Are These Christmas Lights Really Illegal In Utah?

If you’ve been worried that the Biden Administration’s incandescent light bulb ban might put a damper on holiday decorating, you can relax. As of August 1, 2023, general-use incandescent bulbs have indeed been phased out in favor of energy-efficient alternatives, but Christmas lights don’t fall under that category! So, if you’ve been stockpiling those twinkly glass bulbs for a holiday apocalypse, feel free to put them back on the tree.

Let’s clear things up. The ban targets “general-use” bulbs—those that go in regular household fixtures. It requires bulbs with an E26 base to emit at least 45 lumens per watt, which leaves most holiday lights out of the equation. Christmas lights, appliance bulbs, and other specialty bulbs are still available, much to the relief of anyone who finds LED Christmas lights a bit too spaceship-bright.

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Not that LEDs are a bad choice! They use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescents and don’t get hot, which cuts down on fire hazards. Plus, with their longer lifespan, LEDs make sense for those who can’t remember where they stored the extra bulbs (we’ve all been there).

But for the die-hard incandescent fans, good news: traditional glass Christmas bulbs are still around, and manufacturers are perfecting LED designs that mimic the classic C7 and C9 glow. Pro tip: if you’re mixing LED and incandescent lights, warm white LEDs blend better with traditional bulbs, saving your holiday display from that harsh “light spectrum” look.

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For added savings, put your lights on a timer, and they’ll shine only when neighbors are actually awake to admire them. In the end, the incandescent ban might just help us have a merrier, safer, and more energy-conscious holiday season—without compromising the glow.