More than 44,600 Christmas light controllers sold at popular retailers—including Target, Walmart, and Cracker Barrel—are being recalled due to potential fire hazards, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Mr. Christmas LLC. The affected products, which were on sale between July and November 2024, have been flagged after reports of overheating, including one instance that led to a fire. The Memphis, Tennessee-based company is urging customers to stop using the devices immediately and is offering full refunds for returned products.
Recalled Christmas lights and retail distribution
The recalled Christmas light controllers, manufactured in China, were sold under different labels depending on the retailer:
- At Target, the faulty units were sold under the Wondershop™ brand as “Tree Lighting Switch.”
- At Walmart and Cracker Barrel, they were marketed as “Christmas Light Controller” under the Mr. Christmas label.
The affected items were available at Target Inc. in Minneapolis, Walmart Inc. in Bentonville, Arkansas, and CBOCS Distribution Inc. in Tennessee, which supplies Cracker Barrel stores. The products retailed between $25 and $40 both in-store and online.
Reports of overheating and voluntary action
At least 10 reports of overheating have been submitted to Mr. Christmas, including one incident that escalated into a fire. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. The company has emphasized its commitment to consumer safety and acted swiftly upon learning of the risk.
“As a 91-year-old family business, nothing is more important to Mr. Christmas than the safety of the families who celebrate with our products,” said Leslie Hermanson, President of Mr. Christmas, in a statement to ABC News. “As such, out of an abundance of caution, we voluntarily engaged with the CPSC to recall these 2024 Light Controllers immediately upon receiving reports of a small number of incidents with them.”
Customer refund process and safety guidelines
Consumers who purchased the recalled controllers are advised to discontinue use immediately. Full refunds will be provided for products returned to the original place of purchase. Mr. Christmas has also clarified that light controllers sold prior to 2024 are not impacted by this recall.
“We want all consumers who have purchased one of these products this season to stop using them and visit our or the CPSC website for information on how to return your Light Controller for a refund,” Hermanson added.
Customers seeking additional information can visit the CPSC website or contact Mr. Christmas directly for return and refund details. With the holiday season in full swing, officials are urging consumers to prioritize safety and promptly address any potential hazards posed by these recalled items.
