Christmas lighting trends: The comeback of retro style
Location: Garden City, NY.
Trends come and go, but some things have a way of coming full circle. From fashion to furniture, retro is everywhere – and holiday lighting is no exception. After years of mini-lights, all-white strands, and subtle displays, homeowners are craving something bold, cheerful, and nostalgic.
Retro Christmas lights capture that feeling perfectly. They evoke memories of childhood holidays, snow on rooftops, and family traditions. There’s something about seeing a home lit with colorful bulbs that instantly feels festive and joyful. At the same time, retro Christmas lights make a statement – a house lit with classic, colorful bulbs stands out in any neighborhood, especially in upscale Long Island communities where luxury and attention to detail matter.
We saw this trend coming. Last year, a handful of homeowners asked for bold, colorful C9 bulbs and large-scale displays. At the time, it felt like a small experiment. But the reaction was immediate: neighbors noticed, friends asked for advice, and excitement spread quickly. By this year, retro Christmas lights have exploded in popularity – and for good reason.
What makes retro Christmas lighting unique
The beauty of retro Christmas lights lies in their simplicity and scale. Large C9 bulbs create a warm, inviting glow that mini-lights simply can’t match. These bulbs are perfect for rooflines, peaks, and trees, making them ideal for larger homes that need a display with presence and visual impact.
Location: Garden City, NY.
We’ve been using retro C9 bulbs on our Long Island projects. While the bulbs themselves haven’t changed much, the design approach has. Homeowners today are pairing traditional C9 bulbs with bold, colorful arrangements or using strategic placement to create displays that feel both nostalgic and fresh.
It’s important to note that classic single-color lighting remains a timeless choice. Warm white or cool white lights continue to be popular for homeowners who prefer a clean, elegant look.
But for those with a bold style, unique requests, or a love for vintage and retro aesthetics, retro color bulbs offer something extra – a playful, eye-catching way to make a statement while staying true to the nostalgic feel of the holidays.
Unlike tiny mini-lights, retro C9 bulbs are impossible to miss. They’re playful without being childish, bold without feeling garish. When installed professionally, these lights can turn a house into a holiday landmark, even in neighborhoods where outdoor Christmas lights are common. Proper placement, symmetry, and color coordination make a massive difference, and that’s where professional installation shines.
Retro Christmas lighting bulbs also allow for creative layouts that mini-lights can’t achieve. Rooflines, peaks, and architectural details can be highlighted in a way that draws the eye and emphasizes the home’s unique features. For homeowners with expansive properties or outdoor entertaining areas, retro lights give an added layer of warmth and personality.
How the retro Christmas lighting trend took off locally on Long Island, NY
Long Island homeowners have been quick to embrace retro Christmas lights. Early adopters started asking for bold, large-format displays last season. These homes quickly became conversation starters, with neighbors stopping by to ask how they could achieve the same look.
Social media has also played a role in accelerating this trend. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok showcase holiday displays from around the world, proving that nostalgic, retro-style lights can look stylish, modern, and Instagram-worthy. Many homeowners are inspired by these online posts to try the same approach, adding their own twists to make each display unique.
This year, retro Christmas lights are no longer niche. From C9 bulb rooflines to colorful tree wraps, the trend has expanded across Long Island and all over the US, with more homeowners opting for statement holiday lighting than ever before. Even so, single-color displays remain popular for those who prefer understated elegance – a reminder that there’s a perfect lighting option for every style and taste.
A retro Christmas lighting project in Garden City, NY
One recent project perfectly illustrates why retro Christmas lights are taking off. For this home, we used a combination of nine colors of RetroGlo bulbs from Novelty Lights, creating a bold, cheerful display that felt nostalgic yet modern.
Nine color combination of RetroGlo bulbs from Novelty Lights.
The main feature was the roofline, which included one prominent peak. The colorful bulbs followed the angles of the home perfectly, emphasizing architectural details and giving the house a festive silhouette that’s impossible to miss. But the design didn’t stop there – the same bulbs were used along the flowerbed, the entryway railing, and around the entrance door. This continuity tied the whole look together, creating a sense of harmony while keeping it playful and eye-catching.
By using RetroGlo bulbs in multiple areas, the display created depth and movement. From the street, the home felt lively and welcoming; up close, the glow highlighted details like the landscaping and entryway, making the entire property feel festive from every angle.
This project shows how retro Christmas lighting can be both bold and cohesive, perfect for homeowners who want a display that’s more than just a few lights on a tree. Combining multiple colors, careful placement, and professional installation can transform a house into a holiday landmark – all while maintaining a fun, nostalgic vibe.
Why homeowners love retro Christmas lights
There are a few reasons retro Christmas lights are so popular right now:
Nostalgia: There’s something comforting about colorful C9 bulbs that evoke memories of childhood Christmas mornings.
Visibility: Mini-lights can get lost on big homes. Retro C9 bulbs are bold and make large properties feel festive and balanced.
Custom design: Placement matters. Rooflines, columns, trees, and peaks can all be highlighted with retro bulbs to create a tailored display.
Luxury appeal: Upscale homeowners want displays that feel high-end without being gaudy. Retro lights strike that balance – playful, bold, and memorable.
Trend factor: Everyone loves something new, even if it’s old. Retro Christmas lights offer a fresh twist on a classic look, which is exactly why they’re trending this season.
Flexibility: Whether homeowners prefer a single-color classic look or a bold retro display, modern C9 bulbs can adapt. There’s room for subtlety or statement-making design, giving homeowners freedom to match their personal style.
Professional installation matters
While retro Christmas lights are charming on their own, professional installation ensures the display looks polished, balanced, and functions safely. Proper installation guarantees even spacing, sharp lines, and color coordination – all crucial elements for a professional-looking display.
Luxury Long Island homes especially benefit from expert placement. When retro C9 bulbs are installed by a pro, the display doesn’t just shine – it becomes a conversation piece, highlighting architectural details and enhancing the property’s curb appeal. Homeowners can enjoy the festive look without the stress of DIY setup or tangled cords.
Curious about the difference between DIY and professional Christmas light installation? Check out our blog, "DIY vs Professional Christmas Light Installation on Long Island: What Homeowners Need to Know," to learn why expert placement makes all the difference and how to get the most out of your holiday display.
Looking ahead: Retro isn’t going anywhere
Retro Christmas lighting have gone from a niche prediction to a staple for homeowners who want statement-making displays. The combination of nostalgia, boldness, and versatility ensures this trend will stay relevant for years to come.
For Long Island homeowners, this means you have options. Whether you stick with classic single-color lighting or opt for retro color bulbs to make a bold statement, there’s a perfect solution for every style. And because professional installation ensures everything looks polished, homeowners can enjoy a festive, eye-catching display without the stress.
Big bulbs, warm glow, and a classic-yet-fresh look – that’s the winning formula for holiday lighting this year. Retro Christmas lights aren’t just a trend; they’re a reminder that a little nostalgia, combined with thoughtful design, can transform a home into something memorable.
Long Island homeowners: Have a bold idea for your holiday lighting but not sure how to bring it to life? Love thinking outside the box and want a display that truly stands out? Contact us today to connect with a lighting designer and turn your vision into a festive reality.