Christmas Lights: Light on the Wallet
When the lights flicker on the first evening of December, many of us instinctively think: “Too many LEDs this year—let’s cut back.” A recent finance‑savvy rundown by RIFT shows that most of us share that itch, but the real numbers might surprise you.
Key take‑away
- The average British household spends just £1.34 on Christmas lighting for the entire month.
- That’s less than a cup of tea, so your holiday budget can stay merry.
How RIFT did the math
RIFT went region by region, pulling the latest electricity rates and the typical monthly spend of everyday families. Then they asked: “If you turn on fairy lights, a Santa, a reindeer, and a star—how much does that light up your bank account?”
- They measured the energy of a rainbow of decorations.
- Added up the consumption across a whole month of December.
- Compared that to real household spend.
What it means for you
So while the costs of living have tightened the purse strings, the lights themselves are a minor annoyance. You can still twinkle the halls and keep your savings shiny.
Households planning on cutting back on energy consumption this Christmas
Will This Christmas Be Light‑Free?
New research from RIFT suggests that most of us are batting the festive flashlight off the holiday tree.
The Numbers at a Glance
- 32% of people have decided to ditch the outside Christmas lights altogether – because prices are piling up and electricity bills will bite.
- 16% will chuck out a few lights, just enough to keep the vibe without draining the wallet.
- 11% say they won’t deck their interiors – nothing from the tree to the mantle.
- 19% are sticking to a smaller, budget‑friendly selection indoors.
- Of those who are still on the lights‑train, 42% plan to keep them burning for a shorter span than before.
Why the Light Down‑shift?
Between soaring living costs and soaring energy bills, folks are tightening their belts. They’re looking to keep the cheer without the financial cheer round‑the‑corner.
Could we Brighten Up Again?
So the question pops up: do we need to crank up the lights this Christmas, or is a more understated glow just the new tradition? The answer may lie in a careful balance of holiday spirit and smart budgeting.
The cost of Christmas lights revealed
Deck the Halls (and Your Wallet)
RIFT’s latest study sliced through the festive glow of five outside decorations and men‑in‑glasses of indoor fairy lights on the tree. The verdict? It’s the tiny stars inside the tree that buckle your bank account a bit more than the flashy out‑doors.
Power‑Play of the Lights
The fairy lights splashing outside your house chew up 7 watts of electricity. Those string lights that traverse your tree gobble up a similar amount— 7.2 watts to be exact.
Converted to the more common unit, that’s just 0.007 kW for the exterior, and 0.0072 kW for the dreamy tree.
Cost Breakdown for the Big Split of Fate
- External fairy lights running 6 hrs a day: 0.007 kW × 6 hrs × 27.35 p/kWh = £0.0115 per hour.
- Christmas tree lights running 8 hrs a day: 0.0072 kW × 8 hrs × 27.35 p/kWh = £0.0158 per hour.
Grand Total per Decades
Put them together—six hours of the outside sash and eight of the inside merry—your monthly bill for all the lights adds up to a neat £0.04 per day, or £1.34 for the whole month.
The Holiday Boost to Your Energy Bill
Just look at your normal bill: an average UK household spends £83 in December (including how much the provider keeps in standby). Adding the twinkle fee gives you a total of £84.34—an uptick of a modest 1.6 %. So, if you’re worried the lights will scare you, fear not; the extra cost is marginal compared to your regular electric hair-raising expenses.
Feel free to celebrate—just don’t leave the lights on forever!
Regional cost differences
Lights Up: Who’s Paying the Highest for Christmas Cheer
When it comes to putting up festive lights, the cost of powering those twinkling vibes isn’t just a matter of moods—it’s a matter of finances. The prices vary regionally, but the spread isn’t huge, so you won’t be staring at your bill and thinking “I’m going bankrupt!”
Top‑Tier Regions: London Leads the Pack
- London – The capital takes the crown with a total of £1.39 for the whole December.
- North Wales & the Mersey – They follow closely at £1.38.
- South East – Also stands at £1.38, ready to light up your car.
- Eastern – Slightly less intense at £1.37.
Low‑Cost Lights: Yorkshire & the North
For those who don’t want their holiday lights eating into their budget, the Northern regions are the best bet. A full month of December lights comes in at a mere £1.30—a delightful saving for the festive season.
So whether you’re in the buzzing centre of London or the calm dawn of Yorkshire, you’ll still be able to shine bright without burning up your pocket. Happy holidays, and may your lights stay bright, not your bills!
Cheaper than leaving your TV on standby
Christmas Lights vs. TV Standby: The True Power Drain Showdown
What a Tiny Drop of Electricity Really Means
Think you’re saving a ton by plugging your TV into a “standby” mode? Think again. A simple standby TV can gobble up about £2.03 worth of power each month, which is more than the cost of a handful of festive lights.
RIFT’s View on Holiday Spending
Bradley Post, Managing Director of RIFT, highlights that while inflation might be easing, the holiday season still brings unpaid bills. “Everyone is scouring for ways to trim expenses,” he says. “The easy fix? Do less decorating.”
Lights: The Real Cost‑Efficient Solution
- Outdoor lights running for up to 6 hours a day each month: £1.00
- Indoor Christmas tree lights – 8 hours a day: £0.34
- Combined total for December: just £1.34
That’s a full month of sparkle for about a dollar and a half! Compare that to the stubborn standby TV, which pushes you into a higher energy bill.
Bottom Line: Less Lights, More Savings
If you’re leaning toward that dazzling array of holiday lights, consider unplugging your TV? Cutting that standby habit can offset the extra cost, letting you enjoy the glow without the guilt of a higher bill.
Keep an eye on your energy usage this season – your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.
