Christmas lights or fairy lights are strings of electric lights used to decorate homes, yards, parks, and businesses during the Christmas season. They are generally lit after Thanksgiving and traditionally burned until early January, but can remain lit until early February in some climates. Christmas lights initially became popular in the United States in the early 1900s, with the introduction of the small electric lights and bakelite sockets. The holiday lights are available in many colors and sizes, ranging from long string sets to individual bulbs in various shapes, such as stars, snowflakes, and candy canes. Christmas lights are often used to create a spectacular light display for areas such as driveways, yards, parks, parking lots, and malls. Some cities and towns hold Christmas light competitions, where homes and businesses are judged on their light displays. Many municipalities and civic organizations also combine the Christmas decorations with lights to help light up public spaces, such as parks. This is often done to help promote the spirit of the Christmas season and to bring people together in the spirit of the holidays. Christmas lights are a great way to brighten up a town or city and make it more festive. In addition to being used as decorations, Christmas lights can be used as a way to help those in need in the community. Many charitable organizations use Christmas light displays to raise money for those who need assistance during the holidays. In recent years, LED Christmas lights have become more popular due to their energy efficiency and longer life. LED lights use far less electricity than incandescent bulbs and still provide a beautiful display of Christmas colors. They are also safer, as they don't burn as hot, reducing the chances of a fire. From traditional to modern, Christmas lights help decorate homes and businesses all over the world and make the holiday season more festive. Whether used for decoration or to help those in need, Christmas lights are an essential part of the holiday season.