Christmas lights typically operate on 120 volts of alternating current (AC). They can be connected in series or parallel circuits and usually have a wattage rating of 25 to 100 watts, depending on the size and type of bulbs. They also use a certain amount of electricity per hour, which can vary depending on the number of bulbs and the length of the circuit. However, some newer LED Christmas lights use a fraction of the wattage and energy of traditional incandescent bulbs, making them more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly.