<P> Christmas trees displayed publicly and illuminated with electric lights became popular in the early 20th century . By the mid-20th century, it became customary to display strings of electric lights as along streets and on buildings; Christmas decorations detached from the Christmas tree itself . In the United States, it became popular to outline private homes with such Christmas lights in tract housing beginning in the 1960s . By the late 20th century, the custom had also been adopted in other nations, including outside the Western world, notably in Japan and Hong Kong . Throughout Christendom, Christmas lights continue to retain their symbolism of Jesus as the light of the world . </P> <P> In many countries, Christmas lights, as well as other Christmas decorations, are traditionally erected on or around the first day of Advent . In the Western Christian world, the two traditional days when Christmas lights are removed are Twelfth Night and Candlemas, the latter of which ends the Christmas - Epiphany season in some denominations . Leaving the decorations up beyond Candlemas is historically considered to be inauspicious . </P> <P> The Christmas tree was adopted in upper - class homes in 18th - century Germany, where it was occasionally decorated with candles, which at the time was a comparatively expensive light source . Candles for the tree were glued with melted wax to a tree branch or attached by pins . Around 1890, candleholders were first used for Christmas candles . Between 1902 and 1914, small lanterns and glass balls to hold the candles started to be used . Early electric Christmas lights were introduced with electrification, beginning in the 1880s . </P> <P> The illuminated Christmas tree became established in the United Kingdom during Queen Victoria's reign, and through emigration spread to North America and Australia . In her journal for Christmas Eve 1832, the delighted 13 - year - old princess wrote, "After dinner...we then went into the drawing - room near the dining - room . There were two large round tables on which were placed two trees hung with lights and sugar ornaments . All the presents being placed round the trees". Until the availability of inexpensive electrical power in the early twentieth century, miniature candles were commonly (and in some cultures still are) used . </P>

When did the tradition of christmas lights start
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