Christmas Bubble Lights - and how to repair them 🎄
Description updated December 12, 2025.
This video is about the large classic bubble lights. There are also miniature bubble lights that are rather unimpressive and in my experience only last a season due to poor quality electrical connections and series-type wiring.
Although I illustrated replacing the lamp with a nightlight bulb, most such bulbs, including the one shown, have a somewhat pointed tip that prevents the bubble tube from being pushed in fully, though it can often be glued in place. Also some nightlight bulbs draw more than 5 watts and could overheat the bubble tube, possibly even leading to it breaking - do not use a bulb rated over 5 watts. Finally, most replacement bulbs have a base that is a tiny bit shorter than the original bulb, so they do not make contact at the socket bottom. Some people have suggested trying a sewing machine bulb but other people have said that did not work.
The dyed methylene chloride (also called dichloromethane) used in bubble lights is moderately toxic and slightly carcinogenic, though it is widely used as a paint remover and metal degreaser. The dye in it can stain floors or rugs if a light if broken.
There have been requests for links to other videos, especially on repair or bulb replacement. Here are some that are currently available:
Repairing/relamping:
• Christmas Bubble Lights - other uses 🎄
• How To: Relamp C7 Bubble Lights
Big Clive's DIY bubble tubes:
• How Methylene Chloride bubble tubes work.
• DIY methylene chloride bubble lamp tube.
Technology Connections video:
• Bubble Lights: The Weirdest Christmas Light?
#christmas #holiday #lamps #electricity #electricalengineering #technology #lighting #shorts