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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Nostalgic Christmas Lights

39 replies

ZiggyZigAh · 24/11/2024 09:31

Looking for some recommendations for some nostalgic coloured fairy lights.

I really want some lights with pink in and a softer glow than the normal LED lights provide.

My DH thinks I’m mad and that coloured fairy lights are coloured fairy lights but the ones I remember from my childhood are nothing like the ones you get today!

OP posts:
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BadgeronaMoped · 24/11/2024 09:37

I know exactly what you mean and never understand why they don't make them anymore. I ended up buying a separate strand of pink lights to mix with the "vintage-style" lights I bought (which had no pink!). I think I got both from Lights4fun online. Will be watching this thread for recommendations!

FanofLeaves · 24/11/2024 09:39

My auntie used to have a long string of coloured fairy lights that were little carriages, they looked beautiful all lit up. Pink and blue and all the other colours but I remember those colours in particular just being so vibrant! Plug in ones obviously. Would love to have those but you never see things like that these days.

Newname1900 · 24/11/2024 09:41

This thread might help - I have it saved from last year, though never got around to buying any so can't add any recommendations.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/christmas/4679986-christmasfairy-lights-with-that-old-fashioned-twinkle-and-glow

NeverTrustaRabbit2000 · 24/11/2024 09:44

You need lights that have filament bulbs, not LED. You're not mad at all. I love the muted warmth of old-fashioned lights. Unfortunately, it's getting harder to find them. Try this site.

www.festive-lights.com/indoor-christmas-lights/classic-mini-string-lights?srsltid=AfmBOooKdpsin7F6lBBmtvBx0GsL9sa9Il8fnOE29XMtYEp_keXoDxTxiIM#217=1579

efeslight · 24/11/2024 09:57

I know exactly what you mean, and might buy some new more old fashioned lights this year.
Thanks for the links

LinesAndLinesAndLinesAndLines · 24/11/2024 10:05

I know just what you mean! The LED lights just aren't the same. The blue can be just hideous in particular! We have a pre lit tree that we got from asda a couple of years ago, that has 'pastel' lights apparently. It's nice but it doesn't have that glow.

I had a set of icicle lights when I was little, I saved up and bought them from the local post office in the 80's. I miss them.

Christwosheds · 24/11/2024 10:16

Gatekeeper · 24/11/2024 09:44

Op you need incandescent lights not LED
like these

I’ve just bought these will report back.
The crucial things are the quality of the light, I hate the shoutyness of LEDs, plus the Shocking pink colour.

Christwosheds · 24/11/2024 10:19

LinesAndLinesAndLinesAndLines · 24/11/2024 10:05

I know just what you mean! The LED lights just aren't the same. The blue can be just hideous in particular! We have a pre lit tree that we got from asda a couple of years ago, that has 'pastel' lights apparently. It's nice but it doesn't have that glow.

I had a set of icicle lights when I was little, I saved up and bought them from the local post office in the 80's. I miss them.

Yes the blue LEDs are the worst. One house near me last year was covered in the blue flashing lights and it was the visual equivalent of being screamed at by an aggressive drunk . Hideous .

zaxxon · 24/11/2024 10:29

I've had these Canterbury bells ones from Noma in the past, and liked them. The plastic bell softens the glare of the LEDS and they do have a vintage feel.

On the minus side, they didn't last very long, not more than a couple of years.

Outdoor Traditional Canterbury Belles Christmas Tree Fairy Lights. Multi Coloured LEDs

https://www.festive-lights.com/outdoor-canterbury-belle-christmas-tree-fairy-lights-multicolour-leds

YorkshireFelix · 24/11/2024 10:37

I got some 'berry' lights the same as these from Habitat last year and they are fab. Give off a nice glow rather than harsh LED and feel a bit retro to me.

CatsBeCrazy · 24/11/2024 10:39

I know what you mean OP it's one of the reasons I like to buy vintage ones 😍 .
I did buy Noma Canterbury Belles but they were a huge disappointment as five bulbs blew within two weeks and it happened to many others people ( I should have checked the reviews before I bought them)

Nostalgic Christmas Lights
TSMWEL · 24/11/2024 10:44

Aldi usually bring them out (they did last year and the year before) they even have the retro "skirt" around the lights.

dudsville · 24/11/2024 10:49

Lots exist with pink lights! I know this because I went to multi coloured lights a few years ago and I really had to look carefully to find ones without pink! Hope you find your lights. I love mine so much!

Finnulafishface · 24/11/2024 10:49

ShinyPrettyThings87 · 24/11/2024 09:40

Lights4FunLights4Fun Lights4Fun Lights4Fun Lights4Fun Lights4Fun Lights4Fun

The link has got itself abit excited but I have these and they're nice. Not bright enough to light the whole room like other lights, just a nice colourful glow on the tree.

These are gorgeous and take me back to my 80’s childhood Christmas!

sueelleker · 24/11/2024 12:32

Christwosheds · 24/11/2024 10:19

Yes the blue LEDs are the worst. One house near me last year was covered in the blue flashing lights and it was the visual equivalent of being screamed at by an aggressive drunk . Hideous .

We got some one year, and it was like having an ambulance parked in our living room!

ZiggyZigAh · 24/11/2024 19:17

Thanks all! I went for these:

https://www.lights4fun.co.uk/products/150-multi-coloured-led-traditional-pickwick-christmas-lights?_gl=13r4dqy_upMQ.._gaMjEwMDU0NTI1OS4xNzMyNDQxMTE3_ga_C4Z0J9NCFN*MTczMjQ0MTExNy4xLjEuMTczMjQ0MTEzMC4wLjAuMTY3MTcyNDg0Mw..&source=affwin&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=Sub+Networks_78888_Skimlinks&awc=1531_1732475692_8a18ca8d6d48a2d315b3c641f08460d6

I randomly went to a garden centre today and they stocked them and had them on show - lovely traditional look to them - still LED but definitely different to “normal” coloured LED lights.

Multi Coloured LED Traditional Pickwick Christmas Lights | Pickwick Fairy Lights

Liven up your Christmas tree décor this year with our colourful pickwick lights! With 150 multi coloured LEDs featuring 5 different vibrant shades of red, orange, pink, green and blue, they're perfect for spreading festive cheer. || Adorn your Christma...

https://www.lights4fun.co.uk/products/150-multi-coloured-led-traditional-pickwick-christmas-lights?_gl=1*3r4dqy*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjEwMDU0NTI1OS4xNzMyNDQxMTE3*_ga_C4Z0J9NCFN*MTczMjQ0MTExNy4xLjEuMTczMjQ0MTEzMC4wLjAuMTY3MTcyNDg0Mw..&awc=1531_1732475692_8a18ca8d6d48a2d315b3c641f08460d6&source=affwin

OP posts:
Finnulafishface · 24/11/2024 19:55

Good choice!

MistyGreenAndBlue · 25/11/2024 02:52

You can go on ebay and buy vintage lights (also replacement bulbs if you know which ones to look for) or try Amazon who sell the Noma Canterbury Bells and Pickwick lights in the original style.
I have a mix of both including 3 sets of original lantern lights by Pifco.
Look for Woolworths vintage lights too.

MistyGreenAndBlue · 25/11/2024 02:55

FanofLeaves · 24/11/2024 09:39

My auntie used to have a long string of coloured fairy lights that were little carriages, they looked beautiful all lit up. Pink and blue and all the other colours but I remember those colours in particular just being so vibrant! Plug in ones obviously. Would love to have those but you never see things like that these days.

Edited

Depends how much you want to spend. The vintage Cinderella carriage lights are going for a small fortune on Ebay. I think they were made by Pifco.

FanofLeaves · 25/11/2024 07:55

MistyGreenAndBlue · 25/11/2024 02:55

Depends how much you want to spend. The vintage Cinderella carriage lights are going for a small fortune on Ebay. I think they were made by Pifco.

Oh wow! Yes they are the ones. Gorgeous. Could not justify the price though it’s probably my entire Christmas budget 😅

MistyGreenAndBlue · 25/11/2024 18:59

FanofLeaves · 25/11/2024 07:55

Oh wow! Yes they are the ones. Gorgeous. Could not justify the price though it’s probably my entire Christmas budget 😅

Yep. Vintage Christmas is a total rip off. Shame really 😕

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