Seven-day move dramatically cuts the £380 cost of Christmas lights

As Christmas fast approaches, a new calculator has shown how festive lights could add hundreds to household energy bills this year - and how Brits can reduce the cost of energy by delaying the big switch. UK Debt Expert has created a Christmas Lights Calculator to help festive fanatics anticipate how much their displays could cost, and just how much could be saved by delaying putting up your decorations for just a week.

UK Debt Expert gathered information on the energy usage of popular Christmas lights to learn how much they would cost to run this year, based on current energy costs. The research found that families who love to decorate the outside of their houses with multiple Christmas lights including stand alone LED fixtures and outdoor Christmas-themed rope lights will see the biggest hikes in bills.

If a family had a combination of lights such as a Santa and Tree Archway rope light, rainbow tinsel lights and a ‘Merry Christmas’ rope light sign from 21 November until 5 January for six hours a day, households can be expected to spend over £380 in electricity costs. The calculator shows that even waiting and putting your fairy lights on your tree on 1 December will save households £15 compared to mid November, and if you have any various rope lights outside, you can save £50 an item by delaying the big switch.

Outdoor statement pieces for big festive fans, like an LED Santa and Tree Archway, were revealed to be the most expensive, at £4.38 per day - amounting to over £195 for the season if they’re switched on on 21 November.

Maxine McCreadie, personal finance advisor at UK Debt Expert , said: “It’s always an exciting time when we start setting up for Christmas, and seeing your house lit up in festive cheer. But before we unload all the decorations from the attic, it’s best to get ahead and understand just how much it will cost to run your Christmas lights.

“A 10% rise in energy bills is significant and many families will be feeling the pressures of buying gifts, socialising and trying to keep up. Our calculator is a good tool to help you feel prepared for energy consumption and estimate depending on your usage.

“It’s important to stay proactive with financial planning. If you don’t want to cut back on lights, consider waiting a week or two before turning them on; you’ll still enjoy the Christmas spirit with a bit less expense.”