How Much Your Holiday Lights Could Cost You in New York This Year Will Surprise You

There’s something about the glow of holiday lights that makes winter in New York feel a little warmer. Whether it’s a single strand of white bulbs along your porch or a full-on front yard light show, that sparkle brings joy to even the chilliest nights. But as it turns out, those twinkling lights come with a price tag that varies quite a bit depending on how, and what, you plug in.

The Real Cost Behind That Holiday Glow

A recent energy study crunched the numbers on just how much it costs to keep the holidays glowing. Using mid-2025 electricity rates, they looked at what happens when lights stay on seven hours a night from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. The results showed that your bill depends heavily on whether you’re using LED or traditional incandescent bulbs and how over the top your decorating style is.

LED Lovers Get the Brightest Bang for Their Buck

If you’ve already made the switch to LED lights, you’re in luck. Across New York, a modest display, say, a few wreaths, some garland, and a handful of light strings, comes out to just a few dollars for the whole season. For those who go big with roof outlines, wrapped trees, and yard décor, it might climb closer to $40. And the people whose homes can probably be seen from space? They’ll still only pay around $100 for a full LED setup.

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Old-School Bulbs Bring Sticker Shock to the Season

Now, if you’re still hanging onto those classic incandescent strands, brace yourself. The same light show that costs around $100 with LEDs could run almost eight times more with old bulbs. A simple display might add $25-$30 to your bill, while heavy decorating could easily top $300. Those full-yard “Griswold-style” setups? You’re looking at $700-plus just in electricity. That’s enough to make anyone rethink their wattage.

How New York’s Holiday Power Costs Stack Up

Compared to places like California or Massachusetts, New York sits somewhere in the middle when it comes to lighting costs. Our electricity rates are higher than Idaho or Nebraska, but lower than the country’s priciest states. So, while your power bill might climb a little in December, it won’t come close to what decorators in Hawaii pay, where a full incandescent display can cost more than $1,700.

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Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Bright and Your Bill Low

There’s no need to go dark this season. You can keep your home merry and bright without blowing the budget by making a few simple tweaks:

• Go all-in on LEDs: They use about 80% less energy.
• Set a timer: Lights don’t need to run while everyone’s asleep.
• Focus your sparkle:  A few focal points can make a big impact.
• Unplug during the day: The sun does a fine job of lighting up your porch.

With a few smart choices, you can make your holiday display shine and still have money left over for cocoa and cookies. In New York, that’s the kind of glow we can all get behind.