Not Sure What You Need? Help Me Choose

Got questions? Get answers.

If your question isn't here, call (855) 619-5483 Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM ET — Jason responds same day.

Shipping, Delivery & Tracking

How fast do you ship?

Most orders placed before 2 PM ET ship the same day. Standard transit time varies by location — typically 1–5 business days within the continental US, depending on your distance from Burlington, KY. Bulk or oversized orders may take an additional day.

Is shipping really free?

Yes — free ground shipping on all orders over $349 within the continental US. Orders under $349 ship at standard carrier rates calculated at checkout.

Where do you ship?

We ship to the continental US (lower 48 states). For Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada, or international, call (855) 619-5483 for a quote.

Do you ship to Canada?

Yes, with a custom quote. Canadian orders involve cross-border duties and customs paperwork — call or email so we can quote the right method for your order size and timing.

What if I need it for a job this Friday?

Call (855) 619-5483 as soon as possible — for rush jobs we can often do expedited or next-day shipping, but we can't guarantee it without confirming inventory, your location, and carrier availability. Always call first; never assume rush ship is available without a confirmation call.

How do I track my order?

You'll receive an automated email with tracking when the shipping label is created. The email includes a carrier tracking link. If you don't see it within 24 hours of ordering, check your spam folder, then email us.

What if my package is lost or damaged in transit?

File a claim with the carrier within 48 hours of expected delivery (lost) or 7 days of delivery (damaged). Email jason@christmaslightshq.com so we can support the claim and discuss replacement timing.

See our full Shipping & Returns policy for details.

Placing an Order

Do I need an account to order?

No — guest checkout works fine. But a free account stores your shipping address and order history, and lets you reorder past kits in one click. Worth doing if you'll buy more than once.

Can I save a cart to come back to later?

Yes — add items to your cart, then save the cart as a wishlist (top-right account menu). It'll be there when you log back in.

Can I modify my order after I place it?

Yes — call (855) 619-5483 within 1 hour of ordering. If the shipping label hasn't been generated yet, we can change quantities, swap variants, or add items. After the label generates (usually within the 2 PM ET cutoff), changes require a new order.

How do I cancel an order?

Call (855) 619-5483 before 2 PM ET on the order date. If we haven't generated the shipping label, we cancel and refund immediately. After it ships, follow the standard returns process.

Can I order by phone?

We strongly prefer online orders — the website ensures you get all the right variants (bulb type, spacing, color) without errors. Phone orders happen but they introduce risk of miscommunication on specs. For best results: place the order on the website and call us with any questions BEFORE you submit.

Do you build custom kits?

Yes — call us with the install size, wire length, bulb color, and clip count and we'll build a custom Pro Kit at contractor pricing. Best for crews running unique projects (commercial buildings, large estates, non-standard rooflines). Shop standard Pro Light Kits →

Order Information

How do I track an existing order?

Use the tracking link in your shipping confirmation email. Or log into your account and click "Order History."

Can I change my shipping address after ordering?

Call us within 1 hour of placing the order. After the label generates, the address is locked.

What if one item on my order is on backorder?

We typically split-ship at our cost — in-stock items ship right away, backordered items ship when restocked. You're billed only for what shipped, with the balance held until the second shipment.

Will I get an invoice?

Yes — order confirmation emails include an invoice you can save or print.

Account & Payment

How do I create an account?

Click "Log in" in the top-right → "Create account." Takes 30 seconds. You can also create one during checkout.

I forgot my password. How do I reset it?

On the login page, click "Forgot password?" — a reset link emails to the address on file. Check spam if you don't see it.

What payment methods do you accept?

All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, and PayPal. For large orders, see "Pro Accounts & Bulk Orders" below.

Pro Accounts & Bulk Orders

Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing?

Yes — fill out our short bulk-quote form and Jason responds within 24 hours. Bulk pricing applies to orders of $5,000 or more — smaller orders go through standard online pricing.

What qualifies as "bulk"?

A bulk order at Christmas Lights HQ means $5,000+ in a single purchase. Common bulk profiles: 5,000+ ft of socket wire, 5,000+ C9 LED bulbs, or full crew-volume Pro Kits. If you're under $5,000 per order, standard pricing applies — but we still want to hear from you. Call (855) 619-5483 to discuss.

Can I get a sample before I commit to a large order?

Two options:

  • Sample Kit ($20–$30): small paid sample kit with a few bulbs, a foot of socket wire, and the clip style you're evaluating. Available for purchase year-round.
  • Free sample (on $5,000+ commitments): when you commit to a bulk order over $5,000, we ship a free sample kit for verification before processing the full order.

Call us to set this up.

Can I pay with ACH or terms instead of credit card?

For most orders, no — all online checkout uses standard payment methods. For larger orders or established Pro Account customers, ACH or invoice billing can be discussed. Call (855) 619-5483 to talk through.

Christmas Light Training

Do you offer Christmas light installation training?

Yes — Jason runs both in-person and online training through ChristmasLights.io. Topics include bidding, customer acquisition, install techniques, safety, crew training, business setup, and growing into permanent lighting. 43,000+ contractors in the community.

I'm just starting a Christmas light business — where should I begin?

Start with our free business checklist, then check out ChristmasLights.io for the full training program.

How much does training cost?

Pricing varies by program (online courses, in-person workshops, full mentorship). See ChristmasLights.io for current pricing and program details.

Is there a free community for new contractors?

Yes — Jason runs a free Facebook group at ChristmasLights.io/group where 43,000+ contractors share what's working. Paid training programs at ChristmasLights.io unlock the full course library, advanced workshops, and direct mentor access.

Do you train on permanent lighting?

Yes — permanent lighting installation is covered in advanced training. See ChristmasLights.io for current course schedule.

C9 vs C7 & Bulb Types

What's the difference between C9 and C7 bulbs?

C9 bulbs are larger (the classic strawberry-shaped roofline bulb most pros use) with an E17 base — visible from the street, dramatic glow. C7 bulbs are smaller with a candelabra base — typically used for windows, smaller homes, accents, or applications needing tighter spacing.

Tuff Bulbs vs Minleon V2 — which should I pick?

Both are great LED bulbs and both are built on polycarbonate lenses, not glass — durable and pro-grade. We carry both because they each have strong followings among contractors. The main reason to specifically pick Tuff Bulbs is the 5-year manufacturer warranty. Otherwise it's preference — call us if you want to talk through specific applications.

What's the difference between warm white, pure white, and sun warm white?

Warm white (~2700K) is the classic Christmas glow — yellow-amber, traditional. Pure white (~4000K-5000K) is whiter, more modern, looks like daylight. Sun warm white (~3000K) is between the two — warmer than pure white, less yellow than warm white. Most pros run warm white for residential and pure white for commercial.

How long do LED bulbs last?

Quality LED bulbs are rated for 25,000–50,000 hours of use. In Christmas-light terms, that's 25+ seasons of typical 6-hour-per-night operation. Real-world failures usually come from corrosion, water intrusion, or mechanical damage — not bulb wear.

Are your bulbs dimmable?

Most C9 LED bulbs are NOT dimmable on standard residential dimmers — they need an LED-compatible dimmer or controller. Call us before installing on a dimmer circuit.

Can I mix bulb colors on the same string?

Yes — you can mix solid colors (red, green, blue, etc.) by alternating bulbs in the socket wire. For consistent color match across a visible run, use one brand throughout (don't mix Tuff Bulbs and Minleon on the same line of sight).

Pro Light Kits

What's included in a Pro Light Kit?

Every Pro Light Kit includes the four components for a complete roofline install at contractor pricing: C9 socket wire (SPT-1, green, pre-measured to kit length), C9 LED bulbs (Tuff Bulbs or Minleon V2 — your choice, matched 1-to-1 with wire length), shingle tab clips (matched 1-to-1 with bulb count), and 10 male + 10 female gilbert plugs for end connections.

Browse Pro Light Kits →

What sizes do Pro Kits come in?

Available in 100ft, 250ft, 500ft, 1,000ft, 2,000ft, and 4,000ft. A typical residential home takes 150–200ft of roofline, so a 500ft kit covers 2–3 homes, a 1,000ft kit covers 5 homes, and a 4,000ft kit covers 20 homes.

How do I pick the right kit size?

Measure the perimeter of the rooflines you plan to light, add ~10% for waste/reach-overs/dead drops. Pick the kit that matches. If you're between sizes, go up — leftover gear is reusable next season.

Are Pro Kits cheaper than buying components separately?

Yes — buying a Pro Kit costs less than buying the bulbs, wire, clips, and plugs as individual SKUs. You also save the time of cross-matching components and the risk of mismatched specs. Compare Pro Light Kits to individual products →

Wire, Plugs & Hardware

What's the difference between SPT-1 and SPT-2 wire?

SPT-1 is 18-gauge wire with a thinner insulation jacket — industry standard for residential seasonal C9 installs. SPT-2 is 18-gauge wire with a thicker jacket — heavier-duty, used where wire will face abrasion or mechanical stress.

Why do you only sell green socket wire?

Green blends into rooflines and shrubs better than any other color — almost invisible during the day. That's why 99% of our orders are green. We occasionally stock white socket wire for column wraps or indoor minis, but green is the standard pro choice.

What plug types do you sell?

Gilbert plugs (male and female pairs) — pre-installed at the ends of wire runs or available individually. You can also "tap" into wire mid-run for custom-cut lengths.

Do I need different clips for different roofs?

For 99% of installs we recommend the Tuff Clip — an enclosed clip that holds the C9 base securely on shingles. We don't carry all-in-one clips (we've found them unreliable in repeated install/takedown cycles). For ridge work and parapet walls, see specialty clip options in the Christmas Light Clips collection.

Decor (Wreaths/Garland)

Are your wreaths real or artificial?

We stock commercial-grade artificial wreaths and garland built for outdoor durability through a full winter season. Real wreaths don't hold up for the 6–8 week typical install duration.

Are your wreaths pre-lit?

We stock both pre-lit (with warm white LED) and unlit options. Pre-lit wreaths use the same warm-white LEDs as our C9 bulbs, with sealed wiring rated for outdoor use.

What sizes of wreaths do you stock?

24", 36", 48", and 60" in commercial-grade construction. Other sizes available on request — call us.

Product Care & Storage

How should I store C9 LED bulbs in the off-season?

Store in a dry, climate-controlled space (basement, conditioned garage, warehouse). Avoid attics — temperature extremes shorten LED life. Keep bulbs in original packaging or in totes labeled by customer.

How should I store socket wire on spools?

Coil wire in figure-8 patterns on a spool or stake — straight coiling causes memory bends. Store dry. Label each spool with original length so you don't lose track.

A bulb stopped working. How do I replace it?

Unscrew the bad bulb and screw in a new one. C9 LED bulbs are standard E17 base — interchangeable within the same brand. For runs that lose a whole section, check the connections at the gilbert plug first — usually the issue is a loose connection.

Can I use C9 LED bulbs indoors?

Yes, but they're designed for outdoor use. Indoors they may run warmer than expected because there's less heat dissipation.

How do I troubleshoot a string of lights that's partly out?

Start at the end farthest from the plug — check the gilbert plug connection, then test each bulb working back toward the power source. Use a bulb tester to find the dead one. Most issues are loose plugs, dead bulbs in a series, or damaged wire.

Damaged or Lost Products

What if a product arrives broken or defective?

Notify us within 7 days of delivery — email jason@christmaslightshq.com or call (855) 619-5483 with your order number and clear photos of the damage. We ship a replacement at no cost.

What if my whole order is lost in shipping?

File a claim with the carrier within 48 hours of the expected delivery date. Email us so we can support the claim and discuss replacement timing.

What if a bulb arrives dead?

Same as Q52 — notify within 7 days with a photo and order number. We ship a replacement.

Returns Policy

What's your return window?

30 days from delivery (with a hard cutoff of Thanksgiving of the season you ordered). For the full return process, see our Shipping & Returns policy.

How do I start a return?

See the full process at Shipping & Returns. Short version: contact us for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number — returns without an RMA are not accepted.

What are the conditions for a return?

Products must be in new, unused condition and in the original packaging. Customer is responsible for return shipping. A 25% restocking fee plus original shipping is deducted from your refund. Full conditions: Shipping & Returns.

Are custom or cut-to-length products returnable?

Custom kits, custom-color bulbs, and cut-to-length wire are generally non-returnable unless defective. Confirm specs carefully before ordering custom items.

Warranty

What's the warranty on Tuff Bulbs?

Tuff Bulbs C9 LED carry a 5-year manufacturer warranty. Coverage is for manufacturing defects only — not damage from improper installation, animal interference, weather impact beyond design rating, or end-of-rated-life dimming.

What about Minleon V2 and other bulb lines?

Warranty terms vary by product line. Call (855) 619-5483 with the specific SKU for warranty coverage on non-Tuff Bulbs items.

How do I file a warranty claim?

Email jason@christmaslightshq.com with: your original order number, the SKU/product name, a clear photo of the defect, and a brief description. We respond within 1 business day.

About Christmas Lights HQ

Who is Jason and why "Built by an Installer"?

Christmas Lights HQ is run by Jason Geiman — retired Captain of Boone County Water Rescue (Kentucky), ASE-certified mechanic, EMT, Hazmat Tech, and former Christmas-light installer. Jason built a Christmas-light business from a $2,000 investment to $1M+ in annual revenue with 4 vehicle crews before selling it in 2018. Today he trains 43,000+ contractors through ChristmasLights.io. Every product we stock is field-tested on real jobs. Read the full story →

Why should I buy from Christmas Lights HQ instead of a generic supplier?

Three reasons: (1) Every product is selected and field-tested by Jason on real installs — we curate the inventory based on what actually performs on a roofline, not just what's cheapest to source. (2) Contractor-focused pricing on Pro Kits and bulk orders, not retail markup. (3) Direct line to Jason and a 43,000-contractor community at ChristmasLights.io — you're not buying from a faceless catalog.

Are you a wholesaler or a retailer?

Both. We sell direct to contractors at contractor pricing AND to homeowners at retail pricing. Bulk pricing for $5,000+ orders is available via our Bulk Orders form.

Where are you based?

Burlington, KY 41005 — Northern Kentucky, just across the river from Cincinnati. We ship nationwide.

Contact Us

What are your hours?

Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM ET, Sat 8 AM–1 PM ET, Sun closed.

What's the best way to reach Jason?
Can I visit your warehouse in person?

By appointment only — 3510 Green Rd, Burlington, KY 41005. Call first to confirm someone's there. We're not a walk-in retail store.