Dec 12

Dec 12 The End of an Era – C7 and C9 Incandescent Replacement Bulbs Are Phasing Out

For generations, incandescent C7 and C9 bulbs have been a cherished part of holiday traditions across countless households. Their warm, inviting glow sparks nostalgia, transforming homes and neighborhoods into festive wonderlands during the holiday season. Whether outlining rooftops, wreaths, or Christmas trees, these classic bulbs have long been the go-to choice for creating timeless holiday lighting displays.

However, times are changing—manufacturers are gradually discontinuing these classic bulbs, and the supply will soon run out. In this post, we'll take a look at why this is happening and how you can start preparing for the transition.

What Are C7 and C9 Christmas Light Bulbs?

If you’re not familiar with the terms, C7 and C9 incandescent light bulbs are classic Christmas light bulbs that come in two common sizes. The "C" stands for "candelabra," referring to their candle-shaped design used on string lights.

C7 bulbs are smaller, have a candelabra (E12) screw base, and are often used for outlining windows, wreaths, and greenery. They are the same bulbs used in nightlights.

C9 bulbs are larger and produce a brighter light, making them perfect for prominent displays such as outlining rooftops or decorating large trees. C9s also have an intermediate (E17) base, which is slightly larger than C7s.

These bulbs use incandescent filaments, which produce that nostalgic light many people love—though, as with all incandescents, they consume more energy compared to modern LED bulbs.

Why Are Manufacturers Phasing Out Incandescent Replacement Bulbs?

There are several reasons for the phase-out of incandescent C7 and C9 bulbs. Rising production costs are making it harder for manufacturers to keep these bulbs in production. From expensive raw materials to increased energy and labor expenses, keeping the lights on for incandescent bulbs is costing more than ever. On top of that, consumer demand has shifted dramatically toward energy-efficient LED alternatives. Environmental regulations also encourage moving away from less efficient lighting options, making the phase-out of incandescent C7 and C9 bulbs inevitable.

Incandescent Christmas lights hung on a gutter

Impact of the Phase-Out and What This Means for You

As production slows and manufacturers stop making these bulbs, you may notice fewer options on the shelves. Availability will continue to shrink, and once the current stock is sold out, replacements will be hard to find.

We want to give you a heads-up: we will not be ordering any more incandescent C7 or C9 bulbs after this holiday season. This means now is the time to stock up if you want to keep using these traditional bulbs. Don’t wait until it’s too late—our current supply is limited and won’t last forever.

Energy-efficient Incandescent Bulb Alternatives

If you’re ready to make the switch from incandescent light bulbs, LED C7 and C9s offer many advantages. They are more energy-efficient, last much longer, and you can choose from a wide range of colors and styles—all while maintaining the classic look you love. LED Christmas lights are also more durable, perfect for indoor or outdoor use, and compatible with most existing string light setups.

The biggest draw for LED C7s and C9s is that the lower wattage allows you to use more bulbs per circuit. Depending on the LED bulb, you can safely use upwards of 3,000 bulbs versus only a few hundred incandescent light bulbs. This means you can create larger and brighter holiday displays. For a better breakdown of bulb estimations, check out the table below. It shows the number of LED and incandescent Christmas light bulbs you can use per circuit based on bulb wattage:

  
    

    Bulb Type
    Wattage
    Bulbs per 15 Amp Circuit,
1440 Usable Watts
    Bulbs per 20 Amp Circuit,
1920 Usable Watts
  


    Incandescent C7
    5
    288
    384
  

    Incandesent C9
    7
    205
    274
  

    LED C7
(VividCore Premium Bulbs)  
    0.48
    3,000
    4,000
  

    LED C9
(VividCore Premium Bulbs)  
    0.74
    1,945
    2,594
  


  

How to Make the Transition Smooth

Choosing the right LED Christmas lights is easy. Look for bulbs that match the color temperature and brightness of your old incandescents. Installation is straightforward—simply swap out the old bulbs for new LEDs, and enjoy a brighter, more sustainable holiday season.

The clock is ticking on incandescent C7 and C9s. With dwindling stock and no new orders after this season, this is your final opportunity to buy your favorite traditional bulbs. Stock up now and avoid the rush—once the supply runs out, replacements will be scarce, forcing many to switch to alternatives. Hold onto those glowing holiday memories a little longer by securing your incandescent bulbs today, while you still can. Need help finding the perfect Christmas lights for your display? Our holiday lighting experts are here to help. Call 1-800-624-4488 today!