Smart Home Christmas Lights: How to Set and Control Them with Alexa or Google Assistant

For centuries, Christmas lights have illuminated our annual festivities. The strings of single-color lights or multicolor blinking or still lights (or both) are indeed an eye-candy.

The first string of Christmas lights was put together by Thomas Edison's friend and Illumination Company partner Edward H. Johnson. It was made up of 80 red, blue, and white light bulbs, which Johnson hand-wired and wrapped around his Christmas tree.

While creating routines for both assistants are relatively simple, the apps usually change as well as the routines. For Google Assistant, setting a schedule would mean creating a voice command such as "turn on Christmas."

Scheduling Christmas lights using an app

The easiest way to create a simple routine is to use your smart plug's app like those for Wyze (Wyze app) or iClever (Smart Life app). Then, insert the smart plug into the outlet and pair the plug with the app one at a time. When using multiple plugs, give name for each smart plugs and add them to the Christmas group. We advise to use a name specific to where you are using the plug or create a group for much easier control.

After pairing and setting up everything, connect the lights and create a schedule (or rules for Wyze, and automations for Smart Life app). You must create at least two schedules, one to turn on the lights and another for turning them off. However, you may always create multiple rules for controlling specific lights.

Add smart speakers

You may also add smart speakers in your Christmas ensemble. You may even mix Echo Dot (with Alexa) and Nest Mini (with Google Assistant) and use only one app with one set of controls for both devices.

Pick the background music

Once the lights and speakers are set up, you can now add music with Alexa or Google Assistant. You may choose to add on your regular schedule or just play music indoors. You may also pair it an Echo Button to turn on your outdoor lights, so you could give your neighbors a simple Christmas show.

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Written by CJ Robles