As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We research products independently, and commissions never change our picks.

The best Christmas lights for new home owners are sets that can move from a porch to a tree to a window as you learn the space. We favored listings that name indoor and outdoor use, a timer, end-to-end linking or flexible controls.

We did not test these sets in person. Scores are editorial and based only on what each listing states. Read more in our editorial policy, or see our main best christmas lights guide for more choices.

Top 3 Starter Christmas Lights After a Move

Score 8.7/10EEW 99FT Voice Controlled Warm White Christmas String Lights

EEW 99FT Voice Controlled Warm White Christmas String Lights

  • Voice commands plus a remote
  • 3 timer settings and 4 brightness levels
  • Listed IP44 for indoor and outdoor use
Check Price on Amazon
Score 7.7/10KDEEIE 100ft 2 Pack Permanent Outdoor RGB+IC String Lights

KDEEIE 100ft 2 Pack Permanent Outdoor RGB+IC String Lights

  • App control plus Alexa and Google Assistant
  • IP67 lights and control box
  • 2 pack of 100ft strands
Check Price on Amazon
Score 7.6/10Govee Christmas Lights 2, 328FT 1000 LED Smart String Lights

Govee Christmas Lights 2, 328FT 1000 LED Smart String Lights

  • App and voice control with Matter
  • 130+ preset animated scenes
  • Listed IP65 for indoor and outdoor use
Check Price on Amazon

How We Score

CriterionWeightWhat we look at
Indoor-outdoor range30Indoor and outdoor use and any water rating in the listing
Auto timer25Listed timer cycles and settings
Linking sets20End-to-end linking named in the listing
Control options25Remote, app or voice control named in the listing

First-Home Holiday Lights Side by Side

ProductBest ForScoreTypeKey spec
EEW 99FT Voice Controlled Warm White Christmas String Lights EEW 99FT Voice Controlled Warm White Christmas String LightsBest Remote Control Set8.7String lights3 timers, 12 modesView
KDEEIE 100ft 2 Pack Permanent Outdoor RGB+IC String Lights KDEEIE 100ft 2 Pack Permanent Outdoor RGB+IC String LightsBest Permanent Light Kit7.7Permanent lightsApp and voiceView
Govee Christmas Lights 2, 328FT 1000 LED Smart String Lights Govee Christmas Lights 2, 328FT 1000 LED Smart String LightsBest Matter Compatible7.6Smart lights130+ preset scenesView
HISHINY 100 Count Multicolor Christmas Mini Lights on Green Wire HISHINY 100 Count Multicolor Christmas Mini Lights on Green WireBest Green Wire Minis6.0Mini lightsLinks 5 setsView
TWSHINE 100 Count Multi-Colored Mini Lights on White Wire TWSHINE 100 Count Multi-Colored Mini Lights on White WireBest White Wire Minis5.4Mini lights18.5 ft litView
LYUBASA 3 Pack Green Tree Christmas Window Lights with Suction Cups LYUBASA 3 Pack Green Tree Christmas Window Lights with Suction CupsBest Window Silhouettes4.6Window lightsSuction cups, timerView

EEW 99FT Voice Controlled Warm White Christmas String Lights

Best Remote Control SetEEW 99FT Voice Controlled Warm White Christmas String Lights
Pros
  • Voice control and a remote
  • 12 lighting modes
  • 3 timer settings with memory
  • 4 brightness levels
Cons
  • LED count is stated two ways
  • Voice timer offers only the 6h on and 18h off cycle
  • Plug-in, so it needs an outlet
Length99ft
Lead wire9.8ft
Modes12
Brightness100%, 75%, 50%, 25%

EEW gives you two ways to run a 99ft strand: say “Hello Cici” and follow with commands such as turn on, dimmer light or set the timer, or use the remote. The 9.8ft lead wire helps reach an outdoor outlet. It is listed as IP44 for indoor and outdoor decorating, so it can work outside one year and inside the next.

The remote covers 12 modes, 4 brightness levels and 3 timer settings: 6h on/18h off, 8h on/16h off, or 6h on/6h off/3h on/9h off. Memory is listed. The LED count appears two ways on the listing. Score: Indoor-outdoor range 9, Auto timer 10, Linking sets 5, Control options 10.

Who the EEW Voice 99FT fits best

Pick this if you want one warm white strand you can control by voice or remote, inside or out.

Who should skip the EEW Voice 99FT

Skip it if you want to link several strands together.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

KDEEIE 100ft 2 Pack Permanent Outdoor RGB+IC String Lights

Best Permanent Light KitKDEEIE 100ft 2 Pack Permanent Outdoor RGB+IC String Lights
Pros
  • 2 pack of 100ft strands
  • 16 million colors with each LED set by app
  • Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
  • IP67 lights and control box
Cons
  • Adapter is for indoor use only
  • Built for permanent mounting, not quick seasonal swaps
  • Scene count is stated two ways
Pack2 x 100ft
Colors16 million
WaterproofIP67 lights and control box
ControlApp and voice

KDEEIE sells this as a 2 pack of 100ft permanent outdoor strands with RGB+IC LEDs. In the Surplife Home app you can set the color of each light from 16 million options, and voice control works with Alexa and Google Assistant. The listing names Christmas, Halloween and holiday use, so the strands can stay up for more than one season.

The lights and control box are listed as IP67 from -4°F to 140°F, while the adapter is for indoor use only. Timer and automatic on-off appear in the spec sheet. The scene count appears two ways on the listing. Score: Indoor-outdoor range 8, Auto timer 7, Linking sets 5, Control options 10.

Who the KDEEIE 2 Pack fits best

Pick this if you want lights that stay mounted on the house for many holidays.

Who should skip the KDEEIE 2 Pack

Skip it if you want a strand to wrap a tree indoors.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Govee Christmas Lights 2, 328FT 1000 LED Smart String Lights

Best Matter CompatibleGovee Christmas Lights 2, 328FT 1000 LED Smart String Lights
Pros
  • 328FT with 1000 LEDs
  • RGBWIC beads with added white LEDs
  • 130+ preset animated scenes
  • Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Matter
Cons
  • Strings do not support series connection
  • No remote listed
  • Plug-in only, so it needs an outlet
Length328FT
LEDs1000
WaterproofIP65
ControlApp and voice

Govee’s 328FT strand carries 1000 RGBWIC LEDs on green wire, with extra white beads mixed in for a more natural warm or pure white. Each LED has its own IC chip for single control. The Govee Home app offers over 130 preset animated scenes, plus shape mapping so effects flow along the way you hung the lights.

You can adjust brightness, set timers and pick effects in the app or by voice through Alexa and Google Assistant, and it is Matter compatible. It is listed as IP65 for indoor and outdoor use. These strings do not link in series. Score: Indoor-outdoor range 9, Auto timer 7, Linking sets 3, Control options 10.

Who the Govee 328FT fits best

Pick this if you want one very long smart strand for the whole season, inside or out.

Who should skip the Govee 328FT

Skip it if you plan to add strands later.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

HISHINY 100 Count Multicolor Christmas Mini Lights on Green Wire

Best Green Wire MinisHISHINY 100 Count Multicolor Christmas Mini Lights on Green Wire
Pros
  • 100 multicolor mini bulbs on 21 feet
  • Connect up to 5 strings end to end
  • 2 spare bulbs and 2 fuses included
  • Listed IP44 for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
  • Incandescent bulbs, not LED
  • No timer or remote listed
  • Plug must stay away from water
Bulbs100 multicolor incandescent
Lighted length21 feet
LinkUp to 5 strings
WaterproofIP44

HISHINY offers a classic look: 100 multicolor incandescent mini bulbs over 21 feet of lighted length on green wire. The set includes 2 flasher bulbs, 2 spare bulbs and 2 replacement fuses. Named spots include the home, a window and a bathroom, and it is listed for indoor and outdoor use.

Each string has an end-to-end connector, and up to 5 strings connect. It is listed as IP44, with a note to keep the plug away from water. There is no timer or remote, so you switch it yourself. Score: Indoor-outdoor range 9, Auto timer 3, Linking sets 9, Control options 3.

Who the HISHINY 100 Count fits best

Pick this if you want a classic multicolor tree look and room to add strands.

Who should skip the HISHINY 100 Count

Skip it if you want LED bulbs or a timer.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

TWSHINE 100 Count Multi-Colored Mini Lights on White Wire

Best White Wire MinisTWSHINE 100 Count Multi-Colored Mini Lights on White Wire
Pros
  • 18.5 ft illuminated on white wire
  • Connect up to 5 sets
  • Built-in 3A fuse
  • Other bulbs stay lit if one fails
Cons
  • Incandescent bulbs, not LED
  • Spec sheet lists outdoor use only
  • No timer or remote listed
Illuminated length18.5 ft
Lead wire1.5 ft
Spacing2.25 inches
LinkUp to 5 sets

TWSHINE strings 100 multi-colored incandescent bulbs on white wire, with 18.5 ft illuminated and a 1.5 ft leading wire. Bulbs sit 2.25 inches apart, each at 2.5V/0.42W, with a built-in 3A fuse. The listing names homes, porches, roofs, gardens, balconies, bathrooms, trees, fences and wreaths among its spots, so one set can try out several places.

Up to 5 sets connect end to end, and each bulb works on its own, so a bad one can be swapped for a spare. The features describe indoor and outdoor use, while the spec sheet says outdoor with IPX4. Score: Indoor-outdoor range 7, Auto timer 3, Linking sets 9, Control options 3.

Who the TWSHINE 100 Count fits best

Pick this if you want the wire to blend into white surfaces.

Who should skip the TWSHINE 100 Count

Skip it if you want lights that switch off on a schedule.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LYUBASA 3 Pack Green Tree Christmas Window Lights with Suction Cups

Best Window SilhouettesLYUBASA 3 Pack Green Tree Christmas Window Lights with Suction Cups
Pros
  • 3 tree shapes with suction cups
  • Timer runs 6 hours on and 18 off
  • Battery powered, no outlet needed
  • Hooks for doors and mantels
Cons
  • Batteries are not included
  • Only 30 green LEDs across the 3 shapes
  • No linking listed
Pack3
LEDs30 green in all
Power3 AAA batteries
Timer6 hours on, 18 off

LYUBASA sells 3 tree silhouettes that stick to glass with suction cups, with 30 green LEDs across the set. Hooks also let them hang on a door, mantel, hallway or balcony, and the listing names a bedroom and a porch. They run on 3 AAA batteries, which are not included.

The timer starts as soon as you switch them on, then repeats 6 hours on and 18 off each day. A button on the battery compartment turns them on and off. There are no modes or linking. Score: Indoor-outdoor range 4, Auto timer 8, Linking sets 3, Control options 3.

Who the LYUBASA Window Trees fits best

Pick this for windows or glass doors that need a quick holiday touch.

Who should skip the LYUBASA Window Trees

Skip it if you want a strand to wrap a tree.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Building a First Christmas Light Kit After a Move

Walk the house before you shop

Note every outlet near the porch, windows and tree spot. That tells you how long a lead wire or strand you need.

Choose sets that go inside or out

A set listed for both lets you try it on the porch one year and the tree the next. Check the listed water rating, such as IP44 or IP65.

Let a timer handle the evenings

A daily timer turns lights on and off while you settle in. Look for the exact on and off hours in the listing.

Plan for linking now

Mini light strings that connect end to end let you grow the display each year. Note how many sets the listing allows.

Decide on smart control early

App-controlled sets need a phone and some pairing time. Plain plug-in sets skip that setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best christmas lights for new home decorating?

Sets listed for indoor and outdoor use with a timer or linking let you try different spots. We scored each pick on those points.

Which of these LED Christmas lights is Matter compatible?

The Govee 328FT, which also works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Do any of these holiday lights connect up to 5 sets?

The HISHINY 100 Count and the TWSHINE 100 Count both list up to 5 linked sets.

Which of these string lights include a remote?

The EEW Voice 99FT, which pairs a remote with voice commands.

Final Verdict

For the best Christmas lights for new home owners, the EEW Voice 99FT leads with voice and remote control, 3 timers and indoor-outdoor use. The KDEEIE 2 Pack suits permanent outdoor lighting, and the Govee 328FT brings a long smart strand.

Looking for something else? Explore more holiday decor guides.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.