July 5 is National Outdoor Lights Day and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s a day that celebrates the fun and warm atmosphere that outdoor lights bring to our spaces. They allow us to use our decks, patios, backyards, and porches even after the sun has set. Outdoor lights provide security and add warmth to the area too.
History of National Outdoor Lights Day
Humans have always needed some form of light to brighten the night, but we largely relied on fire to do this. Even when our building techniques evolved and we had stone and wood houses, we still relied on flames to light the night.
Historically, most lighting sources used oil as fuel such as beeswax, whale oil, and even olive oil. Natural gas, however, was used in ancient China for both lighting as well as heating homes. It wasn’t until the late 18th century that gas became popular for lighting in Europe. In 1792, a British inventor named William Murdoch invented a gas lamp and later lit his whole house with gas lamps. In 1807, the first public street was lit by gas lamps — this was done by Frederick Winsor in London. In 1812, the Gas Light and Coke Company was chartered by Westminster, the first gas company. Throughout the 1820s, more and more towns and cities in Britain adopted gas lighting.
Next came arc lamps, the first electric lights. A Russian named Pavel Yablochkov invented the first electric street lights in 1875. Paris became an early adopter of electric lighting, installing them on major boulevards in 1881. London switched to electric lights in 1878. The U.S. had more than 130,000 electric arc lights in use by 1890. Then came the revolutionary invention of the incandescent light bulb in 1879. While Thomas Edison is generally credited with this invention, there were actually other inventors such as Joseph Swan, William Sawyer and Albon Man — all of whom contributed to the invention.
Modern bulbs have evolved much faster, first with low-pressure sodium (LPS) lamps that were common post-WWII. Then came high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, which were invented in the 1960s. Today, LEDs are becoming the bulb of choice.
National Outdoor Lights Day FAQs
What's the best way to protect outdoor lights from weather?
Install light fixtures that are rated for outdoor use with appropriate IP ratings for your climate. Ensure all connections are properly sealed and protected from moisture. Use weatherproof extension cords and covers for outlets exposed to the elements. Regular maintenance such as cleaning fixtures and checking connections helps extend the life of outdoor lighting systems.
What type of outdoor lighting is best?
The best outdoor lighting depends on your needs—LEDs are ideal for energy efficiency and long-lasting performance, while solar lights offer easy, eco-friendly installation for gardens and walkways. Motion-sensor lights and floodlights provide added security for driveways and yards, activating only when needed. For ambience, string lights and wall sconces create a warm, stylish atmosphere on patios or entryways.
How can I make outdoor lighting energy efficient?
The best option is to switch to LED bulbs. LEDs are more energy efficient while still providing the same amount of light. You can also use solar lamps along walkways to reduce energy use.
National Outdoor Lights Day Activities
Switch your outdoor lights to LEDs
If you haven't already, we suggest switching your outdoor lights to LEDs. LED bulbs are a lot more durable and last longer than traditional bulbs. And you won't lose out on light quality and brightness as LEDs are just as good in providing illumination. Having LEDs installed outside your home provides more security because they'll last longer.
Decorate your deck or patio
Add some warmth and ambience to your outdoor areas by hanging string lights. These string lights serve both a practical and decorative purpose as they'll provide a warm glow while still looking pretty. Make sure that the bulbs and lights you choose are rated for outdoor use. Also ensure that they are installed securely to avoid any accidents.
Install solar lights along pathways
It's important to keep pathways around your house lit to avoid anyone tripping at night. Solar lamps are a great option as they are energy efficient and eco-friendly. They also turn on automatically, so you don't need to worry about switching them on and off.
Famous Landmarks That Light Up
Eiffel Tower — Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower is lit up every night by 20,000 lightbulbs.
Christ the Redeemer – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This towering statue is lit up by 300 LEDs every night and is visible for miles.
Las Vegas Strip — Nevada, U.S.
This area, famous for its flashing neon and LED lights, uses more than 8,000 megawatts of electricity per day.
Marina Bay Sands — Singapore
This resort puts on the Spectra Light and Water Show almost every night and uses energy efficient bulbs to keep energy use low.
Niagara Falls — Canada/U.S.
Every night, the cascading water is illuminated by energy-efficient LEDs in various colors.
Why We Love National Outdoor Lights Day
It creates a great atmosphere
Outdoor lights transform ordinary spaces into enchanting environments perfect for summer evenings. The warm glow brings people together and encourages outdoor socializing when the weather is ideal. There's something inherently romantic and cozy about dining or relaxing under twinkling lights..
It gives us more time outdoors
Proper lighting lets us enjoy our outdoor spaces long after the sun has set. This is especially valuable during summer when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Good lighting makes patios, decks, and gardens functional and safe for evening use. It effectively doubles the time we can spend in our favorite outdoor areas.
Makes is easier to have social gatherings
Beautiful outdoor lighting naturally draws people together for barbecues, parties, and casual get-togethers. The inviting ambiance makes guests want to linger and enjoy each other's company. Well-lit outdoor spaces become the heart of summer entertainment and community building. They create the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and shared experiences.
National Outdoor Lights Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 5 | Saturday |
| 2026 | July 5 | Sunday |
| 2027 | July 5 | Monday |
| 2028 | July 5 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | July 5 | Thursday |
