Christmas Light Timers

A Christmas light timer takes the daily on/off routine off your plate entirely. Set it once and your display runs on schedule — on at dusk, off at a preset time — every night of the season. The Christmas Light Emporium carries two straightforward outdoor-rated timer options, plus the GFade controller for displays that need programmable multi-zone scheduling.

What’s in This Collection

Photocell Timer (2 Outlet, 15 Amp) — Automatically turns lights on at dusk using a built-in light sensor. Turns off after a set number of hours. No daily programming required — the photocell handles the on-time automatically. Outdoor-rated, dual outlet.

Manual Programmable Timer (2 Outlet, 15 Amp) — Set specific on and off times via manual programming. Dual outlet, 15 amp, outdoor-rated. Ideal when you want precise control over both the on-time and off-time regardless of daylight.

GFade 8-Channel Controller — A fully programmable 8-channel chase controller that also functions as an advanced scheduling platform. Beyond standard timer functionality, GFade manages multi-zone animated sequences with GFade Sync for coordinated multi-display animation. The right choice for light show builds and complex multi-zone displays.

Photocell vs. Manual Timer

The photocell timer is the simpler, set-and-forget option — it senses dusk and turns on automatically. The manual timer gives you precise control over on and off times independent of dusk. Both are 2-outlet, 15 amp, outdoor-rated.

How to Choose

Choose a timer based on whether it will be used indoors or outdoors — outdoor timers are weatherproofed for exterior use. Mechanical timers are simple and reliable for basic daily on/off schedules; digital timers offer more programming flexibility, including multiple on/off windows throughout the day. If you are controlling a large number of strings, verify the timer's amp and watt rating can handle your total light load.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the load capacity of the timers? Both standard timers are rated 15 amps. Refer to individual product pages for full load specifications.

Are these timers rated for outdoor use? Yes — both standard timers are outdoor-rated.

What’s the difference between a timer and a chase controller? A timer simply turns power on and off on a schedule. A chase controller like the GFade manages multiple independent power zones, switching them in programmed sequences to create animation effects — while also providing scheduling capability.

What’s the Reindeer Proof™ Warranty? Our in-house warranty covering manufacturing defects and performance failures. Duration varies — see individual product pages.

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