October 15, 2024

Christmas trees and holiday decorations start hundreds of U.S. home fires every year. NFPA data show about 160 Christmas tree fires and 790 decoration fires a year (2015–2019). Nearly half of tree fires involve electrical or lighting problems, and candles start 45% of December decoration fires. Most are preventable.

Christmas trees were once lit with real candles. In the 1880s, Thomas Edison’s colleague Edward H. Johnson wrapped a tree in 80 red, white and blue electric bulbs and started a new tradition. Here are 7 fun facts about Christmas lights, from what they used to cost to the biggest displays today.