Thomas Edison Christmas Lights: 15 Vintage Glow Ideas Inspired by the First Electric Tree

Thomas Edison Christmas history starts with a glowing surprise most people have never heard about. In December 1882, Edward H. Johnson, a close associate of Thomas Edison and vice president of the Edison Electric Light Company, had special bulbs made and hand wired 80 red, white and blue lights onto a tree in his New York City home. Neighbors had only ever seen trees lit by candles, so those walnut sized bulbs must have felt like pure magic. Today you can borrow that same old fashioned glow with safe battery and UL listed lights, a little paint and a lot of heart. These 15 vintage ideas cost very little, look way more expensive than they are and bring back the warm, nostalgic feeling of a holiday from long ago. Grab a mug of cocoa and let the cozy glow begin..

Thomas Edison Christmas Tree Colors: Red, White and Blue Bulbs

In the Thomas Edison Christmas story, the very first electric Christmas tree in 1882 did not glow in soft white. Edward Johnson chose bold red, white and blue bulbs, and you can copy that patriotic, old timey look in one evening. Pick large C7 or C9 style LED bulbs in only those three colors and space them evenly from top to bottom. Add a few painted glass style ornaments in the same shades and wrap the gifts in plain kraft paper so the lights stay the star. Could anything feel more like a holiday from another century..

You will need: a green tree, UL listed LED C9 style light strings in red, white and blue, matching ornaments, kraft paper

How to make it: 1. Plug the strings in and test them before they go on the tree. 2. Start at the trunk near the top and weave each string deep into the branches, then out to the tips. 3. Repeat the color order red, white, blue all the way down. 4. Fill gaps with ornaments in the same three colors.

Vintage C9 Bulb Garland on the Mantel

For a Thomas Edison Christmas mantel, think big. Chunky C9 bulbs were the star of every 1950s living room, and they still make a mantel look rich and full. Tuck a string of LED C9 bulbs into a fluffy pine garland and let the colors peek through the needles. The mix of soft multicolor glow and fresh green looks like something out of a grandparent’s photo album. Keep the fireplace empty and cool when lights are on the mantel. Which colors would you pick for yours, classic multicolor or warm white?

You will need: a faux or fresh pine garland, a UL listed LED C9 light string, pine cones, small command hooks

How to make it: 1. Hang the garland on small hooks along the mantel edge. 2. Weave the light string through it, pushing some bulbs deep and some out front. 3. Tuck pine cones into the gaps. 4. Run the cord down the side and keep it away from the firebox.

Thomas Edison Christmas Bulb Ornaments Painted in Retro Colors

Light bulbs changed the holidays, so turning bulb shapes into ornaments feels like a sweet little tribute. Buy shatterproof bulb shaped ornaments at the craft store and paint them in soft retro mint, cherry red and cream. A dusting of fine glitter on the tips makes them sparkle like old glass. Tie on a loop of twine and they look like treasures from a flea market. They also make a lovely handmade gift for a friend who loves vintage decor. How many would you make for your tree?

You will need: shatterproof bulb shaped ornaments, acrylic craft paint in mint, red and cream, fine glitter, Mod Podge, twine

How to make it: 1. Wipe each ornament clean and let it dry. 2. Paint two thin coats, drying between coats. 3. Brush Mod Podge on the tip and sprinkle with glitter. 4. Seal, dry overnight and add a twine loop.

Light Bulb Snowman Ornaments

A bulb shape already looks like a little snowman head, so this craft almost makes itself. Paint shatterproof bulb ornaments white, then add dot eyes, a tiny orange nose and a rosy smile. Cut a sock cuff or scrap of yarn into a mini hat and a scarf and glue them in place. Kids love to help with the faces, and every snowman ends up with its own funny personality. Hang a whole family of them together on one branch. Who will name theirs first?

You will need: white shatterproof bulb ornaments, black and orange paint, a dotting tool or toothpick, sock cuffs or yarn scraps, craft glue

How to make it: 1. Paint the ornaments white and let them dry. 2. Dot on eyes, a nose and a smile. 3. Roll a sock cuff into a tiny hat and glue it on top. 4. Tie a yarn scarf around the neck and add a ribbon loop.

Thomas Edison Christmas Glow: Edison Style String Lights on the Porch

Edison style bulbs, with their glowing filament look, give a porch the same warm feeling as an old train station or a cozy cafe. Swag a string of outdoor rated LED Edison style bulbs along the porch beam or fence and let them dip in soft curves. Add a simple wreath and a few potted evergreens and your home suddenly looks like a holiday postcard. The best part is how welcoming it feels when guests walk up after dark. Would your porch look better with straight lines or swoops?

You will need: outdoor rated, UL listed LED Edison style string lights, outdoor hooks, zip ties, an outdoor timer

How to make it: 1. Plan where the strings will hang and add a hook every few feet. 2. Hang the lights with a gentle dip between hooks. 3. Secure loose cord with zip ties. 4. Plug into an outdoor outlet with a timer set for evening.

Edison Bulb Cluster Over the Holiday Table

Hanging a Thomas Edison Christmas cluster of Edison style bulbs at different heights turns an everyday dining spot into a holiday showpiece. You do not need an electrician or any rewiring. Use battery LED Edison style bulbs or a plug in pendant kit used exactly as sold, and hang them from a sturdy ceiling hook. Wrap a little greenery around the top and the whole table glows like a candlelit dinner, without any open flame. It is a simple trick that looks like it came from a pricey restaurant. Where would you hang yours?

You will need: battery LED Edison style hanging bulbs or a UL listed plug in pendant cluster kit, a ceiling hook, faux greenery, twine

How to make it: 1. Screw a sturdy hook into the ceiling or a beam. 2. Hang the bulbs at three or four different heights. 3. Wrap faux greenery around the top with twine. 4. Switch the bulbs on with the remote or timer.

Battery Fairy Lights in a Glass Cloche

For a little Thomas Edison Christmas scene, a glass cloche makes anything look like a museum treasure, and fairy lights make it glow like a tiny winter village. Coil a strand of battery fairy lights on a wooden tray, add a few mini bottle brush trees and sprinkle faux snow around them. Set the cloche over the top and hide the battery pack behind a tree. It takes ten minutes and looks lovely on a side table, a bookshelf or a bathroom counter. Have you ever seen something so small look so cozy?

You will need: a glass cloche, a wooden tray, battery fairy lights with a timer, mini bottle brush trees, faux snow

How to make it: 1. Set the battery pack at the back of the tray. 2. Coil the fairy lights loosely around the base. 3. Add the trees and faux snow. 4. Lower the cloche over the scene and switch the timer on.

Thomas Edison Christmas Nostalgia: A Bubble Light Tree Look

Bubble lights were the must have decoration of the 1940s and 1950s, and they still make people smile the moment they see them. Choose a modern, UL listed set of bubble style lights and clip them upright on the branch tips so the little tubes stand tall. Mix in silver tinsel and round retro ornaments and your tree instantly looks like it belongs in a vintage photograph. Grandparents will love telling stories about the trees they remember. Did your family ever have bubble lights?

You will need: a UL listed bubble style light set, tinsel, retro round ornaments, a small artificial tree

How to make it: 1. Fluff the tree branches so the tips point up. 2. Clip each bubble light upright on a sturdy branch tip. 3. Drape tinsel loosely between the lights. 4. Add retro ornaments last and let the bubbles warm up.

Window Outline Lights

Outlining a window with lights is one of the oldest holiday tricks around, and by 1900 shops were already putting electric lights behind their windows. From the street, a glowing frame makes your home look warm and inviting. Use clear adhesive clips so you never need nails, and choose warm white for an old fashioned look or multicolor for something more playful. It is easy enough to finish before dinner. For more glowing ideas, see our cozy Christmas light ideas. Which window in your home would you frame first?

You will need: UL listed LED string lights, clear adhesive light clips, a measuring tape, an extension cord rated for indoor use

How to make it: 1. Measure the window frame so you buy the right length. 2. Stick clips around the frame every 8 to 10 inches. 3. Press the light string into the clips. 4. Run the cord neatly down to the outlet.

Mason Jar Lanterns With a Thomas Edison Christmas Glow

Mason jars stuffed with tiny lights glow like little lanterns full of fireflies, and they are one of the cheapest ways to add a Thomas Edison Christmas feeling to any room. Tuck a strand of battery fairy lights inside each jar and tie twine or a strip of plaid fabric around the rim. Group three on a mantel, line them up a staircase or set one on the nightstand. They are safe around kids and pets because nothing gets hot. How many jars are hiding in your cupboard right now?

You will need: clean mason jars, battery fairy lights with a timer, twine or fabric strips, faux greenery sprigs

How to make it: 1. Remove the lid and push the fairy lights loosely inside. 2. Tuck the battery pack in the jar or hide it behind. 3. Tie twine or fabric around the rim. 4. Add a sprig of greenery and switch on.

Light Wrapped Grapevine Balls

Grapevine balls wrapped in lights look like glowing moons sitting on the porch, and they are so easy to make. Start with ready made grapevine spheres from the craft store and wind battery or outdoor rated fairy lights around them. Pile a few in a basket by the door, set them on the steps or hang them from a tree branch. At dusk they give the whole entry a soft, storybook glow. Your neighbors will wonder where you bought them. Will you make big ones or little ones?

You will need: grapevine balls in two or three sizes, battery or outdoor rated fairy lights, floral wire

How to make it: 1. Tuck the start of the light string into the vine and secure it with floral wire. 2. Wrap the lights around and through the ball. 3. Hide the battery pack inside or at the bottom. 4. Group the balls by the door.

Tree of Lights on the Wall

No room for a full tree? Draw a Thomas Edison Christmas tree with lights instead. Use removable hooks to make a zigzag tree shape on a plain wall and clip paper ornaments or small photos along the strand. It takes up zero floor space, which makes it perfect for apartments, dorm rooms and kids’ bedrooms. Add a star made from cardboard and foil at the top. It is a cheerful nod to the idea that the first electric tree was really about the lights, not the tree. Where would you draw yours?

You will need: a warm white LED light string, removable wall hooks, mini clothespins, paper ornaments, a cardboard star

How to make it: 1. Mark a triangle shape on the wall with small pencil dots. 2. Add removable hooks in a zigzag pattern. 3. Hang the lights from hook to hook. 4. Clip on ornaments and add the star.

Thomas Edison Christmas Wreath From Shatterproof Bulb Ornaments

This wreath is a cheerful twist on the 1882 tree. Instead of real bulbs, you glue dozens of shatterproof bulb shaped ornaments onto a foam wreath form in red, white and blue. The shiny shapes catch the light all day long and look amazing on a white or navy door. Add a plaid bow and it feels part vintage, part farmhouse. Store bought versions cost a lot, but this one uses supplies from the dollar store. Would you hang yours inside or on the front door?

You will need: a foam wreath form, about 60 shatterproof bulb shaped ornaments in red, white and blue, a hot glue gun (adult help), a plaid ribbon

How to make it: 1. Wrap the wreath form in ribbon so no foam shows. 2. With adult help, glue the largest ornaments first. 3. Fill the gaps with smaller ones in mixed colors. 4. Add a plaid bow and a hanging loop.

Lighted Branches in a Tall Vase

A few bare branches and a strand of fairy lights can fill an empty corner with a Thomas Edison Christmas mood and a gentle, magical glow. Collect birch or twig branches from the yard, or buy them at the craft store, and set them in a tall glass vase. Wrap tiny battery fairy lights along each branch and hang a few small ornaments. It looks like a designer piece but costs only a few dollars. After Christmas, swap the ornaments for paper snowflakes and keep it up all winter. Does your living room have a corner that needs this?

You will need: a tall glass vase, bare branches, battery fairy lights with a timer, small ornaments, clear pebbles

How to make it: 1. Fill the vase base with pebbles to steady the branches. 2. Arrange the branches so they fan out. 3. Wrap the fairy lights along each branch. 4. Hang a few light ornaments and switch on.

Paper Bulb Garland for Kids

This is the safest light garland in the world because it does not plug in at all. Kids trace a bulb shape onto bright paper, cut it out and glue a little gray paper base on top so it looks just like an old Christmas bulb. String them along twine and hang the garland across a wall, a window or a bedroom door. It is a fun way to talk about how Edward Johnson’s walnut sized bulbs changed the holidays. Read more about the history of early Christmas lights, then let the cutting begin!

You will need: bright construction paper, gray paper, a bulb template, kids’ safety scissors, a glue stick, twine, mini clothespins

How to make it: 1. Trace the bulb template onto colored paper and cut it out. 2. Glue a small gray rectangle at the top as the base. 3. Fold the base over the twine or clip on with a clothespin. 4. Hang the garland and add more bulbs anytime.