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Christmas light style
Red and green traditional Christmas lights on a house
Red and green traditional alternates the two colors in a single C9 string along the roof, with a matching strand on the front door.
Red and green traditional on a sample house. Mock-up from Pexels #3958958 (Pexels License).
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Red and green traditional: what the sources say
- ENERGY STAR says the electricity consumed by just one 7-watt incandescent bulb could power 140 LEDs.1
- ENERGY STAR says certified decorative light strings consume 92% less energy than conventional incandescent light strands.2
- ENERGY STAR says certified LED light strings can last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent strands.3
- Federal fire-safety advice reads: “Read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.”4
Verdict. The safest choice for a first-time hanger and for anyone who wants the look the neighbors will recognize, though a long run of one string is only as good as its weakest bulb socket.
Sources
the amount of electricity consumed by just one 7-watt incandescent bulb could power 140 LEDs
(word for word, each from energystar.gov)ENERGY STAR certified decorative light strings consume 92% less energy than conventional incandescent lights strands.
(word for word, each from energystar.gov)Certified LED light strings can last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent strands
(word for word, each from energystar.gov)Read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
(word for word, each from usfa.fema.gov)
Red and green traditional: bulbs, cost and effort
| Bulbs | Red and green LED C9 |
|---|---|
| DIY cost | $170 to $285 for an 80 to 160 ft roofline ($263 at 120 ft) |
| Pro install | $450 to $950 typical |
Parts list for a 120 ft roofline
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| Part | Qty | Each | Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| C9 LED string, red and green, 100 ft | 2 | $62 | $124 |
| Mini LED string, warm white, 66 ft (200 count) | 2 | $18 | $36 |
| Gutter and shingle clips, 100 pack | 2 | $14 | $28 |
| Outdoor extension cord, 25 ft, 16/3 | 3 | $15 | $45 |
| Outdoor timer or smart plug | 1 | $20 | $20 |
| Spare bulbs and end plugs | 1 | $10 | $10 |
| Estimated total | $263 | ||
Rough 2026 US prices; links search Amazon.
How to DIY red and green traditional lights
- Use a prepackaged red and green string so the alternation is even.
- Clip along the gutter and frame the door.
- Plug into a timer.
Red and green traditional: common questions
What are red and green traditional Christmas lights?
Red and green traditional alternates the two colors in a single C9 string along the roof, with a matching strand on the front door.
How much do red and green traditional Christmas lights cost?
DIY materials: $170 to $285 ($263 at 120 ft). Pro install: $450 to $950.
What lights do I need for the red and green traditional look?
Red and green LED C9.