LED vs Traditional Christmas Lights: Which Is Better for Your Vancouver Home?

Every December, Vancouver neighborhoods sparkle with Christmas cheer. From classic rooflines in East Van to dazzling estates in West Vancouver, festive lighting is at the heart of the season.

But behind every glowing display lies an important decision: Should you use LED Christmas lights or traditional incandescent bulbs?

For years, incandescent lights were the standard. Today, LED Christmas lights dominate the market — and for good reason. Both options can light up your holidays, but they differ in cost, performance, energy use, and appearance.

This guide breaks down everything Vancouver homeowners need to know about LED vs traditional Christmas lights, so you can choose the best option for your home this holiday season.

The Basics: LED vs. Incandescent Christmas Lights

Before we dive into pros and cons, let’s define the two types.



What Are LED Christmas Lights?

• Use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of filaments.
• Available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and styles.
• Known for energy efficiency, long lifespan, and durability.

What Are Traditional Incandescent Lights?

• Rely on a heated filament inside a bulb to produce light.
• Known for their warm glow and nostalgic feel.
• Tend to consume more power and burn out faster.

Energy Efficiency in Vancouver’s Winter

LED Lights

• Use up to 80–90% less energy than incandescent lights.
• Lower electricity bills, especially important for large displays.
• Eco-friendly — a major plus in sustainability-conscious Vancouver.

Incandescent Lights

• Consume significantly more energy.
• A large display can quickly add up on BC Hydro bills.
• Less environmentally friendly, which may not align with Vancouver’s green culture.

✅ Winner: LED lights dominate in energy savings.

Lifespan and Durability

LED Lights

• Can last 50,000+ hours, meaning many holiday seasons before replacement.
• Resistant to shock, cold weather, and Vancouver’s heavy rain.
• Rarely need replacing once installed professionally.



Incandescent Lights

• Typically last 1,000–2,000 hours before burning out.
• Fragile glass bulbs and filaments break easily.
• Require frequent replacements and testing every season.

✅ Winner: LED lights offer unmatched longevity.

Appearance: Warmth, Brightness, and Style

This is where personal preference plays a big role.

LED Lights

• Available in multiple color temperatures: warm white, cool white, and multi-color.
• Modern LEDs now replicate the nostalgic glow of incandescents.
• Brighter and more vibrant, perfect for standing out in darker, rainy Vancouver evenings.

Incandescent Lights

• Known for their classic warm glow.
• Some homeowners feel LEDs look “too modern” or harsh.
• However, they provide a softer aesthetic that feels traditional.

✅ Winner: Tie — LED lights are versatile, but incandescents still win points for nostalgia.

Safety and Weather Resistance in Vancouver

LED Lights

• Emit minimal heat, reducing the risk of fire hazards.
• Built with weatherproof technology ideal for wet West Coast winters.
• Safe to use on rooftops, trees, and outdoor décor.



Incandescent Lights

• Get hot, posing a fire risk near dry trees or wooden structures.
• More prone to failure in damp or rainy conditions.
• Not ideal for Vancouver’s unpredictable December weather.

✅ Winner: LEDs are far safer and more weather-resistant.

Cost Comparison: Short-Term vs Long-Term

LED Lights

• Higher upfront cost than incandescents.
• Long-term savings on energy and replacements make them more affordable overall.
• Professional installers like Moonlit often reuse the same LED system for years.

Incandescent Lights

• Cheaper upfront.
• Higher energy bills and frequent replacements add up over time.
• DIY homeowners often repurchase entire sets every 1–2 years.

✅ Winner: LED lights cost more upfront but save significantly in the long run.

Eco-Friendly Holiday Lighting for Vancouver Homes

In a city known for sustainability and green initiatives, LEDs fit the lifestyle.



• Lower carbon footprint due to reduced energy use.
• Fewer replacements mean less waste.
• Compatible with smart timers and solar setups for even greater efficiency.
• For eco-conscious homeowners in Vancouver, LEDs align perfectly with local values.

Why Some Still Choose Incandescents

Despite the clear advantages of LEDs, some Vancouver homeowners still prefer traditional bulbs:

• They love the soft, nostalgic glow.
• Smaller projects (like a wreath or single window) may not justify the cost of LEDs.
• Some prefer the look of incandescent Christmas lights for heritage-style homes.

However, even in these cases, many professionals recommend combining LEDs for large displays with incandescents for smaller accent features.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Whether you choose LED or incandescent, professional Christmas lighting installation in Vancouver makes the biggest difference.

• Design Expertise: Professionals match lighting styles to your home’s architecture.
• Safety: Ladders, electrical codes, and waterproofing are handled for you.
• Premium Materials: Moonlit Landscape Lighting uses commercial-grade LEDs designed for Vancouver’s wet winters.
• Maintenance & Storage: Burned-out bulbs and post-season takedown are all included.

Even if you love the incandescent look, professionals can blend lighting types into a safe, polished, stress-free design.

Frequently Asked Questions About LED vs Incandescent Christmas Lights

Are LED Christmas lights brighter than incandescents?

Yes. LEDs shine brighter, making them more visible in rainy or foggy Vancouver nights.

Do LED lights really save money?

Absolutely. Lower electricity bills and long lifespan make them cost-effective for Vancouver homeowners.

Can LEDs match the warmth of incandescent bulbs?

Yes. Modern “warm white” LEDs are nearly indistinguishable from incandescents while being more efficient.

Are incandescent lights being phased out?

In many regions, yes. LEDs are the industry standard and more widely available each year.

Which is better for outdoor use in Vancouver’s climate?

LEDs are safer, more durable, and built to withstand heavy rain and moisture.

Conclusion: The Best Choice for Vancouver Homes

While traditional incandescent Christmas lights still hold nostalgic charm, LED Christmas lights are the clear winner for Vancouver homeowners. They’re brighter, safer, longer-lasting, energy-efficient, and perfectly suited to the city’s wet climate.



For those who want to combine nostalgia with performance, professional installers like Moonlit Landscape Lighting Vancouver can design hybrid systems that capture the warm glow of incandescents while leveraging the reliability of LEDs.

This holiday season, choose the lighting solution that saves you money, stress, and energy — while making your home the brightest on the block.