Christmas Electricity Usage: Myths vs Reality (UK 2024–2025 Guide)
Discover the truth about Christmas lights, winter electricity bills, and how to save this festive season.
Do Christmas lights increase your electricity bill?
Every December, thousands of UK households worry about rising winter bills and blame the decorations. The truth is simple:
- Modern LED Christmas lights cost less than £1 to run for the entire festive period.
- Most winter bill increases come from heating, cooking, and general winter usage — not Christmas lighting.
Do Christmas Lights Use a Lot of Electricity? (Myth vs Reality)
Reality: LED lights are extremely energy-efficient.
Based on UK late-2024 to early-2025 electricity prices:
- •100-bulb LED string, 6 hours/day for 30 days → ~15p
- •LED lights used for 62 days (Dec–Jan) → 44–47p
- •Full indoor + outdoor LED display for December → ~£1.34 total
- •Incandescent lights cost 10–12× more (~£1.80/month per string)
LEDs use up to 90% less electricity than old bulbs.
How Much Electricity Do Christmas Lights Use?
Use this formula:
Example:
200 LEDs (5 watts) × 6 hrs × 31 days × 0.29p
= 27p for the whole month
Why Winter Electricity Bills Increase (Not Because of Lights)
National Grid and DECC seasonal data show:
- Winter electricity demand is 36% higher than summer
- December demand is ~15.5% higher than average
- Christmas Day has the only mid-day energy peak of the year
- Caused by heating, cooking, appliances, gadgets
- Christmas lights are a tiny fraction of national usage
(Source: DECC Seasonal Demand Report)
Should You Worry About Christmas Lighting Costs?
Only if you're still using incandescent lights.
LEDs are ultra-low cost and safe for the grid.
Even with full decorations, your seasonal lighting cost rarely exceeds £1–£2.
How to Reduce Your Winter Electricity Bills
Christmas lights aren't the issue. But your tariff might be.
Most UK households overpay £200–£400 per year.
Checklist to save money:
- Check your unit rate
- Review your standing charge
- Avoid out-of-contract rates
- Look for bundled deals (energy + broadband)
- Consider cashback or bill credit offers
Use LoadsOfSavings.com to compare your electricity and broadband deals instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, LED lights are extremely low-cost and efficient.
Slightly, but still pennies per day.
No. Heating and cooking cause winter peaks, not decorative lighting.
Yes — LEDs use up to 90% less electricity.
Want to reduce your winter bills?
Compare electricity, broadband, SIM and mobile deals — all in one place.
Need help? Call our experts: 0208 151 4242