For this study, we aimed to approximate a light display that was a little more elaborate than just a few simple strands of lights. While not going so far as getting into the world of the true light enthusiasts.

Number of Lights

To start, we estimated the number of light strands needed to cover the average 2,700 square foot home. Estimating there would be between 80 and 100 feet that would face the street and require light coverage. Using those numbers, we found that ten 68.5 foot light strands would be needed, six would be used for the home and four for bushes or trees in the yard. We calculated the use of both LED lights and incandescent lights. To round out our imaginary display, we added two inflatables, a Santa and a snowman. We used the product description of each item to determine its power usage and converted it to kWh.

Length of Time

We estimated that the lights would run for seven hours a day, 6pm to 12am, and be up for a total of 34 days, the day after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. To complete our calculations, we used the government’s average for residential electricity rates in each state and multiplied the kWh hours by those rates.