The 8 Best Christmas Light Projectors of 2024
Updated: Apr. 29, 2024
Turn up the holiday cheer with a Christmas light projector, a fun way to brighten the outside or inside of your home for the holidays.
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Introduced to the retail market in 2015, a Christmas light projector casts digital images, such as snowflake flurries or animated Santa Clauses, onto surfaces. They work by passing light-emitting diode (LED) light through a lens, which magnifies the image and projects it onto a house or other object. Why spend the weekend hanging strings of light bulbs on a ladder when a Christmas light projector can be installed in minutes?
But light projectors aren’t just for the holidays. “Projector images can range from galaxy designs to various colors or even your favorite sports team,” says Gary McCoy, a lighting expert and Lowe’s store manager. Ready to illuminate your space? Here are the eight best Christmas light projector options for staging a festive light show your neighbors will envy!
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Best Branded Outdoor Light Projector
Gemmy Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Christmas Holiday Wall Lightshow
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Best Overall Christmas Light Projector
Ruicaikun Outdoor LED Spotlight Projector
Put on a color-changing light show all year-round with this Outdoor LED Spotlight Projector. Not overtly Christmassy, the multipurpose rainbow of 10-watt LEDs let you create everything from a spooky graveyard to delight door-bell-ringing trick-or-treaters to a Yuletide-approved showcase. Flood landscaping with a subtle and decorative glow or add atmospheric up-lighting to fountains, swimming pools and ponds.
Pros:
- Includes two projectors with mix-and-match colors for lots of versatility
- Waterproof and can be placed underwater
- Aluminum alloy casing is anti-leakage and anti-corrosion
Cons:
- Floor mount only
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Best Christmas Light Projector for Large Homes
Y Yuegang Christmas Laser Lights
When you want to brighten up an extra-large area with dazzling holiday-themed patterns, dream big with these Christmas Laser Lights. With more LED laser light casting “oomph” for the money, it shines festive fun onto a home’s exteriors using five patterns (like Christmas trees and jingle bells) in four flashing modes at five speeds. It allows you to operate those options with the remote control and timer. For your family’s peace of mind, the unit has a built-in safety sensor switch that automatically shuts it off if the light gets too hot.
Pros:
- Illuminates up to a 5,000-square-foot area
- Mounts indoors, into the ground or on a wall
- Includes round indoor base, outdoor stakes and batteries
Cons:
- Only available in red and green lights
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Best Christmas Light Projector for Landscaping
Star Shower Motion Laser Light
Shooting thousands of twinkling holographic celestial bodies, the Star Shower Motion Laser Light will blanket bushes, hedges and trees with luminous constellations. With the touch of a button, the motion activator makes the stars dance. Covering a massive amount of real estate when aimed from 100 yards away, the electric-powered projector has a built-in daylight sensor that turns on when it’s dark and off at sunrise to save battery life.
Pros:
- Includes four indoor/outdoor projectors that cover up to 3,200 square feet
- Flickering and static modes
Cons:
- Choice of red and green or green lights only
- Takes a few minutes to warm up
Best Vintage-Style Outdoor Light Projector
Syslux Indoor/Outdoor Christmas Projector
Why leave your dream of a white Christmas to fate when you can enjoy a traditional winter wonderland with Syslux’s Christmas Projector Lights? Beam snowfall or tiny alabaster dots onto your front lawn or mount the unit to the side of the house and shine snowflake patterns on pathways and sidewalks. The projector emits bright LED beads that travel a distance of up to 45 feet, yet produces soft lamplight that won’t hurt your eyes.
Pros:
- Shines subtle, elegant white lights with classic appeal
- Adjustable up and down 270 degrees
- Patterns have static, dynamic and twinkle options
Cons:
- Limited use: This Christmas projector is for seasonal use only. You can’t use it throughout the year.
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Best Multi-Pattern Outdoor Light Projector
Ledmall Christmas Motion Power 3-in-1 Laser
Completely bathe your home with thousands of tiny green, red and blue pinpoints of light that automatically cycle through 18 moving holiday patterns with the Ledmall Christmas Motion Power 3-in-1 Laser. The Ledmall outclasses the other outdoor projectors with an upgraded memory feature that lets you preset the remote control to roll out your favorite themes automatically. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the show.
Pros:
- Includes 18 moving holiday patterns in three colors
- Has two-, four-, six- and eight-hour timer durations
- Comes with a security kit, lock, cable and manual
Cons:
- No dusk-to-dawn light sensor
Best Multiple Holiday Light Projector
Sunbox Holiday Projector Lights
You’ll get your money’s worth with Sunbox’s Holiday Project Lights—after all, it comes with 16 pattern slides and 10 colors for Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter and more holidays. Use the remote control to turn the projector on and off, as well as control the flash and speed mode. Better yet, you’ll never have to remove this projector, because as soon as one holiday is over, you’ll be able to start celebrating the next one.
Pros:
- Includes patterns for a range of holidays and occasions
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Comes with a ground stake, wall mount base and remote control
Cons:
- Must manually change pattern slides
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Best Wave Effect Outdoor Light Projector
HeKation Water Wave Projector Party Light
Unlike many projectors, there’s no need to waste time inserting slides to change images. The Water Wave Projector Party Light lets you browse through 15 dreamy and undulating color waves to fit your mood. Get your backyard party started by presetting the remote to cycle through monochrome or multicolored lights. Or press “auto” and let it fade through a kaleidoscope of neon hues.
Pros:
- Three water ripple speeds (fast, slow or still)
- Has two-, four-, six- and eight-hour timer durations
- Low power consumption and no noise
Cons:
- Batteries not included
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Best Branded Outdoor Light Projector
Gemmy Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Christmas Holiday Wall Lightshow
Set the cinematic scene for childlike wonder in both young and old when you shine a bit of holiday magic via Gemmy’s Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Christmas Holiday Wall Lightshow projector. Shoot the titular Grinch’s head encircled by multicolored iconic images from the story onto your front or garage doors, fences or walls.
Pros:
- Projects the Grinch’s face
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Housing looks like a wrapped present to blend into scenery
Cons:
- Short cord length
Types of Christmas Light Projectors
- LED: LED projectors use energy-efficient LED lights to produce vibrant colors and patterns. “They are relatively affordable and have a long lifespan,” says McCoy. “Most LED projectors are also compact and portable, which makes them easy to store. However, these projectors are less bright than laser projectors,” he adds.
- Laser: This type of projector is the most popular and available in various forms, from stationary to moving models. “It’s the brightest option, but it’s also the most expensive and largest compared to other projectors,” explains McCoy. “Depending on your needs, investing in a laser projector is worthwhile considering the quality of the projection,” he adds.
What to Look for When Buying a Christmas Light Projector
- Patterns and effects: “The light pattern and design determine what the projector will display,” says McCoy. So, the first step is to consider how you intend to use the projector, and then select a model that matches your decorating preferences, he suggests.
- Projection type: Decide if you want a projector with moving lights for a dynamic display or a stationary one for a simpler effect.
- Light source: LED projectors are long-lasting and energy-efficient, which helps save on holiday energy bills. Alternatively, laser projectors offer bright, vivid colors but require more power.
- Coverage area: Determine the size of the area you want to cover to ensure it has a sufficient range. “For small spaces that are indoors, you’ll want a projector that is less bright than one you might use outside,” advises McCoy.
- Mounting options: Consider how the projector can be mounted or placed. Some use stakes in the ground, while others are mounted on a wall or roof.
- Weather resistance: If you plan to use the projector outdoors, ensure it is waterproof and can withstand exposure to the elements.
- Operation: Some models feature a power switch directly on the projector. “For convenience, it’s easier to have an outdoor projector with a remote so you can turn it on and off without needing to go outside,” notes McCoy.
How We Found the Best Christmas Light Projectors
To find the best Christmas light projectors, we began by researching the wide range of models available on the market. We considered factors such as brightness, coverage area, color options, ease of setup and durability. To further refine our selection, we analyzed real user reviews to gain insights into performance, reliability and overall customer satisfaction. Additionally, we consulted with lighting experts to understand the latest trends and innovations in holiday lighting technology.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m a freelance writer, editor, journalist and blogger living and working in a medieval hill town in Italy. As a product reviews expert, I regularly contribute to Family Handyman on various subjects inside and outside the home. Lighting and Christmas are two topics I’ve covered extensively, from Christmas tree storage bags and backyard snow machines to solar, LED and motion sensor lights. So, you can trust my expertise in this area.
To ensure the most informed recommendations, we also sought input from industry professionals, including Gary McCoy, a Lowe’s store manager and lighting expert. With decades of experience in the home improvement industry, McCoy possesses first-hand knowledge of sales trends and customer needs.
FAQ
How many watts do I need for an outdoor light projector?
That’s a tricky question. Light output, or wattage, refers to the brightness emitted by the device. Outdoor light projectors are designed for decorative purposes, not for security lighting. There are several variables to consider. These include the size of the area you want to cover and the proximity of the projector to the object you want to illuminate. The surrounding light level (such as a house on a remote country road versus one on a city street) is also a factor.
Do outdoor light projectors work in daylight?
Indoors, yes. However, achieving optimal visualization outdoors typically requires full darkness.
Originally Published: December 15, 2020
