Feds Tried (and Failed) to Ban These Illinois Christmas Lights

The government tried to play the role of the Grinch, but those in Illinois that celebrate the Christmas spirit won the day as an attempt to ban some Christmas lights failed.

Since November is the time of year when most who do Christmas decorating will work on getting the lights up, let's clarify what's legal and what is not. First, it is true the United States Energy Department banned the sale of incandescent light bulbs as pointed out by The Hill. It's also true that the state of Illinois recently passed legislation that bans the sale of these bulbs starting January 1, 2026.

Does this mean my old incandescent Christmas lights and decorations are now illegal?

Not so fast. Verify This pointed out a very important clause (no Christmas pun intended) in the incandescent bulb ban. Specialty lights (meaning Christmas) are exempt.

As a matter of fact, I checked the Christmas Light Emporium and they are stocked full of incandescent Christmas decorations. That means you're free to embrace your inner Clark Griswold tendencies and let your bulbs burn bright once again this season.

I do have to wonder though if Illinois will go after this exemption sometime in the future since the state has been so aggressive in trying to make us all switch over to LED bulbs. Let's hope not as Christmas decorations (and that light bill) are expensive enough as it is.