I just put up my outside lights, with consist of the following.
* Two sets of 25 LED transparent C9 multi-color. These are basically ordinary LED series mini-lights with translucent C9-shaped covers.
* Two sets of of 25 incandescent ceramic C9 (multi-color grouped by color - i.e., 5 red, followed 5 orange, 5 white, 5 green, and 5 blue).
* One set of 25 incandescent ceramic C7 similar to above.
Given the power usage of the incandescent sets, I'd be open to going all LED, but I want something better than the dim flickery half-wave series sets. I tried out a few
Minleon LED retrofit bulbs which are 120V lamps with intermediate or candelabra base. I found them to be quite good, though I've yet to commit to making the switch. The colors were more saturated, and I'd prefer to mimic the less intense originals. Nevertheless they were acceptable otherwise, and it looks like there's a new SMD variation available now, which may be improved further.
It'd be interesting to see if LED filament Christmas lights take off. I'd like to see some utilizing warm white LED filaments along with a real ceramic finish that won't chip.