Christmas Light Timer: How to Set Your Lights to Turn On and Off Automatically

To make your Christmas lights turn on and off by themselves, use your LED curtain's built-in timer (in the app) or, for basic string lights, a timer plug. A good schedule: on at dusk, around 5 pm in December in most of the US and Canada, and off around 11 pm or midnight. You enjoy your decorations every evening without thinking about it, and they don't run all night for nothing.

Why put your Christmas lights on a timer?

• Convenience: no more stepping onto the balcony every evening to switch them on.
• Consistency: your display shines every night, even when you're home late or away.
• Energy: LEDs use little power, but switching off when nobody's watching is still the best saving.
• Neighbors: lights that go off at a reasonable hour are nicer for people sleeping across the street.
• Lifespan: fewer wasted hours means more holiday seasons out of your decorations.

Option 1: the curtain's built-in timer

The Glowcony Magic Curtain has a timer you set in the Surplife app. It's the simplest option: no extra hardware, and you can change the schedule from the couch.

Quick setup

1. Open the Surplife app and connect the curtain via Bluetooth.
2. Go to the curtain's timer (or schedule) feature.
3. Enter the on and off times.
4. Choose which animation or text plays when it turns on.
5. Save, then check on the first evening that everything triggers correctly.

Depending on the app version, labels may vary slightly, but the feature is in the curtain's settings.

Option 2: a timer plug

For string lights without an app, a timer plug (mechanical or smart) does the job: it cuts and restores power at set times. If you use it outside, pick an outdoor-rated model.

Note: with a smart curtain, cutting power abruptly isn't ideal, as you lose the app's fine-tuning. The built-in timer is still the best choice.

What schedule should you use?

Weeknights

On at dusk (roughly 4:30 to 5:30 pm in December, depending on where you live), off around 11 pm. That's when most people walk by and when you enjoy the lights yourself.

Weekends and holidays

Stretch it to midnight or 1 am, especially on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Mornings

Want some glow at breakfast while it's still dark? A short 7 to 8 am slot makes for a gentle wake-up, especially if the curtain is in a bedroom or kitchen.

Tips that make a difference

• Choose a calm animation for late evening and save the flashiest effects for early on.
• During holiday travel, the timer makes it look like someone's home.
• Keep the remote handy to switch off or on at any time (battery not included).
• Double-check your phone's time after traveling across time zones.

Curious how much it really uses? Read our article on LED curtain light power consumption.

FAQ

What time should Christmas lights go on?

At dusk, around 5 pm in December, and until about 11 pm on weeknights. Stay up later on holiday nights.

Does the Glowcony curtain have a timer?

Yes, you set it in the free Surplife app on iOS and Android.

Can I plug LED curtain lights into a timer plug?

You can, but the built-in timer is more practical: you keep control of animations and settings from the app.

Should Christmas lights stay on all night?

There's no need. Switching them off while everyone sleeps saves energy and extends the life of the LEDs.