With December just days away, many households will be wondering how much it will cost to run Christmas tree lights this year.
Energy-efficient LED Christmas tree lights can keep costs lower over the holidays, using around 75% less energy than conventional bulbs to produce similar brightness levels.
Saxo, an investment platform, looked at how much it will cost to run Christmas tree lights based on the tradition of putting up decorations at the beginning of Advent (Sunday 3rd December), and keeping them up until Friday 5th January (Twelfth Night).
Based on the October 2023 energy price cap, which is 27.35p kWh, turning on these lights would cost you around 13p a day, or £3.99 a month if you kept them on for six hours a day. Plus, two 100-count strings of fairy lights running at 40 watts would total 80 watts, meaning a 0.48kW output will cost around £3.99 across the month. The more lights you have, the greater the cost.
Christmas tree lights create a wonderful glow, but make sure you turn them off once you leave the room. Having your Christmas tree lights on for more than six hours a day will impact the cost significantly, so it's advised to turn them off when you leave the house and before you go to bed.
Other ways to cut costs over the festivities include opting for fewer lights and considering the use of modern LED bulbs (incandescent light bulbs are often found on old Christmas lights and use far more electricity). Traditional Christmas candles are also a wonderful way to set the mood without bumping up your electricity bill.
Time to make your home merry and bright...
9 blankets with sleeves to keep you warm and cosy
This original Oodie blanket in navy blue has a soft flannel fleece on the outside and warm sherpa fleece on the inside. Ideal for keeping warm when the temperatures tumble, it's an investment buy that will last you year after year.
Feel the cold easily? This super soft heated throw from Lakeland boasts long sleeves, a cosy pouch and three temperature settings to keep you warm. Perfect for curling up on the sofa on chilly evenings.
Curl up on a cold night with The White Company's extra cosy blanket with sleeves. With an all-over fuzzy texture and large kangaroo pocket, it's a great layering piece for when the temperature drops.
Snuggling up (and staying warm) just got easier thanks to John Lewis' oversized lounge hoodie in grey. Made from thermal fleece to give a softer and luxurious feel, it has a snug hooded neckline and long arms.
The best thing about this blanket with sleeves is that it comes with a foot pocket. Created to help you stay snug and cosy, it is also supersized and cleverly transforms into a cushion once you've finished wearing it.
This hooded blanket will keep you extra cosy this winter. Available to buy for just £18, it comes in one size and features a pink dotty design.
Working from home? Don't sit down at your desk without this long wearable blanket with sleeves. Features include a large front pocket, roomy sleeves for extra flexibility and its neck-to-toe coverage thanks to its 17o-200cm measurement.
Keep warm on a winter's day with this fleece from M&S. Complete with a fluffy hood and deep pocket, it cleverly traps in body heat, allowing you to stay cosy while turning down the heating.
You essentially get two different styles for the price of one with this reversible option from B&Q. One side is a sweet pink colour, while the other side is a cosy off-white hue.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
