The History of Holiday Lights: A Bright Timeline

Hey, it's Cole and Matt here, the guys behind 716 Lights. If you're like us, you're captivated by the glow of holiday lights. Today, we're going on a little time-traveling adventure to explore the history behind these twinkling decorations. Trust us; it's a story as bright as the lights themselves.

Imagine a Christmas scene devoid of twinkling lights—feels incomplete, doesn't it? But there was a time when holiday lights didn't even exist. In the 17th century, people used candles to light up their Christmas trees. Yes, real, flickering, fire-hazard candles. Oh, how times have changed.

Fast forward to the late 19th century when Edward Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison, had an electrifying idea. He strung 80 red, white, and blue light bulbs around a Christmas tree. It was a spectacle of light, a marvel that transformed the holiday landscape forever.

Now leap to the 1920s, when Albert Sadacca thought of selling painted light bulbs. Initially, sales were sluggish until he had the idea to use them as Christmas tree lights. The rest, as they say, is history. Or maybe we should say, bright history.

Technological advancements continued to dazzle us. Enter the 1950s, when bubble lights came into vogue. These fascinating lights contained a liquid that bubbled when heated by the light bulb, creating a mesmerizing effect. Fast forward to our era, and we've got everything from LED to smart lights that can be controlled with a simple swipe on your smartphone.

But it's not just about the lights; it's about the communal experience they create. Towns and cities host light festivals, families gather to decorate their homes, and entire neighborhoods engage in friendly competitions for the most spectacular display.

Illuminate Your Holidays with 716 Lights!

As we come to the end of this luminescent journey through the annals of holiday light history, perhaps you're inspired to add your own page to this bright timeline. That's where we come in. At 716 Lights, we specialize in custom holiday light installations. Whether you're in Orchard Park, East Aurora, Buffalo, West Seneca, Tonawanda, or surrounding areas, we've got you covered. Interested? Why not get a free quote to start your own history of brilliant holiday displays. We stand by our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can be confident in your choice. Ready to make your holidays shine? We are.