It's that time of year where the Northland is filled with awesome Christmas lights, but do you have the right lights to make your home look the best it can be?

Menards stores offer some great advice when it comes to deciding on what seems like an endless number of Christmas lighting options. Here are some things to consider, courtesy of their lighting experts:

  • Durability – Exterior Christmas lights are made to withstand the freezing temperatures that winter brings.
  • Cost – Upfront costs for LED lighting is more expensive because of their longevity. LED lights tend to last 3-4 years longer than classic incandescent, making them a better investment in the long run.
  • Theme – Deciding which style light option is best for the season can depend on the crowd, the mood, and the overall look you are going for. Ranging from large bulb lights, mini string, icicle and more, lights are a great way to customize your space.
  • Energy Efficiency – LED lights use as little as 10% of the energy incandescent lights use. While LED lights shine brighter and faster, incandescent filament takes a while to heat up and product light. Using LED lighting will reduce the risk of fire because their heat is subtle and hard to notice.
  • Distance – Depending on the area you are looking to cover, bundles range from as small as 20 count to 300 count. Available in a variety of styles, colors and sizes, making sure you have the right amount of lights is crucial to a successful holiday season. Keeping an extra set of replacement bulbs on hand is recommended to get the most out of your lights.
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You'll also need to decide on what type of lights will work best for your home.  Rope lights, icicle lights, net lights, novelty lights and even projector lights are options that could work.

Now is the time to get your home fully into the Christmas spirit!  Once you do, remember to upload a photo of your hard work through our app.  The Light Up The Northland contest is going on now and you could win up to $500.

Click on the button below for full contest details, but remember the deadline to upload your photo is Sunday, December 13.  Let's see your Christmas lights!

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