By Best Buy December 18, 2024

The holiday season is here, and so is the time to bring warmth, cheer and festive flare through lights and decorations. Whether your style is a string of lights wrapped around the tree or an elaborate display that turns your home into the neighborhood attraction, adding a touch of tech can elevate the holiday magic.

"Smart holiday lighting isn't just about convenience; it's about creating a personalized experience that's easy to control," says Geek Squad Expert Derek Meister.

Here are some tips to make your holiday lights smarter, easier to manage and more dazzling than ever.

Find the perfect lights for your home

Choosing the right lighting is the foundation for a stunning holiday display. Whether you're looking for subtle ambiance or a bold, colorful design, there are options to fit your style.

• Dynamic colors and animation: The Twinkly Smart Light String lets you create pixel-perfect designs with its app-based controls. Customize your own look or choose from a gallery of festive animations.
• Transformative accents: Use the Philips Hue Gradient Hue Play Light Strip for dynamic color transitions that highlight holiday décor, or the Hue Smart Display LED Bar Light for versatile lighting around your entertainment space.
• Add festive flair to windows and walls: The Govee RGBIC Curtain Lights let you create multi-color effects that are perfect for brightening your home's exterior or interior spaces. With a DIY mode, you can bring your own creative vision to life.

Let smart devices be your holiday assistant

Streamline your decorating setup with smart home technology that makes controlling lights and decorations effortless.

• Smart outlets: Simplify your setup by controlling yard inflatables, lights and more via an app. Options like the GE Cync Outdoor Smart Plug and Lutron Caseta Weatherproof+ Outdoor Smart Plug are ideal for outdoor use, while the TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini adds features like customizable schedules and sunset-to-midnight timers.
• Voice command convenience: Pair your lights with a voice assistant like the Google Nest Hub for hands-free control. Turn decorations on and off, adjust brightness, or even sync with holiday music. Many smart speakers double as music players, creating the perfect soundtrack for your decorating.

Ensure your internet can handle the holiday hustle

Smart devices rely on reliable internet to stay connected. Upgrade your Wi-Fi to ensure seamless performance, even with multiple devices running simultaneously.

• Mesh Wi-Fi systems: Routers like the TP-Link Deco AXE5400 or Eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System provide robust coverage, keeping your smart home humming smoothly.

Automate your lights for stress-free magic

Automation can take your holiday lighting to the next level, letting you focus on the festivities while your decorations work seamlessly in the background.

• Schedule and sync: Many smart lighting systems, like the Philips Hue Bluetooth LED Smart Bulbs, allow you to create schedules that sync with your daily routine or holiday parties. Add a Hue Sync Box to make lights flash, dim and brighten with your favorite holiday films for a truly immersive experience.

For more ideas and expert advice, visit a store near you or check out BestBuy.com to explore the latest in smart holiday lighting.