A device and method for illuminating an electrically powered decorative lighting system with a plurality of individual light elements that can be positioned in or on surrounding plants, windows, or other display areas to simulate fireflies. The plurality of light emitting elements, such as LEDs or fiber optic cables, are arrangable with mounting devices or can be suspended or attached to any surrounding structure to provide an ornamental lighting effects. Electrical power is provided with rechargeable batteries charged with a solar panel. One preferred embodiment uses insulation-displacement connectors and an insulation-displacement connector ribbon cable to attach the light emitters to a microprocessor control which creates unique and varied timing patterns for the various light emitters to simulate fireflies.