As the holiday season approaches, I’m thrilled to share my journey of setting up automated Christmas lights using Hubitat. My goal was to create a festive display with alternating green and red colors for my front yard. After some research and experimentation, I found a fantastic solution that I’d like to walk through with you!
The Setup:
I have several Sylvania color bulbs installed around my front yard. My objective was to have them alternate between green and red every couple of seconds, creating a lively yet not overwhelming effect. Here’s how I achieved it:
-
Choosing the Right Bulbs:
I opted for Sylvania color bulbs due to their wide color range and compatibility with my existing smart home setup. They provided the perfect base for my automation project. -
Automation Rules:
Using Hubitat’s rule engine, I created a simple yet effective automation. The rule toggles the color between green and red at regular intervals. Here’s a snippet of the rule I used:
groovy
rule “Christmas Lights Automation” {
when {
time cron “0/2 * * * *”
}
then {
if (currentColor == “green”) {
setRedColor()
} else {
setGreenColor()
}
}
}
This rule updates the color every 2 seconds, creating a smooth transition between green and red.
- Custom Scenes:
To enhance the effect, I created two custom scenes: one for green and one for red. This allows me to easily switch between colors or set specific timings if I want a more static display.
Tips for a Seamless Setup:
- Test Individually: Before setting up the automation, test each bulb to ensure they respond correctly to color changes.
- Adjust Timing: Experiment with different intervals to find the perfect balance between noticeable and annoying.
- Use Groupings: If you have multiple bulbs, group them in your smart home app to simplify automation.
The Result:
My front yard now has a captivating festive glow that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone passing by. The automated color changes add a dynamic element that truly captures the spirit of Christmas.
I’d love to hear how others have set up their holiday lighting! Whether you’re using a different platform or have a unique twist on your display, share your experiences below. Happy automating and Merry Christmas! 
