• Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
RetailRecalls

Christmas tree light controllers sold at Walmart and other retailers have been recalled because they can start fires

By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
December 17, 2024, 10:33 AM ET
These popular Christmas tree controllers have been recalled.
These popular Christmas tree controllers have been recalled. Courtesy of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
  • A Christmas tree light controller has been recalled after numerous reports of overheating and one fire.

A popular Christmas tree light controller, which was sold at a number of national retailers, is being recalled due to a possible fire hazard.

More than 44,000 controllers from Mr. Christmas were affected by the recall. They were largely sold at Walmart, Target and Cracker Barrel stores between July and November for prices ranging from $25 to $40.

The decorative controllers are wireless receivers that plug into outlets and let people turn their Christmas tree lights on and off via a giant lever or switch. To date, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says it has received 10 reports of overheating, including one that resulted in a fire. No injuries have been reported.

Consumers are urged to stop using the controllers immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Controllers sold at Cracker Barrel and Walmart have the words “Christmas Light Controller” on their faceplates and resemble peppermint candies with green, red, and white stripes, with a candy cane lever used to turn lights on and off.

The Target controllers were sold under the Wondershop brand and are imprinted with the words “Tree Lighting Switch.” They’re shaped like a red square switch box, with green, white, and red balls on the side and a red-and-white North Pole marker as the switch.

Light controllers from the company sold before this year are no impacted by the recall. Just those with model numbers 39611, 39612 or 39630.

Fortune Brainstorm AI returns to San Francisco Dec. 8–9 to convene the smartest people we know—technologists, entrepreneurs, Fortune Global 500 executives, investors, policymakers, and the brilliant minds in between—to explore and interrogate the most pressing questions about AI at another pivotal moment. Register here.
About the Author
By Chris MorrisFormer Contributing Writer

Chris Morris is a former contributing writer at Fortune, covering everything from general business news to the video game and theme park industries.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Retail

Bambas
LawSocial Media
22-year-old Australian TikToker raises $1.7 million for 88-year-old Michigan grocer after chance encounter weeks earlier
By Ed White and The Associated PressDecember 6, 2025
1 day ago
RetailConsumer Spending
U.S. consumers are so financially strained they put more than $1 billion on buy-now, pay later services during Black Friday and Cyber Monday
By Jeena Sharma and Retail BrewDecember 5, 2025
2 days ago
Best vegan meal delivery
Healthmeal delivery
Best Vegan Meal Delivery Services of 2025: Tasted and Reviewed
By Christina SnyderDecember 5, 2025
2 days ago
Retailmeal delivery
Best Prepared Meal Delivery Services of 2025: RD Approved
By Christina SnyderDecember 5, 2025
2 days ago
Steve Milton is the CEO of Chain, a culinary-led pop-culture experience company founded by B.J. Novak and backed by Studio Ramsay Global.
CommentaryFood and drink
Affordability isn’t enough. Fast-casual restaurants need a fandom-first approach
By Steve MiltonDecember 5, 2025
2 days ago
Big TechSpotify
Spotify users lamented Wrapped in 2024. This year, the company brought back an old favorite and made it less about AI
By Dave Lozo and Morning BrewDecember 4, 2025
3 days ago

Most Popular

placeholder alt text
AI
Nvidia CEO says data centers take about 3 years to construct in the U.S., while in China 'they can build a hospital in a weekend'
By Nino PaoliDecember 6, 2025
22 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Real Estate
The 'Great Housing Reset' is coming: Income growth will outpace home-price growth in 2026, Redfin forecasts
By Nino PaoliDecember 6, 2025
1 day ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
The most likely solution to the U.S. debt crisis is severe austerity triggered by a fiscal calamity, former White House economic adviser says
By Jason MaDecember 6, 2025
17 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Big Tech
Mark Zuckerberg rebranded Facebook for the metaverse. Four years and $70 billion in losses later, he’s moving on
By Eva RoytburgDecember 5, 2025
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Asia
Despite their ‘no limits’ friendship, Russia is paying a nearly 90% markup on sanctioned goods from China—compared with 9% from other countries
By Jason MaNovember 29, 2025
8 days ago
placeholder alt text
Success
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang admits he works 7 days a week, including holidays, in a constant 'state of anxiety' out of fear of going bankrupt
By Jessica CoacciDecember 4, 2025
3 days ago
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.