Icicle lights are strands of mini lights suspended on drops of different lengths to mimic the look of icicles — the best Christmas lights to hang from gutters and eaves. Available in professional-grade LED or traditional incandescent, 5mm wide-angle or M5 mini light bulbs (LED only) with SoftTwinkle® options. Curtain lights offer longer drops for a drape effect; Grand Cascade lights animate with a dripping motion.
Outdoor Icicle Lights for Gutters and Eaves
Icicle lights are strands of mini lights suspended on drops of different lengths from a horizontal wire — designed to mimic the natural, irregular way icicles form along gutters and eaves. In our 25+ years of helping customers light their homes and businesses, rooflines remain the most popular application: the drops hang naturally at any angle or along a straight run, and a housefront decorated with icicle lights is one of the most recognizable signatures of a home decorated for Christmas. Overhangs, peaks, windows, and deck or porch railings are all popular locations as well.
Gutter clips make installation easy — snap each clip onto the gutter lip, space them 6–12 inches apart, and hang the strand from each clip. Before you start, spend a few minutes gently tugging each individual drop. Icicle lights are packed tightly in the box, and the drops will appear shorter than expected; they'll straighten further once hung. Drop lengths vary by design — minor variations are normal and contribute to the natural icicle look.
Lighted length is measured from the first bulb to the last; total length runs from plug to plug. For long continuous runs, LED icicle lights connect up to 45 sets end to end on a single outlet, compared to 3–5 sets for most incandescent strings.
LED or Traditional Incandescent Christmas Icicle Lights?
LED icicle lights are the practical choice for larger displays, more seasons of use, or any installation where energy efficiency matters. They use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent, remain cool to the touch, and connect up to 45 sets end to end on a single outlet — a significant advantage for decorating a long roofline without additional circuits or power management. LED is the only option if you want 5mm wide-angle or M5 bulb styles, or SoftTwinkle® lights.
Traditional incandescent icicle lights produce a soft glow that some decorators prefer for a classic look. They're available at a lower upfront cost and remain a popular choice for small displays or those just starting their Christmas lighting journey.
Pro Tip
Before hanging your icicle lights, uncoil them and let them relax, preferably suspended — then spend a few minutes gently tugging each drop from top to bottom to help it reach its full length. Higher-quality wire will take longer to relax than cheaper alternatives; if your drops are resisting, that's a sign of better construction, not a defect. Drops will continue to straighten over time as they hang.
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What Colors Do Icicle Lights Come In?
In LED, warm white and cool white are the most well-known icicle light colors — warm white for a classic candlelight look, cool white for a crisper, more modern winter appearance. Blue icicle lights — including blue-and-white combinations on the same string — are a popular choice for a snowy winter effect.
For decorators who want more variety, icicle lights are also available in multicolor, red, green, blue, purple, and special holiday color combinations — including red-and-green for Christmas, purple-and-orange or purple-and-green for Halloween, red-white-and-blue for patriotic displays, and blue-and-green for coastal or beach themes. Wire color — white or black for LED, white, green, or black for traditional — is a separate but equally visual decision; white wire is standard for most home roofline applications, while green wire blends with wood and foliage.
Twinkling Christmas Icicle Lights
SoftTwinkle® — a Wintergreen Lighting exclusive — features a 5mm LED bulb where each light fades in and out independently — a slow, organic shimmer across your roofline with no synchronized flashing or strobe. Standard twinkle lights are also available in warm white and cool white (LED) and clear (incandescent); these blink on and off abruptly for a more traditional animated look. For the full SoftTwinkle® icicle light selection, see [SoftTwinkle® Icicle Lights].
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Grand Cascade Lights
Grand Cascade lights — also called dripping lights or falling rain lights — create a dramatic animated effect: LED tubes illuminate sequentially from top to bottom, producing the continuous illusion of falling water or rain. Unlike standard icicle lights, the display is always in motion. They work beautifully hanging from porches, pergolas, and rooflines where animation is the focal point.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What's the difference between LED and traditional incandescent icicle lights? LED icicle lights use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent, run cooler, and last significantly longer — making them the best choice for larger and longer-lasting displays. They're available in 5mm wide-angle and M5 mini bulb styles; SoftTwinkle® slow-twinkling lights are available in 5mm wide-angle only. Traditional incandescent icicle lights produce a softer glow that some decorators prefer for a classic look, with a lower upfront cost, but run warm, use more energy and don't last as long as LED.
What are commercial-grade icicle lights? Commercial-grade icicle lights — sometimes called professional-grade — are LED sets built for multi-season durability, large-scale displays, and extended outdoor use. They use a fraction of the energy of incandescent and are wired so if one bulb goes out the rest stay lit. Look for UL-listed sets with one-piece sealed construction to keep moisture out – and flicker-free (rectified) options for clean, steady light. These are the features that separate commercial-grade lights from what you'll find at a big box store.
How do I hang icicle lights on gutters? The easiest method is plastic Christmas light clips, which snap onto the lip of most standard gutters without tools or nails. Slide each clip onto the gutter, spacing them 6–12 inches apart, then hang the icicle light from it. Start from the end nearest your power outlet and work outward. One strand of LED icicle lights typically covers 7 linear feet. Use only outdoor-rated extension cords and connect no more than the manufacturer's recommended number of strands end-to-end.
What wire color should I choose? For most Christmas icicle light applications along gutters and eaves, white wire is the standard recommendation. White wire blends with white fascia and trim — making it the most popular choice for roofline and gutter displays. Green wire is best against wood tones such as wooden fences, pergolas, and natural structures.
What's the difference between icicle lights and curtain lights? Icicle lights feature drops of varying lengths ranging from 9 to 18 inches, mimicking the irregular way icicles form naturally along a roofline. Curtain lights have longer drops, typically 65 to 72 inches, creating a draping waterfall or backdrop effect. Curtain lights are better suited for windows, porches and pergolas, arbors, and stage backdrops. Icicle lights are designed for gutters and eaves where the irregular drop lengths reinforce the icicle look.
What are Grand Cascade lights? Grand Cascade lights (also called dripping lights or falling rain lights) feature an animated effect in which light appears to flow downward continuously, simulating falling rain or dripping water. LED tubes illuminate sequentially from top to bottom, creating the illusion of motion. They're used for dramatic roofline, porch, and event displays where motion is the focal point.
What's the difference between 5mm wide-angle and M5 icicle lights? Both are LED, but the lens styles differ. 5mm wide-angle bulbs have a concave "inverted cone" lens that captures light and broadcasts it in a starburst. M5 bulbs feature a diamond-faceted finish for a brilliant sparkle.
What colors do icicle lights come in? LED icicle lights are available in warm white, cool white, multicolor, and a range of individual colors and color combinations (depending on bulb style). Traditional incandescent icicle lights come in clear, multicolor, and other colors and color combinations.
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