Do you feel glum just thinking about taking your Christmas tree down? I know I do and that’s why your home can have year round Christmas lights to add that bit of sparkle to soothe your soul. If you love the holidays and especially love anything all aglow, then this post is for you!
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Why display Christmas lights all year long?
For me, year round Christmas lights are tiny touches you can add to any room to give it that special ambiance we love during the holidays. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or fancy or even Christmas-y. It’s just about the calming glow of lights.
What do gentle lights do for your spirit?
I’m a highly sensitive person, so bright overhead lights have always kind of stressed me out. So, whether you’re light sensitive or just could use a peaceful vibe in your home, there’s something about holiday lights that quiet your mind and even lower anxiety.
I also like being reminded of Christmas. I love the sense of hope and peace that are signature attributes of the season. I love the wonder that comes with believing in miracles and anticipating good things to come. And I love the magical feeling of people coming together, thinking of each other a little more, and looking beyond themselves to care for those in their world.
I know the holiday season isn’t always the best time for everyone and can even bring up painful memories, so if certain designs or décor take you back to not-so-joyful times, you can replace them with other items that do make you happy and help you to shine.
Where should you place your pretty lights?
Can you think of a place in your home that could use a little twinkle, twinkle? Maybe it’s a hidden reading nook or cozy sun room. Perhaps it’s a welcoming touch to your entryway or star-speckled space in your kitchen. Or it could simply be a mini flameless votive on a mirrored makeup tray. Brilliance!
The Goal: All is Calm. All is Bright.
1. Lighted Branches
These are probably my favorite way to add year round Christmas lights. First of all, they’re easy. I just plop mine in a vase and DONE!
Twinkle-light branches are usually battery-powered, so if you have the capability to recycle the batteries, that’s even better. (Check with your local hardware stores or even paint recycling centers.)
What I love about lights like these is that you can use them in corners that have no electrical outlet. My older house has a lot of quirks (it’s probably why we get along so well!), meaning lots of places where I could use an outlet, but don’t have one! These lights are the perfect solution for my home where I can’t add a regular lamp.
They also make great nightlights for kids’ rooms, closets, patio tables, or other parts of your home. Look for the ones with timers…those save resources and pop on when you want them to! Mine last about six hours and are really useful when the power goes out.
I also have some branches that plug into the wall. I bought them one holiday season during my spontaneous shopaholic years, but have kept them for a really long time.
Pro Tip:
Use two sets of branches,
which gives you the option to stagger the timers,
so they can stay on all night if you’d like.
2. Twinkling Wreath
A simple wreath with lights doesn’t have to be relegated just to the holidays! If you’re wanting to fill a spot on the wall or need a nightlight with some pizzazz, look out for off-season Christmas décor sales.
You could even make your own lighted wreath by wrapping fairy lights all around a circular base!
3. Under-the-Desk Lights
Get excited about getting stuff done because you’ll have lights under your desk to inspire you! This is such a cool look, especially for dolling up a tween or teen’s study space.
Under-the-desk lights are a great spot to add color, so if you have lights that can rotate through different color settings, then you have variety and fun!
4. Soft Lights Behind Sheer Curtains or Framing Bed
Whether we’re going for a zen vibe or romantic retreat, adding twinkle lights to curtains can enhance the peacefulness in our bedrooms…and that’s a good thing because we need our beauty rest, darlings!
Even draped around your headboard or as a starry canopy above, this magical look is just so cozy and restful.
5. Soup Can Votives
A super sustainable way to make candle holders is to use aluminum cans! If you know how to use a drill (and I myself am not the best person to give you this tutorial), finish your healthy soup, wash and dry the can, then safely drill patterns into the sides.
Add a flameless candle and get glowing! I use rechargeable flameless candles like these.
Already got votives galore? Use the pretty things you currently have stashed away and enjoy!
6. Enchanting Pampas Grass Garland
If you plant pampas grass just for this purpose, you are my kind of people! I LOVE pampas grass arrangements. Plus, they’re easy-to-maintain, fluffy shrubs that’ll look pretty in your yard, soaking up the sun.
Cut your own feathery pampas grasses, add to a mantel or dining table, tuck in your holiday fairy lights, and VOILA! Using your own foraged plants is amazing and clever way to be sustainable AND cute!
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7. Crystal Clear Vase
Fill a translucent vase with glittering twinkle tree lights. Tuck in some florals or foraged branches to add personality!
You can also try flameless candles in an oversized lantern, and add in treasures like interesting seashells, a favorite figurine, or a tiny trinket box.
8. Eclectic Chandelier
Try some DIY by making your own wonder-filled chandelier. Wrap battery-operated fairy lights around a thrifted chandelier base or unique form like a large, metal hoop. Make sure you properly secure your new chandelier to the ceiling…no need for a Phantom of the Opera situation to occur! If you’re not familiar with The Phantom of the Opera, the chandelier comes crashing down, y’all. And this is my PSA to find yourself a good handy-person!
9. Petite Birch Tree
If you already have one of these dainty, birch branched, wintertime beauties, then there is no reason you shouldn’t keep it up all year! They’re such a sweet detail to add to your tranquil oasis.
10. Projected Stars
Star projectors are so mesmerizing and if you have one you use for the holidays, you can create a Christmas sky all year round:
- Light up your living room for movie night.
- Turn on the projector before bed to sleep in heavenly peace.
- Add some twinkly flair to a gathering with friends.
- Create ambiance for a romantic dinner.
- Host your own singer/songwriter night with a star-studded jam session on the porch.
Feeling crafty? This illuminated stars tutorial by The Navage Patch is so stunning:
11. Curtains Made Out of Lights
Give yourself the grand entrance you deserve by draping your lights like curtains! This is an enchanting design feature to display all year long. Depending on where you hang your curtain lights, you’ll probably used different types of rods or clips. You can also get creative with panel tie-backs by using anything from necklaces to antique doorknobs.
12. Candles in Windows
Adding little faux candles in windows during Christmas was something we did when I was a kid. I always thought it had such a charming, historical look, so I reestablished this tradition at my home this past year. They made me so happy that I left one up after I took the tree down.
Who says you can’t have cute little candles in your windows all year long? As always, I recommend flameless candles like these to be extra safe.
13. Lanterns
Of my many embarrassingly dumb problems, I have a lantern problem. I have too many! But I love them and just can’t yet quit them! So, if you have this problem, too, use them as cozy nightlights all year long.
14. Twinkling Table Runner
If you have some sheer fabric or even a lacy tablecloth, string some fairy lights underneath to make an enchanting table runner. Instant glam! Instant year round Christmas lights!
Conclusion
Filling your living space with soft, fanciful lights doesn’t have to just be a holiday thing. If year round Christmas lights make you happy, too, go for it and keep shining, friend!
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Awesome list of adorable Christmas lights. Thanks a lot for these suggestions!
Thank you, Hari! Your note brightened my day! 🙂
love this! There’s something so calming and magical about soft, glowing lights, no matter the season. It’s not just about Christmas—it’s about creating a cozy, peaceful space that lifts your spirit. Such a beautiful way to surround ourselves with things that bring us joy!
Domii, you’re so right! We all need that type of calm in our lives. And, yes, I’m for surrounding ourselves with all the things that bring us comfort and joy! 🙂