Why are lights connected to Christmas?

Lights have long been associated with Christmas. Lights are a tradition that blends customs from the past with modern celebration.

Well before Christmas was actually observed, European cultures used fire, candles and lanterns during winter solstice events to brighten the darkest time of the year and mark the return of longer days.

With the spread of Christianity, the seasonal practices merged with religious symbolism.

The modern use of Christmas lights can be traced to 17th-century Germany, where families placed candles on their Christmas trees, lighting them briefly for special gatherings.