Animated Christmas Lights

Twinkles and Music and Motion – Oh My!

Additions such as music and synchronized software really amp up outdoor lighting displays.

To put together your show of animated Christmas lights, you’ll need some basic equipment.

• A computer with specialized lighting software. This enables you to coordinate light activity and synchronize music.
• Some type of programmable controller that is the master to the lighting display functions. This is like a power strip, so be sure to choose the right size to handle a particular number of lights.
• If you want animatronic displays, you’ll need a separate controller for those.
• A speaker system or transmitter, so passers-by can hear the show’s music.
• UL-rated, outdoor-insulated extension cords.
• Multiple timers.
• A passel of lights and whatever other decorations you like.

Supplies for Animated Christmas Lights

• Light-O-Rama has lighting software and programmable controllers.
• Animated Lighting carries hardware and software as well, including a special kit for the beginner or small light display that is a non-programmable “plug and play” option.
• Holiday LEDs stocks energy-efficient LED light ropes and other light bulbs.
• Lori’s Lighted Delites sells and creates wire frame light displays, and accepts custom orders so you can craft a special message or design. The selection goes beyond Christmas, too. Find lighted yard art for every holiday.
• Holiday Lights and Magic is a huge supplier of animated lights, outdoor Christmas decorations, trees, wreaths, and religious displays.

Other Considerations

There are a few additional details to finalize before you start building your outdoor festival of lights.

Safety is the number one concern. Energy Ideas.org recommends purchasing outdoor-only, weatherproof, UL-rated light decorations. Each circuit should have a grounded fault circuit interrupter, and all electrical connections need to be off the ground and away from metal railings and gutters.

Plan your wattage carefully. Start by multiplying the amount of watts per bulb, usually 10 watts, with the number of bulbs. Then factor in the amount of power the house is using, including indoor lighting and appliances.

Talk with your neighbors about your plans. If you’re going to create a sparkling spectacle, they need to be prepared for the extra traffic, people wandering around snapping pictures, and dealing with the brightness and additional noise. Check city ordinances about lighting and noise and obey those laws.

Consider the safety of others. If you start to attract a lot of attention, take precautions. In rural areas, plan a traffic pattern and make sure people have a safe turnaround and proper exits. Also erect barriers to protect people from falling into ditches. In a neighborhood, ask someone to direct traffic so that it flows slowly, giving wide berth to people walking to their cars or on the sidewalk.

Consult the power company. Inform them of the potential power draw, discuss possible blackout and power failure issues, and the approximate cost of the lighting the display for a month or so. Obviously, you might not be able to determine the cost until after the initial holiday season, but this holiday lighting calculator may help.

Getting Design Ideas

Whether you want a bit of additional sparkle or a light show extravaganza, pick up design ideas for your animated Christmas lights from these displays.

Jolly Holiday Lights is a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa. This three-mile tour features more than 70 animated light displays and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Homeowner Marty Slack of Utah also draws thousands of visitors to his suburban home with his giant light show. His site, Christmas Utah, features a “Where to Buy Stuff” resource guide to help you build a system.

Considered one of the top three home displays in the U.S., The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Petersburg, FL features more than 500,000 lights. Installing the show takes owners Ted and Kim Kresge and a crew of 10 people approximately three months!

Conclusion

Lighting up the night is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays. Stay safe, be playful, and flip the switch!