Frequently Asked Questions

Phone Support

Order Desk (9am-5pm CST, orders only)

+1-888-444-XMAS

Enter a keyword in the search box above and Rudolph will find the answer for you!

Customer Service / Other

To use a coupon or promo code you first must have items for purchase added to your shopping cart. Once you have added items to your shopping cart, simply click the proceed to checkout button in your cart and you can add a promo code in the "Discount" box on the checkout screen.

  • You can apply only one percentage off discount code per order.
  • You can also use one free shipping discount code per order.
  • You can also use any one reward points discount code with your order.
  • Gift cards/certificates are just like cash and can be used in any combination and as many as you want to use on a single order.

Buy More/Save More discounts are automatically applied and can be combined with 1 discount code offer/reward points, etc.

(please note that Red Suit Reward codes/discount codes can only be redeemed for self-service orders placed on our website - they cannot be redeemed when calling in an order to our order desk.)

We are an online only store and do not offer local pickup. We do not have a physical store location. We are not open to the public and we do not take appointments. Someday we'd love to have a showroom and a store, but for now we are online only even if you live right around the corner.
 
Thank you!
Not at this time. We do offer volume discounts and discounts for repeat customers and VIP customers through our Red Suit Rewards. If you qualify for these programs and are logged into your account at the time of checkout, any discount that you qualify for will be automatically applied to your order. You can read more about Red Suit Rewards by clicking on the Red Suit Rewards link in the 'About' menu at the top of any page on our website.
 
If you are exempt from paying sales tax, please create an account on our website and then use the link below to upload your state sales tax exemption documentation.
 
You can create/upload your state sales tax exemption certification here: https://app.certexpress.com/?c=77536d7476496a48546d767256573446665a4c32:e781d3aece8f542e52d1a09990c2fac2
 
IMPORTANT: please email support@thechristmaslightemporium.com once you have uploaded your documentation and let us know it has been uploaded/updated.
 
Once we have received and verified your information and exempt status, your account will be marked as exempt and you will no longer see sales tax being applied to your orders.

Simply send a note to support@thechristmaslightemporium.com and we’ll take care of it in a jiffy!

Customer Service Email
Send questions 24/7 to Customer Service and we’ll get back to you in a jiffy! Always less than 24 hours.
 
You can also submit a question by clicking on the question mark in the little round red circle at the bottom right on any page of our website.
 
 
Order Line: 1-888-444-XMAS (9627)
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm CST
 
PLEASE NOTE: We strongly recommend contacting us using our customer service website or by sending an email to support@thechristmaslightemporium.com. We handle all customer service related inquires via email correspondence so that we can more quickly and accurately respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding as we strive to help make everyone’s holiday bright!
 
If you are looking for your order status, simply log into your account to review your order history and current order status. Shipping status will be updated for you automatically via email and text message once a label has been generated for all or any portion of your order.
To navigate our site, simply browse the categories and subcategories using the menu across the top of the screen, the drop downs and on category and product pages, the bread crumbs and sub-category links across the top of the screen- or type your search query into the search box at the upper right of the page.
 
You can also use the filters at the top of any category page to drill down more specifically for the items you are looking for. Filters allow you to specify color, spacing, bulb type and other product specific attributes in order to only display on screen exactly what you are looking for.
 
If you are having trouble locating a product, please contact support@thechristmaslightemporium.com for assistance and we will be happy to help!
If you are exempt from paying sales tax, please create an account on our website and then use the link below to upload your state sales tax exemption documentation.
 
You can create/upload your state sales tax exemption certification here: https://thechristmaslightemporium.com/pages/sales-tax-exemption
 
Once we have received and verified your information and exempt status, your account will be marked as exempt and you will no longer see sales tax being applied to your orders.
To use a coupon or promo code you first must have items for purchase added to your shopping cart. Once you have added items to your shopping cart, simply click the proceed to checkout button in your cart and you can add a promo code in the "Discount" box on the checkout screen.
 
You can apply only one percentage off discount code per order.
You can also use one free shipping discount code per order.
You can also use any one reward points discount code with your order.
Gift cards/certificates are just like cash and can be used in any combination and as many as you want to use on a single order.
 
(please note that Red Suit Reward codes/discount codes can only be redeemed for self-service orders placed on our website - they cannot be redeemed when calling in an order to our order desk.)

If you are exempt from paying sales tax, please first create an account on our website and then use the link below to upload your state sales tax exemption documentation.

You can create/upload your state sales tax exemption certification here: https://thechristmaslightemporium.com/pages/sales-tax-exemption

Once we have received and verified your information and exempt status, your account will be marked as exempt and you will no longer see sales tax being applied to your orders.

My Account

You bet! It is part of our Red Suit Rewards program and we call it Red Suit Referrals.
 
The referral program works like this:
  • Make sure you are signed up for Red Suit Rewards by creating an account (tip: use the "Login" link in the about menu at the top of any page or in the menu at the bottom of any page on our website)
  • Log into your account
  • Click on the "Red Suit Rewards" banner at the bottom center of our website
  • Click on the "Earn" tab/link
  • Look for the "Refer a Friend" section
  • Share your personal referral link, post your referral link on social media, etc.
  • For every friend you refer, you and your friend each get a $10 discount code!
  • Your earned points will be added to your Red Suit Reward points balance once your friend completes a purchase and it is approved in our system
  • There is no limit on the number of referral bonuses you can earn
  • Note that if your friend returns an order or is refunded for any reason, the points you earned for that order will also be deducted from your Red Suit Reward points balance.
 
  1. Click the account link at the top of our site. It's the icon that looks like a person. Or click the "Login, Account & Chat" link in the footer of any page on our website.
  2. If you don't have an account with us, click the "Join now" button to setup a new account.
  3. Fill in your email address, password, first and last name and click the “Sign Up” button.

Then simply follow the prompts to complete setting up your account. Your information is NEVER sold to any other company and is kept completely private. Please see our complete and most recent Privacy Policy by clicking here.

Click the "Login" link at the bottom of our web site to login and edit your account information. Once you log in you can view your order history (including order status and shipment tracking), edit your profile, view your order history, submit a return request, and more.

If you need to change the email address or shipping address on your account, please contact us at support@thechristmaslightemporium.com and we can take care of that for you.

Redeeming your Red Suit Reward points is super easy. Just visit our Red Suit Rewards page here: https://thechristmaslightemporium.com/pages/red-suit-rewards

If you already have an account with us, click the "Sign In" button to sign in to you account. if you don't already have an account with us, click the "Create an Account" button to create a new account.

Once you are signed in, you will see all of your available points, transaction history, available rewards, and any previously redeemed rewards that are still available for you to use.

We use any information you provide to us only to serve you better. We do not trade or sell your personal information to anyone. Please see our complete and most recent Privacy Policy by clicking here. We also use modern encryption of all your personal data that is entered during a purchase transaction and we do not store any of your payment information on any of our servers.

Click the account link (the people icon) at the top of our web site. Click the little "sign in" link. Then, under the login email address box you’ll see a link that says “Lost your password?” - click that. Enter the email address for your account into the box and click the “submit” button. Follow the instructions you receive via email.

Those stories of stolen credit card numbers began with a Web site that didn’t have adequate security. Ours does. Yes. In conjunction with RapidSSL (http://www.rapidssl.com), The Christmas Light Emporium web site uses up to 256-bit encryption to protect information entered — some of the most powerful encryption available today.
 
Basically, encryption encodes your information. To steal your information from the Internet, someone must first find your encrypted information packet (which is flying across the Internet at light speed) – then crack the code. Nobody has ever claimed that this has been done. Indeed, if it were possible, the most sensitive information in the world would be available to them – not just your credit card number.
 
Look at it this way: you probably already transmit your credit card number electronically every day. When you swipe your credit card at the local store, your card information is encrypted and transmitted over a phone network. Using your card on a secure online Web site is very similar – your information is encrypted and then transmitted over a high-speed network line.
Red Suit Rewards is our rewards program. You can earn "points" for doing all sorts of things with us, not just buying stuff. But you absolutely get points for buying stuff too!
 
Visit our rewards center using the tab in the bottom center of our website to learn more about Red Suit Rewards and to sign up!
 
Or visit our Red Suit Rewards page for detailed information by clicking here.
 
PLEASE NOTE: Membership In Red Suit Rewards Requires That You Have An Account With Username And Login At www.thechristmaslightemporium.com. All orders will collect points, regardless of whether or not your have created an account with us. However, you will need to activate an account with us in order to redeem any earned reward points.
 
The Christmas Light Emporium, LLC Reserves The Right To Change Or Cancel This Program At Any Time And Without Notice.
 
For reviews, photos, videos and other feedback to earn Red Suit Reward points, each post, photo, video and piece of content must be unique and have value to other customers. Photos or videos of product not in use in real world scenarios will not qualify for Red Suit Reward points nor will duplicate photos or videos used across multiple content posts or reviews.

If you are logged into your account, you can update your shipping address, and/or password from within your account settings.

If you cannot login and need to reset your password, click the "Forgot your password?" link on our login page and an email will be sent to you with instructions on how to reset your password.

To change the email address on your account, please reach out to us via email at support@thechristmaslightemporium.com

Order Status

In order to proactively check your order status, you must create an account with us during the checkout process. Otherwise, you will receive an email containing delivery and tracking information when your order has been packaged for shipment. If you have an account login, you can login by clicking “Login” in the main menu navigation. Once logged in, look for your order status under the header “Fulfillment Status".
 
We DO NOT ship to PO Box addresses. If you enter a PO Box address and your package does not arrive, it will be likely be returned to us. At that point, we will either refund your product purchase amount minus any unpaid cost for outbound and return shipping to us or we will re-ship the package at your expense once you have paid a second invoice for the cost of re-shipping to a non PO Box address.
 
Once your order has shipped you will also receive automatic status update emails (and texts if your cell phone number was used when you created your account) keeping you posted on shipment status every step of the way!
Once an order has been placed, it cannot be changed or cancelled.
 
Digital download items are final sales and cannot be cancelled or refunded for any reason.
 
Orders placed with 2-day, overnight or other expedited shipping methods cannot be cancelled under any circumstance.
You will receive an email confirmation when your order is placed and again when your order ships. Your shipment confirmation email will contain tracking information for your order as well as a link to the tracking page where you can track your order online at any time.
 
We DO NOT ship to PO Box addresses. If you enter a PO Box address and your package does not arrive, it will be likely be returned to us. At that point, we will either refund you product purchase amount minus any unpaid cost for outbound and return shipping to us or we will re-ship the package at your expense once you have paid a second invoice for the cost of re-shipping to a non PO Box address.
Click the “Login” link at the bottom of our website to login to your account and track your order status.
 
Please note that larger items, oversize items, overweight items and orders with a large quantity of items that when totaled create a large or overweight order, will often be shipped in two or more boxes depending on the height. Some large, oversize and/or overweight items may require shipment via freight carrier rather than our standard UPS or USPS shipping. In these cases, you may not receive a tracking number. Be sure that all of the items in your order have shipped already. If your order status on your account login displays your tracking numbers, check with the shipper to confirm that your packages were delivered. If your packages each show a status of “delivered”, please contact The Christmas Light Emporium customer service for assistance.
 
Sometimes (often actually) one of a few things happens with postal deliveries that show as delivered but you don't have:
  1. check with neighbors and other family members to see if it was left with a neighbor or someone else in your house received or moved the package - this solves the mystery about 75% of the time
  2. Check the mailbox -look all the way to the back/bottom. Check on porches, behind planters, furniture, lawn tools, bushes. Sometimes the carriers like to hide packages so that they don't get stolen. - this solves the mystery about 15% of the time
  3. With USPS, they often will mark a package as delivered, when in fact it has not yet been delivered! Fairly often a package that already is showing as delivered in tracking will actually be delivered 1-2 days later. - this solves the mystery about 10% of the time.
  4. Lastly, you should contact the carrier (if USPS, you local post office) to have them track the package for you and look for the lost package.
If all fails, and you have purchased shipping protection with your order, please let us know and we will file a claim with the carrier on your behalf and re-ship the order.
 
Also note that we ship items from multiple warehouse locations throughout the United States. Not all products ship from all locations. Hence, many times you will receive multiple shipments for the same order. Please check with us if you have any questions at all.

Click the “Login” link at the bottom of our site to login to your account and track your order status. Be sure that all of the items in your order have shipped already. If your order displays your tracking number(s), check with the shipper to confirm that your packages were delivered. If your packages each show a status of “delivered”, please contact customer service for assistance. If parts are missing for your item, please let us know as soon as possible.

Click the “Login” link at the bottom of our web site to login to your account and track your order status. Be sure that all of the items in your order have shipped already. If your order displays your tracking number(s), check with the shipper to confirm that your packages were delivered. If your packages each show a status of “delivered”, please contact customer service for assistance. If parts are missing for your item, please let us know as soon as possible.

If there are any issues with your order, please let us know within 15 days of receiving it.

If the expected delivery time listed with your choice of shipping has expired and you have taken into account order processing time, and tracking information does not help, please contact us immediately. Your order may have been lost in transit or your order may be late because no one was available to accept delivery, especially in the case of large, heavy or oversize orders that ship via common freight carrier. If you are not present when a delivery is attempted, the carrier will make a second attempt, and often a third. If delivery is still not made, the shipment will be returned to our warehouse. You must report to us any undelivered order within 15 days of the date you placed the order.
 
We DO NOT ship to PO Box addresses. If you enter a PO Box address and your package does not arrive, it will be likely be returned to us. At that point, we will either refund you product purchase amount minus any unpaid cost for outbound and return shipping to us or we will re-ship the package at your expense once you have paid a second invoice for the cost of re-shipping to a non PO Box address.

Due to unforeseen circumstances there may be times when an item runs out of stock after an order is placed. We will always offer all available options to you in order to fulfill your order. There a times when we simply may not be able to fill an order. In these cases, the order will be cancelled and refunded as a store credit or refunded to your original purchase method at your request. If an order contains both in stock and out of stock items, we will contact you prior to shipment and inform you of all available options. If we do not hear back from you with 5 business days, we will ship the in stock items, cancel the out of stock items, and issue a store credit for your purchase price on the out of stock items - or a refund back to your original payment method at your request.

Back ordered delivery times will vary. Often we will provide an estimated delivery time frame on the product page for the items that are back ordered. Sometimes they are items which our suppliers are unable to predict when they will have more in stock, but as soon as they do, we will be able to ship the item to you. We will email you to determine if you want to wait for your item. From time to time we may accept back orders or preorders on specific products. If we are accepting back or pre orders, it will be clearly marked as such on the product description page for that product along with an estimated shipping date. Estimated shipping dates for back order and preorder items are subject to change at any time. Please note that we always will charge your credit card/payment account for the order at the time the order is placed.

Payments

You bet!
 
We can accept a check/money order. But the process in a little different. If you'd like to place an order by check/money order, please send an email to santa@thechristmaslightemporium.com that includes:
  • Shipping address for the order
  • Name for the order
  • Email address for the order
  • Phone number for the order
  • Items names, SKU's and quantities for the order
We will then create a draft order/invoice and send back to you via email for payment by check/money order. You will send a copy of the invoice and payment to the address on the invoice.
 
We'll keep the order into draft status until the check/money order clears and then release the order for shipping.
 
Easy-Peasy!
We accept the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. There is no surcharge for using your credit card to make purchases. Please be sure to provide your exact billing address and telephone number (i.e. the address and phone number your credit card bank has on file for you) as well as a matching CCV (3 digit security code (4 for AMEX)). Incorrect information will cause a delay in processing your order or may cause your credit card to be declined. Your credit card will be billed at the time your order is placed.
 
We also accept PayPal, Apple Pay, and Amazon Pay and a variety of other expedited payment methods. All available payment methods will be presented at checkout.

Pricing & Billing

Yes, we are required by the laws of each U.S. state to collect sales tax and forward that tax to the state within which we have nexus (ie met the states threshold for sales tax collection) to which the order is shipped. If you happen to reside in a state within which we do not have nexus, then you will not see sales tax applied to your order.
 
If you are a tax exempt entity, we just need a copy of your state sales tax exemption certification on file in order to mark you account as tax exempt.
 
If you are exempt from paying U.S. state sales tax, please create an account on our website and then use the link below to upload your state sales tax exemption documentation.
 
You can create/upload your state sales tax exemption certification here: https://thechristmaslightemporium.com/pages/sales-tax-exemption
 
Once we have received and verified your information and exempt status, your account will be marked as exempt and you will no longer see sales tax being applied to your orders.
 
International orders are duty and taxes pre paid and you will see any applicable duties and taxes applied during checkout.
While we do not offer price matching, most of our products are already discounted by up to 40%. We often run additional promotions and offer free shipping over a specified purchase amount. We also offer a rewards program (Red Suit Rewards) that offers discounts on future orders based on your purchase history. These perks when combined with our industry leading warranty and customer service are what make The Christmas Light Emporium the choice of Memory Makers everywhere.
 
To stay up to date on our latest sales and offers, be sure to sign up for our newsletter by entering your email address into the signup form at the bottom of any page on our website.
 
You can visit our special offers page to find out about the current special deals, discounts, discount codes and offers here: https://thechristmaslightemporium.com/pages/deals-coupons-promo-codes
 
You can learn more about Red Suit Rewards here: https://thechristmaslightemporium.com/pages/red-suit-rewards
 

All orders are processed at the time they are placed, including pre orders/back orders. You card will always be charged in full at the time an order is placed.

There are many ways and places that you may have received a gift card or gift card code from The Christmas Light Emporium. You may have received it as a gift, purchased one for yourself or maybe you even won a TCLE gift card while attending a tradeshow or conference!
 
To check the current balance of your gift card; send a quick note - including your gift card code - to support@thechristmaslightemporium.com and we'll have an email generated that will show you the gift card code and its remaining card balance. If you have an account with us and the email on the gift card is the same as your account, you can look up the gift card balance using the automated link that was sent to you in the email with the gift card.

Click the “Login” link at the top of our site to access your order history and print invoices. If you no longer have access to your account or did not create an account at checkout, please contact us and we will be happy to email you a copy of your receipt/invoice.

There are four types of codes that can be used at checkout at The Christmas Light Emporium; free shipping codes, percentage off discount codes, reward discount codes and gift card codes.
 
You can apply only one percentage off discount code per order.
You can also use one free shipping discount code per order.
You can also use any one reward points discount code with your order.
Gift cards/certificates are just like cash and can be used in any combination and as many as you want to use on a single order.
 
If this sounds confusing, just think of gift card codes like cash; they work the same as cash. You can apply as many gift card codes as you want or have available to an order because our website looks at them differently than discount codes - it looks at them like they are cash.
 
Once you have applied your gift card code(s), you can also apply a discount code if you have one, a free shipping code if you have one and a reward discount code if you have one.
 
(please note that Red Suit Reward codes/discount codes can only be redeemed for self-service orders placed on our website - they cannot be redeemed when calling in an order to our order desk.)
 
As always, if you have any questions, please contact us at support@thechristmalsightemporium.com

Click the “Login” link at the top of our site to review your orders. You may compare your order history on our website, with your financial records. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact customer service for further assistance. +1 888-444-XMAS (9627) or email us at support@thechristmaslightemporium.com and we’ll be happy to help.

Depending on the form of payment you select during checkout, your payment will be processed anywhere from immediately to 3-10 days. For PayPal, you will see the charges go through at the time your order is placed. For credit card payments, you will see an authorization on your card immediately. If you attempt to process the order multiple times with errors (address or CCV code mismatch for example), you will see multiple authorizations appear on your electronic account statement. However, these are not charges, they are only authorizations. You will see the actual charge placed on your card in anywhere from 3-10 days depending on the issuing bank.

Most refunds will be processed as soon as your return package is scanned by the mail carrier. Some, more complex, returns will be issued after we have received the items and completed an inspection.

Product Questions

If you know the name, description or TCLE product ID/SKU of the product you are looking for, simply enter it into the search box at the top of our website. If the item you are looking for does not display, this means we either do not carry the product, we are temporarily sold out or the SKU number has changed or is incorrect. You can also browse our online catalog using the category navigation across the top of each page, the left hand menu and using the product filters on product category pages.
 
You can use the product filters on the top of every category page to help drill down to specific products that you are looking for.
 
If you are still having problems finding the items you are looking for, please send an email to sales@thechristmaslightemporium.com and we’ll be happy to help.

Indeed, all of our standard (non twinkle, non strobe, etc) light strings and bulbs are full wave and dimmable unless otherwise noted. Please see the product specifications on each individual product page.

Yes, all of our wreaths and associated decor are suitable for indoor or outdoor use. The ornaments are shatter resistant plastic, the lighting is standard outdoor rated Christmas lighting and the wreath is a very high quality commercial grade indoor/outdoor wreath.

Our Designer Series Displays are only available with lights already installed. We do not sell frames without lights already on them.

The lighting for our standard and Designer Series Displays is designed specifically to fit each individual display. If you need to replace a string in the future, please contact us at support@thechristmaslightemporium.com.

I am designing a “runway” project. My question is; will the controller be able to control the strobe lights and adjust the flash/sec, and make them “chase” (light 1 through 10, then start over)? If the controller will not work with the strobe bulbs, will they “chase” by themselves?
The strobe lights are meant to flash at random intervals. There is no way to control the flash rate or pattern.
In order to create the runway strip you are envisioning you will need to design it around a dedicated light animation controller and program the pattern you want to see. Then use something like a T50 bulb in pure white to line the driveway, wire them to the appropriate channels per your design on the animation controller and run the programming from a laptop or show player.

Indeed they can. All of our chase controllers are designed specifically for use outdoors. The electronics are encased in an epoxy to protect them from the elements. No additional outdoor enclosure is needed.

If you have been a customer of ours for a while you may notice some seemingly weird changes in our product titles and descriptions with regard to how they relate to our SKU numbers. In a nutshell, we have changed the terminology that we are using to describe our 6000 kelvin white bulbs. We used to call them "pure white", but we are now calling them "cool white" in order to better align ourselves with industry standards.
 
This can be a confusing topic! The industry has changed the definition of what is considered a cool white vs a pure white. Almost all suppliers are now calling anything that is 'white white' = "cool white" and reserving the term "pure white" to define an LED color in the range of 4600 kelvin - which is a weird very cool 'warm' white (has a bit of yellow in it).
 
What gets confusing is that there are still some suppliers selling the old 'cool white' that has a major blue tint to it even though the modern definition of cool white basically no blue in it at all.
 
We now include the specific color temperatures for the various whites within each product description. Knowing your required color temperature is the only way to accurately gauge how we are defining any given color of white. Here is the run down of what our color temperatures look like:
 
Our color temperatures for warm and cool bulbs and strings:
  • Warm White: 2800 kelvin
  • Pure White: 4600 kelvin (we don't generally carry pure white, although it is included in some varieties of our ColorSplash line)
  • Cool White: 6000 kelvin
 
We sure do have an inline female plug. We have them in green or white and in SPT1 or SPT2. You can find them here: https://thechristmaslightemporium.com/collections/slide-on-vampire-plugs
 
In a pinch, the standard female plugs can also be modified to be inline. Sometimes folks use a pair of cutters/dikes to snip a notch in the closed end of a standard female slide on in order to use it as an inline plug. You have to be a little careful if you do that as it’s somewhat easy to crack the plastic while cutting. Our install teams do this white often. But the standard inline plug is a much easy, better, safer way to go.
While we don't have written instructions for them since they are designed to be pretty self explanatory, here is a rundown of the setup:
  1. You should have multiple display pieces, each with its own male plug somewhere on the frame
  2. You should also have a 2,3 or 4 channel chase controller (depending on how many pieces are included in your animation)
  3. Place the display pieces where you want them to be placed - and in animation sequence order
  4. Using standard extension cords (household cords work fine as does making your own using SPT1 wire and plugs), plug the first display piece into channel 1 on the controller, plug the second display piece into channel 2 on the controller and plug the third display piece into channel 3 on the controller, etc...
  5. using standard extension cord, plug the male plug end of the 2/3/4 channel light controller to your nearest power source/outlet
  6. use the speed control dial on the front of the 2/3/4 channel chase controller to set the speed of the display piece animation to your preference.
That's it! Easy Peasy!
We understand that it can be difficult to make a purchase without seeing a sample of our products. However, we have a solution that might work for you.
 
We offer a 60-day free return policy for exchanges or store credit. This means that you can make a purchase and if you are not satisfied with the product, you can exchange it or return it for store credit within 60 days. We will even cover the return shipping costs if you have purchased our options redo returns (free return shipping on returns for store credit or exchange) with your order.
 
This way, you can test out the product and see if it meets your expectations. If it doesn't, you have the option to exchange it or get store credit for your next purchase.

Although we do get requests for smaller quantities of bulbs from time to time, our C7 and C9 bulbs are only available in packs of 25.

You bet! Gift cards are available in denominations of $10, $25, $50, $100, $250 and $500 and can be purchased here: https://thechristmaslightemporium.com/products/gift-card.

You can find all of the GFade 8 channel chase controller specifications and functional details, including our first look video walkthrough of the user guide and features, on the product page here: https://thechristmaslightemporium.com/products/gfade-8-channel-fully-programmable-chase-controller

How Does It Work?
The Music Box sound to light controller has 10 output channels. Channels 1-4 sync to the beat, channels 5-10 sync to other parts of the music (note: not all of the channels will fire all of the time, it just depends on the music/source nuances). The controller can handle up to 125 watts (1.25 amps) per output channel, 10 amps max total on the controller. The synchronization algorithm syncs to both the beat of the sound as well asÌ´ to the nuances and frequencies of other various parts of the music/audio.
 
There are many ways to setup the Music Box controller so that you can send audio from your sound source to both the Music Box controller AND to a source output source so that you can hear the music. Here are some of the more common:
Using a "Y" audio splitter cable
Probably the most common setup. Simply purchase a Y audio cable like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-YMM-232-Dual-TRSF-Cable/dp/B000068O5G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1536757051&sr=8-3&keywords=1%2F8+stereo+y+adapter&dpID=41ohlTt9cSL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
 
Then run one side of the Y to the Music Box controller using a standard 1/8" stereo audio cable and run the other side of the Y to your sound output device - be it a stereo, powered speaker, jam box, FM transmitter, etc.
Using a small audio mixer
Another common way to setup the Music Box controller is to use a small audio mixer like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-802-Premium-8-Input-Preamps/dp/B000J5XS3C/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1536757243&sr=8-5&keywords=2+channel+mixer&dpID=61W%252B4lk8wqL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
 
Then run the line out from the mixer to the Music Box controller and run your main audio outputs from the mixer to your speaker/sound device such as PA system, stereo, boom box, FM transmitter, etc.
Using an FM transmitter and multiple receivers
If you want to build a larger, synchronized display using the Music Box controller. one way to achieve this is by using an FM transmitter that sends the audio over an open FM frequency out to small FM receivers that you connect to any number of Music Box controllers. For example, if you use the audio mixer example above, you would run the line out from your audio source (phone, mp3 player, etc.) into the sound input jack on your FM transmitter. Then simply attach a small fm receiver to each of your Music Box controller inputs - and tune the receiver to the same FM frequency that you are using on your FM transmitter. VIOLA! A synchronized light show using multi Music Box controllers!
 
 
NOTE:  This is a line level only device. do not connect the audio input to a stereo system or other amplified sound source unless it has a line level output. you will blow the sounds chip in the Music Box controller!_

You can find the programming instructions for the Starburst controller here: Starburst Programming Instructions.

DVD Instructions
Things you will need: Virtual Santa DVD, DVD player, projector, cables for connecting your DVD player to your projector, rear projection material to cover your intended window and if you plan to use the sound in the video file either use a projector with a built in speaker or run an audio cable from your projector to your speaker system/sound source.
  1. Cover your intended window with some form of rear projection material. This can be anything from a professional grade rear projection material to something as simple as a translucent shower curtain, plastic table cloth or a window sheer. use double sided tape, thumb tacks or your method of choice for attaching the rear projection material. Make sure the material is a flat and wrinkle free as possible for the best effect.
  2. Place your projector usually about 6'-8' from your window. Some projectors will require more distance, others will require less. Power on your projector.
  3. Attach your DVD player to your projector and power on your DVD player.
  4. If you are using external speakers, set those up now.
  5. Insert he Virtual Santa DVD into your DVD player.
  6. You will be presented with a menu. In most cases you can simply press 'Play" on your DVD player and Virtual Santa will begin to play. Some DVD players will require that you set the currently playing scene to repeat in order for Santa to continue playing in your window all night. Please see the instructions for your DVD player to determine if and how you will need to set your DVD player to repeat scene. There may be other scene options available to you from the main menu. These optional scenes are intended for special case use scenarios for folks who need to invert their projection or for when the projector is mounted upside down on a ceiling. In most cases, you will not need to use these alternate scenes.
  7. Adjust your projector position and focus. Enjoy!
Digital Download Instructions
Things you will need: Downloaded Virtual Santa file, your choice of media to place your Virtual Santa file onto (ie SD card, USB stick, blank DVD, etc), If you want to use a DVD player, you will need a DVD player, projector, cables for connecting your DVD player to your projector, rear projection material to cover your intended window and if you plan to use the sound in the video file either use a projector with a built in speaker or run an audio cable from your projector to your speaker system/sound source.
  1. Create your media. If your projector has a built in SD card slot, this will be the easiest way to use Virtual Santa. Simply copy the downloaded file onto an SD card and insert the SD card into the SD card slot on your projector. The same applies if you choose to use a USB stick/drive; simply copy the downloaded Virtual Santa file onto the USB stick/drive and insert the USB stick/drive into the USB port on your projector. If you prefer to use a DVD, you will need to burn the downloaded Virtual Santa file to a DVD disc. Once you have created your preferred media, your are ready to install your projection effect.
  2. Cover your intended window with some form of rear projection material. This can be anything from a professional grade rear projection material to something as simple as a translucent shower curtain, plastic table cloth or a window sheer. use double sided tape, thumb tacks or your method of choice for attaching the rear projection material. Make sure the material is a flat and wrinkle free as possible for the best effect.
  3. Place your projector usually about 6'-8' from your window. Some projectors will require more distance, others will require less. Power on your projector.
  4. If you are using a DVD player, attach your DVD player to your projector and power on your DVD player. If you are using an SD card or USB stick/drive, insert the SD card or USB stick/drive into the appropriate slot on your projector.
  5. If you are using external speakers, set those up now.
  6. If you are using a DVD, your DVD should begin to play immediately or will present you will a file list and then you will need to push play on your DVD player. Every projector will be different, but the premise is always the same. You will use the remote controller or on-board navigation controls to navigation your projectors or DVD player menu (SD cards and USB stick/drives will use built in navigation on the projector. If you use a DVD you will use the built in navigation on the DVD player). At this point you will simply navigate your projector or DVD player to the file on your DVD/SD/USB and click the play button. This exact process will be different for every projector. Some DVD players or projectors will require that you set the currently playing scene to repeat in order for Santa to continue playing in your window all night. Please see the instructions for your DVD player or projector to determine if and how you will need to set your DVD player to repeat scene.
  7. Adjust your projector position and focus. Enjoy!
 
How Does It Work?
There are many ways to setup the Music Box controller so that you can send audio from your sound source to both the Music Box controller AND to a source output source so that you can hear the music. Here are some of the more common:
Using a "Y" audio splitter cable
Probably the most common setup. Simply purchase a Y audio cable like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-YMM-232-Dual-TRSF-Cable/dp/B000068O5G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1536757051&sr=8-3&keywords=1%2F8+stereo+y+adapter&dpID=41ohlTt9cSL&preST=SY300_QL70&dpSrc=srch
 
Then run one side of the Y to the Music Box controller using a standard 1/8" stereo audio cable and run the other side of the Y to your sound output device - be it a stereo, powered speaker, jam box, FM transmitter, etc.
Using a small audio mixer
Another common way to setup the Music Box controller is to use a small audio mixer like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-802-Premium-8-Input-Preamps/dp/B000J5XS3C/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1536757243&sr=8-5&keywords=2+channel+mixer&dpID=61W%252B4lk8wqL&preST=SY300_QL70&dpSrc=srch
 
Then run the line out from the mixer to the Music Box controller and run your main audio outputs from the mixer to your speaker/sound device such as PA system, stereo, boom box, FM transmitter, etc.
Using an FM transmitter and multiple receivers
If you want to build a larger, synchronized display using the Music Box controller. one way to achieve this is by using an FM transmitter that sends the audio over an open FM frequency out to small FM receivers that you connect to any number of Music Box controllers. For example, if you use the audio mixer example above, you would run the line out from your audio source (phone, mp3 player, etc.) into the sound input jack on your FM transmitter. Then simply attach a small fm receiver to each of your Music Box controller inputs - and tune the receiver to the same FM frequency that you are using on your FM transmitter. VIOLA! A synchronized light show using multi Music Box controllers!
 
*NOTE: This is a line level only device. do not connect the audio input to a stereo system or other amplified sound source unless it has a line level output. you will blow the sounds chip in the Music Box controller!
Christmas light chase controllers create effects across the channels of the controller and allow you to do all sorts of creative things with lighting. For example, a 4 channel chase controller will turn channel 1 on and then off when channel 2 comes on, channel off when channel 3 comes on, channel 3 off when channel 4 comes on, and then the sequence repeats. The same is true of 2 and 3 channel chase controllers. The speed of the chase between channels is controlled by a dial on the front of the controller.
 
Build Up Controllers
A build up controller like our 2 channel build up controller will turn channel 1 on, then turn channel 2 on, then turn both channels off and repeat the sequence. The speed of the build up is controlled by a dial on the front of the controller.
 
Multifunction Controllers
Multifunction controllers like our 3 channel and 4 channel multifunction controllers contain 8 different effects that apply themselves across the channels. Effects include slow chase, fast chase, twinkle, shimmer, all on, slow glow, cross fade and all glow. There is no speed control dial on the multifunction controllers
 
Other Controllers
Our higher end controllers from PBS lighting do have additional functionality such as the Animator controller which is programmable to be a 2, 3 or 4 channel chase controller and does not have any ‘cross talk’ They can also be set to slower and faster chase speeds than the less expensive controllers, they can be connected to computer controlled light controllers such as those from Light-O-Rama and the Light-O-Rama effects will be passed through to the channels on the animator controller and they have a much higher average lifespan.
 
Can a Chase Controller Make My Standard Lights Chase Down the Strand?
NOTE: No. Chase controllers do not make bulbs on standard light strands chase down the strand. No controller can make standard lights chase down a strand. Rather, they apply the chase or other effects across channels.
 
Do These Controllers Work with LED Lights?
Yes, in most cases they will work fine. There are some older LED light sets that do have issues with light controllers of any kind and will not work with any light controller. But most newer, commercial and professional grade rectified, dimmable LED lights will work fine with light controllers.

We have C7 and C9 socket wire that is 18 gauge SPT1 and can be operated safely at up to 7 amps total load.

Once in a while we get asked for guidance with regard to the proper installation/usage of vampire plugs and replacement sockets. Although we are not electricians and because of that we have to offer up all the usual disclaimers, ie use at your own risk and we have no liability whatsoever for what you do with the products - our friends over at the Do It Yourself Christmas Wiki page have a great article that explains in perfect detail all about vampire plugs and replacement socket usage. Check out their article/tutorial if you are looking for details on how to properly use and install slide on vampire plugs and/or C7/C9 replacement sockets: https://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=SPT_Wire_and_Vampire_Plugs

Some versions of windows and some web browsers - particularly Internet Explorer - do not support HTTP downloads larger than 1gb.
 
Here is a google search for some results that may help you:
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=cannot%20download%20files%20larger%20than%201gb
 
You may need to have some IT help to get everything updated.
 
Also check your internet connection and your browser settings. For example, Safari on Mac has security/privacy features that can allow or deny downloads from unknown websites. Under "Websites" in "General" make sure that "Downloads" are not set to "Deny" otherwise you will not be able to start a download  Reset your website settings to "Allow" to successfully download the files.
This is a fun question that comes up often. When it comes to pre lamped light strings (5mm/m5/C6/G12 and even the non removable bulb C7/C9 strings), the simple answer is yes, if one bulb burns out, the rest will stay lit. The more complex (and relevant) answer is that LED strings don't work the same way that incandescent strings do. Hence, the likelihood of a bulb burning out is pretty slim. With LED strings, when there are issues it is almost always relative to the inline rectifier having a problem such as inconsistent electrical supply (ie dirty power, bad voltage drops/spikes, etc) or critters chewing through wires. The good news is that rectifier failure is covered under our 3 season warranty.
 
For pro grade strings with screw in LED bulbs, ie C7/C9 stringers with screw in bulbs - if a bulb goes out, the rest will always stay lit as long as the string is in tact.
Designing your first animated display can be complex if you aren't already familiar with how these things work. It really depends on what precisely you are looking for. We carry chase controllers (just movement, no music), we carry an automated sound to light controller for AC lighting (The Music Box) and we carry an AI based app controlled lighting system for RGB lights (Twinkly/Twinkly Music) - but we do not carry any of the systems that the pros use to create those fancy synchronized light shows you see on Youtube - those are very very complex.
 
Most folks who are just getting started with adding motion to their displays will start with the chase controllers and not try to synchronize the sound at first. Or they will use chase controllers for the most part and then build one prop that uses an AI technology to create a synchronized light show.
 
 
 
What type of pole do I need?
We recommend using 1 ½” Threaded rigid metal conduit. The Electrical conduit couplings are much thinner than plumbing couplings and our Modular hook head is designed to slide over the coupling.
 
Where can I buy the pole?
You can purchase the 1 ½” Threaded rigid metal conduit at any electrical supply house, hardware store or big box home repair store. The model numbers for the correct item are Home Depot model # 0544210000 Lowes Model # 73207
 
Can I make the tree less than 20 feet tall?
Yes you can make it any height less than 20 feet you wish Just cut the conduit for the center pole to the desired length and put the cut end at the bottom of the pole.
 
Can I make the tree more than 20 feet tall?
We do no recommend going taller than 20 feet. The guy wires supplied with the kit are cut to be used for a 20 foot tree maximum also the kit has been engineered to go only to 20 feet.
 
Do I need to purchase the optional guy wire kit?
The mega tree kit comes with guy wires long enough to go to the top of a 20 foot pole. In some areas where winds can become very high you may want to buy the optional guy wire kit so that you can put a second set of guy wires going to the center of the pole for added stability.
 
Can I use a smaller pole for the center pole?
We recommend using only a 1 ½” Threaded metal conduit for the center pole because all of the parts are designed to be used with the 1 ½” Threaded metal conduit and also the kit was designed and engineered for 1 ½” Threaded metal conduit pole.
 
What type of lights do I need?
The kit is designed to be used with just about any type of lights, C9 stringers, C7 stringers, M5 Stringers, mini lights, RGB stringers, Plastic strips that hold Different RGB lights
 
How many lights do I need?
That is completely up to you. You can put as many or as few as you wish. Some customers prefer a full looking tree and some customers prefer less lights on the tree.
-----
 
If you have more specific questions about our mega tree kit, please feel free to ask the manufacturer via email at: info@3GLightingCreations.com
Music Box Instructions w/ Silence Detection Feature
Do not use RGB ROPE lighting with a controller built into the lights as it will damage the controller and void the warranty.  Single color rope light will work fine.  A 50’ rope light will draw .5amps.
 
The PBS Lighting Music Box controller is a hi-tech, computer-controlled controller that sync’s light and music (sound).  Make sure *both power sources* to the controller are connected.  The first 2 output channels will trigger to the beat of the music.  The remaining 8 outputs will trigger to different parts of the music.
 
Some music will not trigger some of the outputs or seldom trigger them.  When the sound selected is soft, you might have to increase the volume slightly on the playback source.   Different music has different effects. This is normal. No two different pieces of music will trigger the same outputs and will look different. These effects are pre-programmed into the computer and can’t be changed.
 
This controller has a Silence Detection Mode.  When the music / sound stops, outputs one and two will turn on and stay on until the sound resumes (when the music plays, outputs 1 and 2 will flash to the beat of the music).  After approx. 7 seconds of no sound, all the outputs will turn on and stay on until the sound track resumes. This is an easy way to test that all 10 outputs are working. Watch the total amps load when doing this as you can overload the controller’s max. amps. This feature is controlled by the switch on the front of the controller.
 
Turn the switch to the first off (Far left) position for the Silence Detection Feature. The center off position on the switch will cause the outputs 1 and 2 to turn on and stay on until the sound resumes.  All other outputs remain off.
 
In the “on” position (far right), the Silence Detection Mode will be off and the controller will run in the normal mode.  Output 1 and 2 will turn on only when there is no sound and react to the beat of the music when there is sound.
 
You *MUST* use a stereo audio cable to connect to the audio input to the controller (doesn’t matter if the sound is stereo).  Use a *line level audio source only* and be sure the volume of the audio *line level* source is set to slightly above the mid-range for best results.
 
If you think that the controller is not working correctly, do this test, connect an audio source that is a talk radio station. Most will work fine. Watch the outputs. All will trigger over a 10-15 second period, some very briefly.
 
Since 2003, we have provided excellent customer service. Any questions about our products or for service if ever needed, please call the manufacturer before you call the company your purchased from. The manufacturer is your first point of contact. Any issue is normally very simple and quickly corrected.
Music Box, Mini lights and LED's
There has been some talk about using Mini light sets and LED light sets with the PBS Music Box Light Controller. A few years ago we upgraded the electronics to use better semiconductor switches. This gave the controller a little better power at the outputs and a better response to the music. Our customers noticed the upgrade in the following ways. If they were using mini lights or tungsten lights, they were not as bright or as fast with the music being played. Led lights were full bright and had a better “look” with the Music Box.
 
This was because mini lights are tungsten and require the filament in the bulb to heat up to get a light output. If not hot enough, the bulb will look dim. LED’s are semi-conductor devices and turn on to full brightness in an instant. Many times, faster than a mini light bulb. For the best “look” with the Music Box, LED’s should be used. You will also get more lighting effect, more bang for your buck by using LED’s as you can use more LED’s on each output.
Music Selection
We have been asked about music selection.  Here are a few CD’s that have made a great sound tracks.
  • “Now That’s What I Call Christmas”
  • Kidz Bop Christmas
  • Una Feliz Navidad
  • A Charlie Brown Christmas
  • Yulesville.
These CD’s that can be bought online, really show off the Music Box Controller.  Any music will work, but these have been the best we have found so far.
 
***Note:*** Even though the Music Box has been manufactured with some moisture protection in place, the Music Box should not be considered water proof.
 
The controller should not be placed in standing water and should be protected from rain and snow such as a waterproof enclosure.
 
The controller has ten outputs.  Outputs 1-2 will trigger at the beat of the music and turn on continually with no sound.  Outputs 3-10 will trigger to different parts of the music and if in “Silence Mode “  the remaining outputs will turn on continually until sound resumes.
 
No two pieces of music will look the same.
 
Each output will normally handle 125 watts (1.25 amps). You can mix and match your display outputs.  That means that one channel can have 50 watts and another can have 100 watts, just as long as the ***total*** output demand **doesn’t exceed 125 watts (1.25 amps) for each output** **channel**, 10 amps total for the controller.  If you connect too many lights, the fuse will blow.  Reduce the number of lights connected to the controller and replace the fuse.  Replace with a 5mm X 20mm, 10 amp, slow blow fuse.  Any larger fuse and the controller will be damaged.  Disconnect from all the power sources when replacing the fuse.
 
To set up for use, first connect the wall transformer to the front of the sound controller and then to a 120 AC power supply and next connect the **AC IN** to 120 AC power.
 
Both the sound controller’s power sources can be used with a timer to control when your display operates.  Two different power sources were chosen for better performance of the sound controller.
 
Start by connecting an audio source to the audio input on the controller.  ***Use only line level audio sources*** for the audio input to the controller.  Line levels are the ear phone outputs on a ***MP3*** players (IPod), ***Smart Phones***, and Tablets.  Do not use any other outputs from a stereo system, head phones, powered speakers, or transistor radios as they will not work will and will damage the controller due to high voltages.
 
There’s a transistor radio that we have tested and works with the Music Box Controller.    It’s the **NiZHi TT-028**and can be bought online.
 
If you need an adapter to change plug sizes, they can be bought from an electronic supplier.
 
Use gold plated connectors as they will give better performance and not rust if exposed to moisture.
 
The best way of hooking the Music Box up is the following.  Use a “Y” connector to split your music to the controller and your stereo system speakers from your music source.
 
Make sure that all the cables and adapters you use are 1/8” (3.5mm) stereo, gold plated.  Connect one side of the “Y” to a 1/8” (3.5mm) to an RCA (Radio Shack # 42-494 or 42-495) connector cable, then connect to the AUX or CD input of your stereo System.
 
Select the AUX / CD input on your stereo unit for the program. Connect the other side of the “Y” to the Music Box. Set the Volume on the MP3 player to just over the 1/2 level to start with, can be fine tuned after basic setup. Turn on the stereo and check that you have music from the MP3 player playing on the stereo system.  If possible, connect the MP3’s charger cord, while connected to the MP3, to a non-switched power source and keep powered on all this time.  This will keep you from restarting the MP3 player each time you run the display. Set the MP3 devices’ volume setting to the mid-point to start.  Adjust the volume while watching the display to get the best effect.  Set the MP3 player to “Repeat” if you have a few songs.  Use the volume on the stereo system to control the sound level into the display, it will have no effect of the signal going to the Music Box.  That’s controlled by the MP3 player’s volume setting. If you have a collection of music for your program, and since the volume of the recorded songs will differ between the tracks of music playing, select a volume on the MP3 player that gives you the best results for all tracks.  A small adjustment may be all that is needed.
 
**Note:**  You will need to connect ***both*** the black wall transformer power and the white male 120  AC plug for the controller to operate correctly.  Do not connect to a dimmer switch or dim the controller’s power supplies or it will damage the unit.
Lights.
The controller will work with both mini-lights and LED’s. The advantage with LED’s is you can use more strings of LED’s per output and **the effect is best with LED’s.**  You can use 3 strings of 100 mini lights per channel if you are using all 10 output channels.  With LED’s you can use 10 strings per channel. The effects will be slightly different with LED’s as well (faster flashing) due to the design of the LED lights. If you blow a fuse, reduce the number of lights connected to the controller and replace the fuse with a 10 amp, slow blow fuse only. MAXIUM CURRENT LOAD PER CHANNEL IS 125 Watts ( 1.25 amps) Unit used in stand-alone configuration
 
Light Type / Current Draw Per Light Set / Max # Per Output Channel
  • Mini-lights 50 light set / .2 amps / 7 Strings
  • Mini-lights 100 light set /  .35 amps / 4 Strings LED
  • Mini-lights 70 light set / .05 amps / 10 Strings
Trouble Shooting Guide
The lights don’t come on.
Check to see that the wall transformer and “AC IN” (on back of the box where output cables are connected to a 120AC power source). Adjust the volume of the sound source (MP3 Player or other line level audio source) to about ¾ level.  Adjust more or less for best operation. Make sure the “Audio Input” cable is connected and completely plug in., if so remove and re-insert the connector with care, don’t force the connector, use gold flashed, shielded connectors for better connections.  Keep the cable run as short as possible. Check the fuse and see if blown, reduce the number of lights connected to the controller.  Disconnect the power from both the wall transformer and the “AC IN”.  Replace the fuse with a 10 amp, slow blow fuse that’s 5mm X 20mm.
 
Lights come on all the time.
Some will be better than others because all music is not recorded the same.  Watch the display for several pieces of music or sounds and make small adjustments with the source volume control (volume) to get the best results.  Is the Silence Detection feature on or off, turn it off and the lights will go out.  Sometimes the audio cable connected to the Music Box is too long and will pick-up electronic noise.  Use gold, shielded cables for best results.
 
*Note:* Even though the Music Box has been manufactured with some moisture protection in place, the box should not be considered water proof and not placed in standing water and protected from rain and snow such as a waterproof enclosure.
My music box doesn’t keep channels one and two solid when music stops or seems to be inheriting some noise
  • Solution 1: a shielded 3.5mm audio cable needs to be used. Ferrite cores also help a lot with noise issues, these can be purchased cheap on Amazon. I’ve found it helpful to use two on each audio cable especially if using a Y adapter for a FM transmitter -
  • Solution 2: your audio cable is laying on or around your supplied 120vac and/or the outputs. your going to want the audio cable coming from the music box to be a straight line away from all power cables and directly to mp3 source. No Winding excess cables or extra length that isn’t needed. The shorter route the better. -
  • Solution 3: your mp3 player and/or signal device is being charged while playing. To resolve this issue you’ll need a Bluetooth receiver plugged into the audio jack of the music box to isolate any interference from the charging circuit on your device. These can be purchased at Walmart and Amazon. Just be sure your mp3 device is Bluetooth capable -
  • Solution 4: your mp3 device is defective and/or the 3.5mm jack has been compromised due to bending or improper handling. -
  • Solution 5: there is a open female 3.5mm jack that isn’t being utilized. This can be caused by using a 3 in 1 adapter and leaving the third female to open air, this will cause noise interference. So you have no noise issues and when you pause your music just channel one and two become solidly active, that’s great! Removing noise is the hardest issue we’re going to have, now time for the fun.
So your music box is powered up and mp3 source is running and you don’t like the way the lights are synchronizing?
  • Solution 1: move your lights around on the music box outputs, I’ve found that when trying to sync lights is best to have left and right side house lights on the same channel to add some rhyme to rhythm. Keeping the lights looking in sync.
  • Solution 2: adjusting your mp3 device equalizer. Since this controller activates the outputs from audio recognition, adjusting the equalizer you can really dial it in. You’ll notice when adjusting the lower frequencies on the equalizer certain channels will be more active. The same goes with the higher frequencies. Dial and tuning to where you like it.
 
Today I want to introduce you to the most versatile blackout caps available for decorators today and show you how to use them properly.
 
Our blackout caps are designed for use with modern LED M5, M6 and 5mm mini lights as well as traditional incandescent mini lights.
 
They are pliable enough to stretch over the bulb base and create a seal that blocks 100% of the light from coming through.
 
The most common question we get from decorators is in the form of a statement… “These blackout caps don’t work, they just slide right off the bulb!”
 
100% of the time this is because the caps are not being pushed all the way down over the bulb base. This is especially true with incandescent mini lights - which are smaller in diameter than an LED M5 lens - so the blackout cap tends to slide off easily if not pushed completely over the bulb base as it was designed.
 
Let me show you how to use them….
 
WIth an LED M5 or M6 bulb, you just slide the cap down the lens and push it snugly over the bulb base…
 
Incandescent mini lights are similar to LED M5 and M6 lenses in that you just slide the cap over the lens and push it over the bulb base...
 
With LED 5mm bulbs, just slip the cap over the wide angle 5mm lens and push the cap around the base...
 
If you run into any issues getting the caps to slide down completely over the base, you may need to poke the tip of the blackout cap with a pin so that any air trapped in between the lens and the cap can be released as the cap is pushed down around the based.
 
That’s it! I think you will find our blackout caps to be the best available anywhere today. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at all. We’re always willing to help in any way we can.
 
Thanks! And Happy decorating!
The most common issue is with fitting new bulbs to new or used socket strands. They often require a bit of adjustment - much like breaking in a new pair of shoes. The most common adjustments are:
  1. The pin on the side of the socket needs to be pulled out just a bit so that it has a snug fit with the side of the bulb base.
  2. The pin in the bottom needs to be pulled up just a bit in order to make solid contact with the bottom of the bulb.
  3. Some third party brands of socket strands (particularly GE branded strings) that have a small lip on the top inside edge of the socket that needs to be ground off in order for LED retrofit bulbs to properly fit into their non standard socket base.
If you have tried these things and are still having issues, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
Hey there holiday geeks!
 
Let’s go over some possible issues and solutions for problems you might be having with the PBS music box controller!
 
So right off the bat your probably really excited to have a controller that no one else on your block probably has, your ready to plug it in and start dominating the neighborhood or vehicle with your Christmas light spectacular! This should be a given, so here are some troubleshooting steps:
 
**My music box doesn’t keep channels one and two solid when music stops or seems to be inheriting some noise.**
  • Solution 1: a shielded 3.5mm audio cable needs to be used. Ferrite cores also help a lot with noise issues, these can be purchased cheap on Amazon. I’ve found it helpful to use two on each audio cable especially if using a Y adapter for a FM transmitter
  • Solution 2: your audio cable is laying on or around your supplied 120vac and/or the outputs. your going to want the audio cable coming from the music box to be a straight line away from all power cables and directly to mp3 source. No Winding excess cables or extra length that isn’t needed. The shorter route the better.
  • Solution 3: your mp3 player and/or signal device is being charged while playing. To resolve this issue you’ll need a Bluetooth receiver plugged into the audio jack of the music box to isolate any interference from the charging circuit on your device. These can be purchased at Walmart and Amazon. Just be sure your mp3 device is Bluetooth capable
  • Solution 4: your mp3 device is defective and/or the 3.5mm jack has been compromised due to bending or improper handling.
  • Solution 5: there is a open female 3.5mm jack that isn’t being utilized. This can be caused by using a 3 in 1 adapter and leaving the third female to open air, this will cause noise interference.
So you have no noise issues but when you pause your music, just channel one and two become solidly active, that’s great!
Removing noise is the hardest issue we’re going to have, now time for the fun.
 
**My music box is powered up and mp3 source is running and I don’t like the way the lights are synchronizing?**
  • Solution 1: move your lights around on the music box outputs, I’ve found that when trying to sync lights is best to have left and right side house lights on the same channel to add some rhyme to rhythm. Keeping the lights looking in sync.
  • Solution 2: adjusting your mp3 device equalizer. Since this controller activates the outputs from audio recognition, adjusting the equalizer you can really dial it in. You’ll notice when adjusting the lower frequencies on the equalizer certain channels will be more active. The same goes with the higher frequencies. Dial and tuning to where you like it.
 
The PBS Lighting Music Box controller is a hi-tech computer-controlled controller that sync’s light and music. The first 4 output channels will trigger to the beat of the music.  The remaining 6 outputs will trigger to different/other parts/frequencies of the music.  Some music will not trigger some of the 6 outputs or seldom trigger them. Different music has different effects. This is normal. No two different pieces of music will trigger the same outputs and each will look different from the next. The effects are pre-programmed into the computer and can’t be changed.
 
Make sure the volume of the audio line level source is set to slightly above the mid-range for best results.  If you think that the controller is not working correctly conduct this test, connect an audio source that is a talk radio station. Most will work fine. Watch the outputs. All will trigger over a 10-15 second period, some very briefly.
 
If you are still having issues with your Music Box controller, please reach out to the manufacturer for additional support.
The products themselves are simple enough; wire, plugs and socket! But the problems can come into play in the assembly of them. The most common problem people run into is almost certainly an arc'ing in the line somewhere. A point in your assembly at which both the positive and negative wires are touching or otherwise connected to each other.
 
This is most commonly caused by not properly finishing out both ends of the strand - ie making sure you have a male plug on one end and a female plug on the other end. We often see folks simply cut off one end of the wire without either trimming it or putting a plug on it. This can easily create an opportunity for the exposed pos/neg wires to touch, creating an arc
 
The second most common cause is improper installation of the sockets themselves. We recommend the use of a pair of something like these C clamps: https://www.amazon.com/Hobart-770560-Locking-C-Clamp-Pliers/dp/B002VECKXI/ref=sr_1_17?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1476760783&sr=1-17&keywords=welders+pliers
 
... use those for popping the sockets onto the wire and you will have the best shot of a clean install and it will be much easier on your hands than any other method. If you have a bad socket install along the strand somewhere, this will also create a potential failure point. You have to make sure that the pins on the socket bite into the correct sides of the wire. If you have one that is in the middle of the wire, it will create a failure point.
 
The third most likely culprit for create a potential failure point will be at the plugs themselves. Just like the sockets, make sure the plugs have a good bite and are not bent over and are not piecing through the middle of the wire.
 
Another tip: The wire has one side that is slightly ribbed and the other is smooth. Make sure that the ribbed side is connected to the wider plug on the male end and on the wider opening on the female end. hen make sure that you sockets follow the same polarity pattern all the way down the strand.
 
If you have done all of these things there should not be a failure point anywhere in your strand.

If you receive a Designer Series Display damaged in shipment, do not refuse the shipment and contact us right away. Be sure to include photos of the damaged box prior to opening it and photos of the damaged items once you remove them from the box. We will arrange the return of the damaged item at our expense and replace it.

Often referred to as lamp wire or zip cord, this wire type is found in more than just Christmas lighting so it’s a question that is asked often. Unfortunately, there is a lot of conflicting information about SPT1 and SPT2 wire that tends to cause some confusion.
 
SPT stands for Stranded, Parallel, Thermoplastic and is used to describe most flat, 2-wire systems. The SPT abbreviation is always followed by a number that indicates the thickness of the insulation. The actual wire gauge (AWG) is the same across all of the SPT wire that we sell. It is an 18awg wire wrapped in either a .03" insulation (SPT1) or a .045" insulation (SPT2). The thickness of the insulation is the only difference between SPT1 and SPT2.
 
You will often read that SPT1 is rated at 7amps and SPT2 is rated at 10 amps. This is not true. The gauge of the wire is what indicates the amperage rating of the wire, not the insulation. All of our SPT1 and SPT2 wire is rated at 10 amps (18awg).
 
The only thing that will affect the amperage rating of an 18awg wire is voltage drop of distance. The longer the run, the lower the maximum load rating. Here's a quick guide:
 
0 to 50 feet: 10 amps
51 to 150 feet: 7 amps
151 feet or longer: 5 amps
 
In most cases, SPT1 wire will do the same job as SPT2 wire. There are two scenarios in which SPT2 could be beneficial. 1) you intend to use it in a display that will be up 365 days a year/permanent. In this case, the extra insulation will help prolong the life of the wire as it battles mother nature. 2) your display or use case is in an extremely cold environment. In this case, ice and cold can drastically affect the performance of the wire even with heavy due extension cords - having a little extra insulation will always help.
 
Whichever you choose, be sure to also use matching SPT1 or SPT2 plugs and accessories that properly fit your chosen wire.

Our Designer Series Displays carry a 1-season (90-day) warranty against defects in manufacturing or workmanship.

We have been asked about music selection many times.  Here are a few songs/albums that have made a great sound track for other displays.
  • Now That’s What I Call Christmas
  • Kidz Bop Christmas
  • Una Feliz Navidad
  • A Charlie Brown Christmas
  • Yulesville.
These songs really shows off the Music Box Controller.  Any music will work, but these have been the best we have seen so far.

Each of our Designer Series Displays is made to order. Made to order items are not returnable.

The above pictures are just a few of the thousands of DVD Players/BLUERAY Player REMOTE CONTROLS. We’ve circled all the REPEAT BUTTONS so you can get an idea of what to look for if this is your first time Playing or Repeating a DVD with the remote control. It is a very easy and efficient way to access different scenes on the DVD.

We sell DVDs with many chapters to give choices, rather than ONE scene per DVD, which would mean almost 6500 DVD titles. DVD players were designed, just as any Hollywood MOVIE or TV show on DVD or blue ray was designed, to allow you to play single chapters, even groups of them. Chapters allow a DVD like my 100+ Holiday Decor DVDs to contain 20 or more scenes on one disc. It's a great idea, it saves you money by not having to buy 6500 DVDs, and it only takes a tiny bit of learning [way less than your cell phone, or driving your car takes]. DVD player remotes let you turn on REPEAT CHAPTER, OR REPEAT ALL. It's a common feature to all players. If your remote does not have the word REPEAT on it, consult the manual, or go online to read the online manual. To LOOP or REPEAT a SCENE.

  1. Ue the PLAY button to play the DVD, and you don't have to use the DVD MENU to select chapters.
  2. You can use the SKIP or NEXT button to quickly skip from Chapter to Chapter, and very quickly in a matter of minutes sample the entire DVD - all without being FORCED back to the main menu as happens with Inferior DVD programming. This RANDOM ACCESS FUNCTION was chosen by producer JON HYERS back in 2001 and continues to be the method of choice for his DVDs.
  3. **When the scene you want is playing turn on Repeat Chapter**. It's easy. ALL DVD/BL players have this function. All of our DVDs since 2001 have the chapters, and all Hollywood movies on DVD have chapters, that you MUST use the remote to play. Without the remote control, MOST DVDS cannot be played entirely.

SIDEWAYS PICTURES: On many of Hyers DVDS and Digital Files, there are some sideways clips here for Vertical windows, **NO it's not a mistake**. One can't do sideways by accident, a 40 + Year Old commercial production studio does not Accidentally Knock their Cameras Sideways as a few have suggested. Its done for TALL THIN Windows. And the same applies to any CGI FX which are also done vertically, here's why.

Hundreds of customers have requested this, as far back as 2005, and Hyers didn't start doing it until 2015. WHY would this ever be done? If your window is tall and thin, like 2 wide by 4 feet tall, that is the same shape as a Wide Screen TV turned 90. So, by turning the projector 90 degrees, and having a portrait image, your image is Twice the Brightness, with Twice the Resolution in a tall thin window. If you were instead to have a character standing head-to-foot in the center of a normal Widescreen Image, and project that into your TALL THIN window, you have just decreased the brightness by 65% and wasted 65% of the image to the left and right of the window. So 90 degree flipped scenes are done for all of the people who want to have a few choices for tall thin windows. **Who invented this???** PROJECT RUNWAY people!! Yeah the fashion industry, who placed 90 degree flipped TVs in clothing stores for women, and play TV shows of runway shows, where their Cameramen [like ours] purposely flipped their Cameras 90 degrees when filming the TV show. **Why did they do that????** If you ever watched a runway show, The Girl Models they use are 4-5 times taller then they are wide! Yeah, its true as the Women's Organizations complain about all the time and the bad message it sends to the youth. But the shape of the runway models caused this filming to be done flipped 90, more than 20 years ago.

The ultra skinny fashion models DO FIT inside the 90 degree frame, much better than then inside the normal widescreen frame where they would end up being tiny figures inside the TV picture with up to 75% of the picture are being wasted. Hence, Vertical Filming and 90 degree TVS or Projectors. Why as recent as Nov 9th, 2017. Heidi Klum, appeared on Project Runway, from a studio Video Feed from another location, and guess what??? Heidi was in a Vertical Monitor for the same exact reason!!!, with the monitor placed next to the Chairs of the other 3 Judges on the Show.

So the idea is sound, given that the average Biped Human or Monster fits pretty well inside the 90 degree frame, maximizing both sharpness and brightness. So we made these Vertical Scenes by request. Some customers complained…"Well I don't like it sideways". FINE, don't use those chapters. They are there for NO extra charge for those who want them. Can you get a special DVD with the Vertical Scenes removed??? ABSOLUTELY, just paypal Jon Hyers $1000.00 for a custom edit, and he will make one for you. Otherwise use that handy dandy REMOTE CONTROL and skip chapters avoiding the vertical ones. It's just like a Scary BOOK, if there is a Chapter YOU don't want to read, SKIP IT. If there is a TV Series on DVD that you already watched, you skip that Chapter. Simple - Logical - Easy!

LASTLY: None of these DVDS were ever designed to play the whole DVD like a movie. They aren’t samplers, they are not movies to play for the kids, and they are not Edited Montogue Background Moods scenes. Originally called The Virtual Tool Box in 2004, these DVDs are Best Compared to a Tool Box full of totally different tools for totally different purposes. You don’t grab ALL the tools and use them at once, nor do you Play ALL SCENES from these DVDs at once, for a very similar, comparable reason. Thank you for reading.

Returns

Click here to visit our returns portal and submit your return. You'll need your order number and the email address or ship to zip code from your order.

If the items you are returning require more than 1 return label, please contact us prior to submitting a return request at
santa@thechristmaslightemporium.com

Please see our complete and most recent Return Policy by clicking the "Returns/Exchanges" link under the "Customer Support" menu at the bottom of this page or any page on our website.

If you feel that you have received the wrong product, please submit a return request within 15 business days. You can select a variety of methods for fixing the problem include exchange, store credit, refund, etc. Simply submit a return request here and select "Wrong Item Received" as your reason for the return. To submit a return or exchange, Please see our complete and most recent Return Policy by clicking the "Returns/Exchanges" link under the "Customers Support" menu  at the bottom of this page or any page on our website.

Please see our complete and most recent Return Policy by clicking the "Returns/Exchanges" link under the "Customer Support" menu at the bottom of this page or any page on our website.

Shipping

We ship to locations within the United States and Canada. Some items (such as wireframe displays) we cannot ship outside of the continental 48 US states. We do not ship to international locations outside of the United States and Canada at this time.
 
Not all items in our store can be shipped to locations outside of the United States. If you do not see an "Add to Cart" button on a product page, but instead see a message such as "This item is not available for shipment to your location", that means the item cannot be shipped to locations outside of the United States.
 
Flat rate shipping is not offered for orders shipping to locations outside of the United States. All available shipping methods, based on your ship to location, will be display at checkout.
 
For orders shipping to locations outside of the United States, all customs duties and taxes will be pre paid at checkout. You will not be asked for additional payment and your package will not be held for customers tariff, taxes or duty payments. There is always the possibility that a shipment may be delayed due to customs inspections, but you will not be asked for any additional payments for duties, tariff, taxes or fees as these will be pre paid at the time you place your order.
 
Free shipping promotions, when applicable, do not apply to orders shipping to Canada or outlying U.S. territories. Continental United States only.
 
If your order is shipping to a location outside of the United States or Canada and you choose to please an order that will ship to a parcel pickup location within the United States, and a return is required for any reason at all - including mis-shipments - for which we provide a return label to you, the return label and any associated re-shipment will be from and to the parcel location used for shipment of the original order.
 
Orders valued at more than $250 will ship with signature required for delivery. An adult age 18+ must be present to sign for the delivery. If an adult is not available at the time of delivery attempt, the carrier will leave a notice with instructions for how to re-schedule delivery and/or where you can pick up the package. If the package is not picked up and signed for by an adult of 18 years+ and is therefore return to us by the carrier, you will be responsible for the shipping costs to re-ship the order to you.

The Christmas Light Emporium does not currently offer weekend delivery as standard practice. All deliveries will be made Monday through Friday by UPS, USPS or other carrier as designated by The Christmas Light Emporium. We may opt to send orders via carriers that offer Saturday delivery. However, this is at the discretion of The Christmas Light Emporium and we do not take requests for specific shipping methods or carriers.

Indeed we do! Because our expedited shipping options are calculated in real time, you must either be logged into your account, or have already entered your shipping address on the checkout page – once any of these prerequisites are met, you will see 2-day and overnight shipping options appear during the checkout process for orders shipping to locations within the United States. For orders shipping to locations outside of the United States, all available shipping methods will be presented at checkout, including any available expedited options.
 
All orders, international and domestic are shipped FOB shipping point (customer assumes responsibility for the package and its contents at the time in leaves our warehouse).
 
When ordering products online for delivery across international borders, the buyer assumes all risks, delays caused by customs, customs inspections, etc.
 
Shipping carriers to do not count weekends or holidays as transit days. So if you place an expedited order on an off season Friday before 12pm EST, for example, using overnight shipping - it will arrive on Monday. A 2 day shipment placed on the same Friday before 12pm EST will arrive on Tuesday. During our peak season, we ship expedited orders within 24 business hours, sometimes that means that same day the order is placed, sometimes it means the following business day. This means that during our peak season of October through January, you should give yourself one extra day for processing even on expedited orders.
 
Packages do not move in transit on weekends, Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving or any Friday that follows a holiday falling on a Thursday.
 
All orders (standard and expedited) placed on weekends will ship the following business day - usually Monday unless that Monday falls on a holiday.
If you have discovered an issue with your package being lost by the carrier, never arriving at your shipping address, being damaged in shipment, being stolen, etc. Please submit a claim as follows:
 
For Orders With Red Suit Shipping Protection:
If you purchased Red Suit Shipping Protection (available at checkout on all orders), just head over to our Red Suit Shipping Protection Claims, Returns and Exchanges Portal to file your claim and we'll get it taken care of for you in a jiffy.
 
If you opted out of Red Suit Shipping Protection on your order:
If you do not elect to purchase Red Suit Shipping Protection at checkout and your shipment is lost, damaged or stolen during transit - we will diligently follow the claims policy of your selected carrier to either locate the shipment or deem it as lost. This process can take up to 4-8 weeks, may require additional documentation from you and is at the discretion of the carrier. Please contact us as support@thechristmaslightemporium.com and we'll take care of it for you.

Please see our complete and most recent Shipping Policy by clicking here.

If your package arrives damaged, please notify us immediately. DO NOT REFUSE DELIVERY OF THE SHIPMENT.
 
You can select a variety of methods for fixing the problem include exchange, store credit, refund, etc.
 
Simply submit a return request by clicking the "Returns/Exchanges" link under the "Customer Support" menu at the bottom of this page or any page on our website and select "Damaged Item" as your reason for the return.
 
If you purchased Red Suit Shipping Protection for the order (available at checkout for most orders), and the package arrives damaged in shipment - just head over to our Red Suit Shipping Protection Claims, Returns and Exchanges Portal to file your claim and we'll get it taken care of for you in a jiffy.
When you make a purchase at The Christmas Light Emporium, we want to make sure it is delivered to you without issue. Get peace of mind with our delivery guarantee in the event your delivery is damaged, stolen or lost during transit.  Red Suit Shipping Protection covers lost, stolen, and damaged orders so that you can rest easy knowing that you’re covered if one of your orders arrives damaged or doesn’t arrive at all.
 
How Does It Work
Normally, if a package is lost, damaged or stolen during transit, we will issue a claim with the carrier on your behalf and wait for the results of the claim investigation before issuing a refund or re-shipping the order - and in the case of damaged items, usually require visual proof of damage.
 
By selecting Red Suit Shipping Protection at checkout, this process is completely bypassed. You simply submit a claim on our claims portal and we'll issue a no hassle refund or replacement immediately.
 
When Is A Shipment Deemed 'Lost'?
We use the same rules that the carriers use for defining a lost shipment:
  • Carrier status states "delivered’", but you have not received it. Allow up to 7 business days but no longer than 15 days for United States domestic shipments (20 days for international shipments, including Canada) for your shipment to be delivered. Sometimes the carriers prematurely mark shipments as delivered and then issue a redelivery, and it then turns up in a secure location at your property or perhaps may be delivered to the wrong address that is caught and corrected by the carrier.
  • If your carrier status is not "delivered" and your tracking has not updated for 2 weeks from the ship date.
Shipping carriers may classify these situations as a ‘delay’ if there is a high of shipments in their network and are aware of delays. As long as there are no known carrier delays, we will offer a refund or replacement right away.
 
What Is Considered 'Damaged'?
  • Items arrive damaged in transit - interior packaging is torn, bent, broken etc.
  • Some of your order is missing due to the box/envelope having broken open during transit
What Is Not Covered By Red Suit Shipping Protection?
  • Missing parcels or redelivery fees due to invalid / incorrect address information provided by you when you placed the order
  • Delays in transit (as defined by the carrier)
  • Orders that have not shipped yet
  • International orders stuck in customs - we can't be held responsible for customs delays. Please get in touch with your chosen carrier and pay required customs fees. If you refuse customs payments, we are not liable for any return to sender fees and these will be deducted from any refund that may be due
  • Items that are returned to us for a refund or exchange through our returns & exchanges portal
  • If you requested items to be left at a location other than the address you supplied with your order and they go missing - this waives the right to any claim as per carrier terms and conditions
How To Submit a Claim
If you purchased Red Suit Shipping Protection at checkout and your order is lost, damaged or stolen, please submit a claim using our Red Suit Shipping Protection claims, Returns and Exchanges portal.
 
Our Policy For Handling Unprotected Shipments
If you do not elect to purchase Red Suit Shipping Protection at checkout and your shipment is lost, damaged or stolen during transit - we will diligently follow the claims policy of your selected carrier to either locate the shipment or deem it as lost. This process can take up to 4-8 weeks, may require additional documentation from you and is at the discretion of the carrier.
 
If your shipment has GPS location or photographic evidence from the carrier that is has been delivered to the address on your order, is with a neighbor or at any other secure location and in good condition; we are not responsible for a refund or replacement.
Please see our complete shipping policy here: https://thechristmaslightemporium.com/policies/shipping-policy
When you make a purchase at The Christmas Light Emporium, we want to make sure it is delivered to you without issue. Get peace of mind with our delivery guarantee in the event your delivery is damaged, stolen or lost during transit.  Red Suit Shipping Protection covers lost, stolen, and damaged orders so that you can rest easy knowing that you’re covered if one of your orders arrives damaged or doesn’t arrive at all.
 
How Does It Work
Normally, if a package is lost, damaged or stolen during transit, we will issue a claim with the carrier on your behalf and wait for the results of the claim investigation before issuing a refund or re-shipping the order - and in the case of damaged items, usually require visual proof of damage.
 
By selecting Red Suit Shipping Protection at checkout, this process is completely bypassed. You simply submit a claim on our claims portal and we'll issue a no hassle refund or replacement immediately.
 
When Is A Shipment Deemed 'Lost'?
We use the same rules that the carriers use for defining a lost shipment:
  • Carrier status states "delivered’", but you have not received it. Allow up to 7 business days but no longer than 15 days for United States domestic shipments (20 days for international shipments, including Canada) for your shipment to be delivered. Sometimes the carriers prematurely mark shipments as delivered and then issue a redelivery, and it then turns up in a secure location at your property or perhaps may be delivered to the wrong address that is caught and corrected by the carrier.
  • If your carrier status is not "delivered" and your tracking has not updated for 2 weeks from the ship date.
Shipping carriers may classify these situations as a ‘delay’ if there is a high of shipments in their network and are aware of delays. As long as there are no known carrier delays, we will offer a refund or replacement right away.
 
What Is Considered 'Damaged'?
  • Items arrive damaged in transit - interior packaging is torn, bent, broken etc.
  • Some of your order is missing due to the box/envelope having broken open during transit
What Is Not Covered By Red Suit Shipping Protection?
  • Missing parcels or redelivery fees due to invalid / incorrect address information provided by you when you placed the order
  • Delays in transit (as defined by the carrier)
  • Orders that have not shipped yet
  • International orders stuck in customs - we can't be held responsible for customs delays. Please get in touch with your chosen carrier and pay required customs fees. If you refuse customs payments, we are not liable for any return to sender fees and these will be deducted from any refund that may be due
  • Items that are returned to us for a refund or exchange through our returns & exchanges portal
  • If you requested items to be left at a location other than the address you supplied with your order and they go missing - this waives the right to any claim as per carrier terms and conditions
How To Submit a Claim
If you purchased Red Suit Shipping Protection at checkout and your order is lost, damaged or stolen, please submit a claim using our Red Suit Shipping Protection claims, Returns and Exchanges portal.
 
Our Policy For Handling Unprotected Shipments
If you do not elect to purchase Red Suit Shipping Protection at checkout and your shipment is lost, damaged or stolen during transit - we will diligently follow the claims policy of your selected carrier to either locate the shipment or deem it as lost. This process can take up to 4-8 weeks, may require additional documentation from you and is at the discretion of the carrier.
 
If your shipment has GPS location or photographic evidence from the carrier that is has been delivered to the address on your order, is with a neighbor or at any other secure location and in good condition; we are not responsible for a refund or replacement.

Terms & Conditions

The Christmas Light Emporium strives to ensure that its services are accessible to people with disabilities. The Christmas Light Emporium has invested a significant amount of resources to help ensure that its website is made easier to use and more accessible for people with disabilities, with the strong belief that every person has the right to live with dignity, equality, comfort and independence.
 
View our current and complete accessibility statement here: https://thechristmaslightemporium.com/pages/accessibility

Clearance, closeout, garage sale DVD titles, digital downloads, video effects, projection material and liquidation items are sold as is, all sales final, no returns accepted.

Wireframe displays are made to order and are not returnable or refundable.

Please see our complete and most recent Terms of Service, including our cancellation policy, by clicking here.

Please see our complete and most recent Shipping Policy by clicking here.

Please see our most recent and complete Terms of Service by clicking here.

Please see our complete and most recent Privacy Policy by clicking here.

Please see our complete and most recent Return Policy by clicking the "Returns/Exchanges" link under the "Customer Support" menu at the bottom of this page or any page on our website.

Please see our complete and most recent Shipping Policy by clicking here.

For orders shipping to locations within the United States, our shipping rates are simple. We offer low, flat rate shipping starting at just $7. We also offer 2 day and overnight expedited shipping. Flat rate and Expedited shipping is not available for custom items, wireframe displays or items that must ship via freight.
 
From time-to-time, we may also offer free shipping on orders exceeding a specified value threshold.
 
For orders shipping to locations outside of the United States, all available shipping methods will be presented at checkout. Flat rating shipping, free shipping promotions (if applicable) and guaranteed expedited shipping options do not apply to orders shipping to locations outside of the United States.
 
Please note that all of our wireframes and custom light show pieces are hand made and as such they can take up to 21 or more extra days of processing time prior to shipping, especially during the busiest months of October-December.
 

Warranty

Our Reindeer Proof™ Warranty
 
We are proud to offer one of the best warranty programs in the industry. We refer to it as our Reindeer Proof™ warranty. If Donner can't destroy it, then it must be good!
 
For our in house brand items such as our LumynArt bulbs and strings, ColorSplash, SuperSpark™, QuadSpark™, Dazzle and DreamSpark™ strings and many other items - we are the manufacturer and we provide and service the manufacturer's warranty on these items. For all other items that are manufactured by our suppliers, the warranty is provided by the manufacturer. For some warranty claims, we may refer you to the manufacturer who may be a third party.
 
You will find specific warranty information on each product page.
 
To file a warranty claim, please review the warranty period information below and/or the product specific warranty information on the product page in question. If your item is covered under warranty, contact us at support@thechristmaslightemporium.com and include the details of your claim including:
  • What is the item?
  • What is the specific and detailed defect with the item?
  • Warranty claims require photos/video that clearly show the problem.
  • What is the order number associated with the item purchase?
Warranty periods for our most common product lines include:
  • LED Bulbs: 3 seasons
  • LED 5mm, M5, C6 and G12 Strings: 3 Seasons
  • LED Net Lights and Icicle Lights: 3 Seasons
  • LED C7 and C9 Pre Lamped Strings (Single Molded, 8" space, non-removable bulbs): 1 Season
  • LED C9 Strobe Lights: 3 Seasons
  • LED Commercial Co-Axial Strings and Accessories: 1 Season
  • LED Rope Light and Accessories: 1 Season
  • Xenon C9 Strobe Lights: 1 Season
  • Incandescent Bulbs and Strings: 1 Season
  • Wireframes and Custom Displays: 1 Season
  • Electrical Accessories (plugs, timers, wire, etc): 1 Season
  • Light Keeper and LED Keeper: Lifetime
  • Christmas Light Clips: 1 Season
  • Basic Chase and Build-Up Controllers: 1 Season
  • PBS Lighting Advanced Chase Controllers: 1 Season
  • GFade 8 Channel Advanced Chase Controller: 5 Seasons
  • Twinkly Brand App Controlled RGB Products: 1 Season
  • APlugPro moisture protection products: 1 Season
  • Wreaths and Garland: 3 Seasons
  • Wireframe Displays: Light Strings Carry a 30-day Warranty
All items we sell carry a manufacturer's warranty of 90 days to5 seasons. Please check the product information for warranty details. If you don’t see warranty information or have more questions, please contact us at support@thechristmaslightemporium.com.
 
Most of the items we sell are intended for seasonal use only. In the seasonal products business, all manufacturers define “1 season” as “a maximum of 90 days use in a 12 month period”. Permanently installed use of seasonal items voids the product warranty.
 
The warranty covers manufacturing defects for products used under normal operating/use conditions. For seasonal items (most if the items we sell) Normal use conditions include a maximum of 90 days per 12 month period of continuous use in a generally accepted manner.
 
a. Other than the warranty of title, The Christmas Light Emporium makes no warranty on the products sold other than our house brand "The Christmas Light Emporium" products that we design, manufacture or direct import. You agree that any warranty applicable to a product is that of the manufacturer of the product and not The Christmas Light Emporium. For example, a Light-O-Rama product offered by The Christmas Light Emporium through this website will have only the warranty offered by Light-O-Rama on that product. Please refer to the manufacturer's product warranty information contained in the packaging or the warranty information provided on the applicable manufacturer's website.
 
b. Neither The Christmas Light Emporium nor the product manufacturer make any warranty other than the Limited Warranty of the applicable product manufacturer. To the full extent of applicable law, The Christmas Light Emporium provides the products 'AS IS AND WITH ALL FAULTS' and hereby disclaims all other warranties and conditions, express, implied, or otherwise, including, but not limited to, any implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability, or non-infringement with regard to any products.
 
c. To the full extent permitted by applicable law, neither The Christmas Light Emporium nor the product manufacturers shall be liable to you or anyone else for direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including, but not limited to, lost profits or loss of business, as the result of the failure of a product even if The Christmas Light Emporium or the product manufacturer has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The entire liability of The Christmas Light Emporium and the product manufacturers related to the use, or inability to use the products shall be limited to the purchase price of the product paid by you.
 
d. Some state and federal laws, if applicable, do not allow limitations of implied warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain damages. You may have additional rights if these laws are applicable.
 
e. For items covered under The Christmas Light Emporium's in house 3-year warranty we will cover the cost of shipping and replacement for any covered materially defective item for the first season of use (90 days). Beyond the first season the customer is responsible for shipping costs both ways. If there is water damage, electrical damage or other act of nature, critter or customer misuse scenario at any point, the warranty will immediately become void. If we receive a warranty return that turns out to not be defective we will charge back to the customer any shipping cost we may have incurred and we will require the customer to pay for return shipping if they want the non-defective item returned to them.




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