• Know your lights. If you’re buying new lights, make sure they’re compatible  with your existing light strings.

• Unsure how many lights you need for your tree? Figure 100 to 150 lights per  vertical foot of the tree.

• Use LED holiday lights on your tree. LED holiday lights use up to 80% less  energy and are cooler than traditional incandescent lights.

• Add movement. Want that snowflake display to sparkle or your eight tiny  reindeer to trot? Give the illusion of movement with color changing lights. Many  options are available, including twinkling, chasing, and fade-in, fade-out  styles. Check into cascading icicles with a circuit that gives off a melting  effect.

• Mix lighting styles. To make holiday lighting stand out, pair strings of  different sized lights together to add depth to decor. On the tree, set a base  of white lights at the bottom and continue upward, adding strands of large bulbs  and novelty lights for color and variety.

• Find inspiration. Every year, thousands of tree lighting ceremonies take  place all over the country. Draw ideas from these magical designs.

Source: GE Lighting & Electrical Institute