to 1 death, 26 injuries, and $13 million in property damage.
• According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are about 12,500 holiday decorating-related injuries annually, including falls, cuts, shocks, and burns.

Winter Holiday Fire Burden

• The US Fire Administration (via FEMA) reports that nearly 156,000 fires occur in the U.S. during the winter holiday season (across all property types), resulting in 630 deaths, 2,600 injuries, and $936 million in property damage.

These numbers illustrate that while Christmas lights and decorations bring cheer, they also pose real electrical and fire risks.

Why Are Christmas Lights Risky?

Understanding how and why these risks occur can help you decorate more safely:

• Electrical overloads: Stringing too many lights together or plugging into overloaded outlets can lead to overheating.
• Damaged cords: Worn, frayed wires, loose sockets, or cracked bulbs can spark or short-circuit. (NPS)
• Dry trees: A well-watered tree is less flammable; dry trees ignite more easily. (NIST)
• Proximity to heat: Heaters, fireplaces, candles, or hot lighting can dry out a tree or ignite nearby branches. (Salt Lake City)
• Poor quality or uncertified lights: Using lights without proper safety certification (such as UL or ETL/cUL) increases the risk of a fire (US Consumer Product Safety Commission) (CPSC)
• Overuse / leaving lights on: Lights left on unattended or for long stretches can generate heat.
• Falls and injury risks: Decorating often involves ladders or roofs that can lead to falls, trips, or even electrocution. (CPSC)

Precautions to Take When Decorating with Christmas Lights

To enjoy a bright, beautiful, and safe holiday season, we’ve compiled a list of 10 practical precautions to follow during the holiday season:

1. Inspect Before You Hang

• Always check light strands before plugging them in, look for cracked bulbs, frayed wires, loose sockets, or damaged plugs. (NPS)
• Discard any sets that show wear or damage; don’t try to “make do” with broken insulation.

2. Use Certified Lights

• Use lights that are labeled by a recognized testing lab (e.g., UL, ETL, CSA). (CPSC)
• For outdoor lighting, make sure the lights and extension cords are rated for exterior use.

3. Use LEDs When Possible

• LED lights generate much less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing fire risk and lowering electrical load.
• Less heat also means less drying of a real tree or nearby materials.

4. Manage Electrical Load

• Avoid overloading outlets: the National Park Service suggests limiting how many light strands you chain together (for example, no more than three mini-light strands in some cases). (NPS)
• Use a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for all outdoor plugs to reduce shock risk.
• Consider using timers or smart plugs to automatically turn lights off when not needed (e.g., overnight).

5. Keep Your Tree Safe

• If you’re using a live tree, water it daily. A well-hydrated tree is less likely to catch fire. (NIST)
• Position the tree at least three feet away from any heat source, like radiators, space heaters, fireplaces, or candles. (SLC)
• Never put lit candles on or near the tree. (NIST)
• When the tree starts shedding needles, or after the holidays, dispose of it promptly, a dry tree is a fire hazard. (NIST)

6. Secure Lights Properly

• Use insulated hooks or clips instead of nails or staples which can damage cord insulation.
• Keep cords off the ground and away from foot traffic to avoid tripping or damaging wires.

7. Be Careful on Ladders

• Use a stable ladder, not a chair.
• Wear proper footwear.
• Have someone hold the ladder if you’re working high up.
• Avoid reaching too far, reposition the ladder as needed.

8. Turn Off When Unattended

• Always unplug or turn off lights when you leave the house or go to bed. (NIST)
• Using timers helps ensure that lights don’t run unnecessarily for hours.

9. Have Fire Safety Tools Handy

• Make sure smoke detectors are working in your home.
• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible, especially in areas where lights are plugged in or around your tree.

10. Know When to Call a Professional

• If you’re unsure about wiring, load capacity, or proper installation, or if you want a large outdoor display, hire a licensed electrician or professional holiday lighting installer.

Final Thoughts

Christmas lights are a beloved decoration, but they are not risk-free. The combination of electricity, dry trees, and the holiday’s “set it and forget it” mindset can create a dangerous mix. By understanding the risks, and taking some simple, practical steps, you can light up your home beautifully and safely.

May your holidays be merry, bright, and safe!