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They're a big part of just about everyone's holiday displays, but do you know how much it costs to run your Christmas lights here in Minnesota?

Utility costs have been in the news here Rochester and across Minnesota this year, with the cost of natural gas way more expensive than it was last year. There's also that new extra fee natural gas customers in the Land of 10,000 Lakes are paying thanks to the Texas debacle during the Polar Vortex last February.

However, there's another cost that could add to your electric bill this season-- the cost of keeping all those holiday lights and decorations on and lit. And, according to a new survey from Joybird, an online home furnishings and accessories retailer, that cost is slightly above average here in the North Star State.

The Joybird survey looked at the cost to run a typical amount of both LED and old school incandescent lights for the 34 days between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day in each state, based on the state’s residential electricity rate.

And here in Minnesota, if you're still using those old school incandescent lights, the cost to keep them lit this year is about $21.13. That's not too expensive, however, check out how much cheaper it is if you replace those incandescent lights with newer, LED lights: the cost drops to just $3.13!

That's a decrease of over 85%-- a fairly significant difference, isn't it? Of course, there IS the cost of replacing all your lights with new LED versions, though, if you're a Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) customer, there are rebates available to help offset that cost.

And speaking of holiday lights, do you know where to see the best and brightest, most festive displays here in southeast Minnesota? Keep scrolling to find out!

Graphic courtesy of Joybird
Courtesy of Joybird
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