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Rise of Christmas lights from candles to global trend
The practice began in the 1880s when Edward Johnson replaced tree candles with electric bulbs but was initially expensive. By 1895 Grover Cleveland lit a White House tree, and GE sold light kits by 1903. Outdoor displays gained popularity in the 1920s, prices dropped after GE offshore production in the 1960s, and the tradition endures broadly today.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Grover Cleveland
White House
General Electric