Outdoor Holiday Review: Laser and Projector Christmas Lights

If you find yourself loving the old-fashioned string Christmas lights, but not quite into the new and trendy laser projection lights, it seems to be growing more and more popular as the years go on.

Since we already have similar lights like these there’s no reason at this point to consider buying new ones, or a new outdoor laser light system for that matter. But, that doesn’t mean I can’t look!

I’m not sure how I feel about them yet. Are they unattractive? Do they make life easier? Are we in a new generation of Christmas lights where there will be less ladder falling injuries and more holiday celebrations?

It’s a great question to ponder, but it doesn’t answer whether or not it’s time to make the switch from the good ole fashioned Christmas bulbs that take out half of the strand after quitting.

In order to answer that question, let’s take a look at some of the available projector lights on the market.

What Do Laser and Projector Christmas Lights Do?

Although sometimes the terms are used synonymously, they do actually have different uses and may have a better application depending on what you want to use them for.

Laser

These shine laser lights onto your home in a similar fashion to traditional Christmas lights.

They look more like tiny light bulbs and fill the front of your home (or whatever side they’re placed on) to give a Christmas light effect. Some of the 1byone lights offer red stars and green Christmas tree patterns to create that holiday and festive atmosphere.

You can set them up on any interior or exterior surface, so it helps if you want to bring the lights inside instead of only using them on the outside of your home.

Projector

The projector lights are LED and are made to give more of an image like a snowflake, snowman, or Christmas tree.

Having a projector light alleviates the concern of the possibilities of a laser light potentially damaging eyes.

You can even use presets like Christmas, New Years, Valentine’s Day, and Birthdays. Here are some of the different options for projected images:

  • Snowflakes
  • Snowman
  • Pumpkin
  • Moon
  • Heart
  • Gifts (Birthday)
  • Wineglass
  • Animals (Kid’s Parties)
  • Ghost/Skull (for Halloween)

My Amazon Picks for Outdoor Projector Lights

Buy on Amazon

Are Outdoor Laser Lights Safe?

One main concern for laser lights is the fact that they can pose a safety risk for airline pilots at night. Some lights actually project hundreds of red and green “speckles” that could potentially hurt a pilot’s night vision, making it much harder to see in the sky.

Of course it helps to live farther away from an airport, but if you do live close and something happens with your lights and an airplane, you possibly be fined. That’s a little something to keep in mind, right?

Other than blinding a pilot, the majority (if not all) of the lights available on the market are FDA approved and consumer-ready.

Can Projector Laser Lights Only Be Used For Christmas?

Nope! I was reading through some reviews on Amazon and a lady named Laura said that she bought these for her wedding. They were used to put colored lights around the walls and the ceiling.

The cool thing is that she used them in the daytime with light coming in windows; so, they’re not like a traditional projector with low visibility during the day.

Most of the products like these Mabor Christmas lights even advertise as being used for weddings, holidays, parties, and garden decorations. More and more of the lights are being used as a complete replacement of Christmas light sets instead of other purposes, but I think it’s quite possible to start seeing the lights used for more occasions. Especially if they are offered with different color light options.

What Are Star Shower Lights?

My wife has a shirt on with thousands of these little things on it called sequins. They are highly reflective and when she stands next to a window on a sunny day, the light will “refract” or “bend” into hundreds of little spots all over the ceilings and walls. That’s exactly how these star shower lights work.

There are lasers inside the housing that are send out of the glass (or plastic) depending on the model and the light gets showered all over your home in thousands of particle lights.

Typically, you’re going to find that they come with an auto timer and are waterproof (I hope!) to prevent damage when it rains or I guess when you’re sprinkler is on. Not sure why you’d be running your sprinkler at night though.

Do Projector Lights Work The Same As Lasers?

The two technologies are different and it depends on what your preference is regarding safety and the style or look you’re trying to achieve. Many of the laser lights will give you green and red colors, whereas the projector lights are going to have the option of any color since they’re LED lights.

The only mention about safety is because of the possibility of the lasers becoming exposed or having children that might be inclined to look directly into the lights at night.

When it comes to using them for Christmas, the laser lights will give more of the “Christmas light feel”, but keep in mind that other traditional light sets are multi-color, not just green and red.
Star Shower Laser Lights


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Looking For a Specific Brand or Recommendation?

If you’re looking for more brand specific lights, here are some that I found with great features and that would be worth your time according to a mass amount of reviews.


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What I like about the firefly light is their ability for high temperatures. You can operate them with a wide range of -15 degrees to about 90 degrees (fahrenheit). They also come with a remote that has an extendable antenna to allow control of the lights for up to 10 meters. This is basically somewhere between 10-33 feet.

They are designed more for your home and can used for wall or Christmas holiday decoration. You’ll also get the benefit of more green lights (vs. red) to show a more natural light similar to a Firefly. The Ecolighting brand lasers that come on the lights are FDA approved so you don’t have to worry about damaging eyesight.

More features of the Firefly laser lights:

  • Indoor or Outdoor models available
  • Wireless remote (w/extendable antenna!) included

A big brand I’ve seen all over the web (and heard only good things about) is 1byone. They are in the best seller category for their laser lights.

Designed for both indoor use or for your lawn. They’re energy efficient and offer star and Christmas tree patterns. Another cool thing you can do is set them to motion, flashing, or a stationary setting. This gives you good flexibility if you’re not happy with the default settings.

More features of the 1byone laser lights:

  • Covers up to 2,100 square feet
  • Built-in Ambient Light Sensor
  • Weather Resistant (IP65 Rated)

Now if you’re really looking for large images to put on your home, these motion landscape projection lights are right up your alley.

You’re going to get snowflakes the size of your front door! Or, maybe you’d like a life size Santa?

More features of the 1byone laser lights:

  • 12 Different Slides to Show
  • Operate in Weather -30℉ to 122℉
  • 5 Modes of Motion & Waterproof (IP65 Rated)

Summary & Thoughts

I think it’s still too early to tell whether or not these lights are really going to take off. They’ve been around just long enough to get noticed and it’s definitely going to be interesting to see how the future of holidays (or weddings) will progress.​

In the meantime, since these lights are weather-resistant, you might want to make sure your snow is cleared off in order to place them in your yard!​

Take care guys!​

–Nick