An illuminated light socket is provided for powering a light bulb in a typical light string system. The illuminated socket contains its own lighting element, separate and distinct from the light bulb. The lighting element remains off when the light bulb is inserted into the socket and is illuminating properly. The lighting element illuminates when either the bulb is removed from the socket or the bulb is not illuminating correctly. The illuminated light element provides a visually perceptible warning, on the socket itself, that the associated light bulb is either absent or defective. Alternatively, a collar performing the same function is provided such that the collar may be mounted to existing light sockets. The illuminated sockets and housings may accommodate light bulbs of any technology, e.g. incandescent, LED (single or multiple color), or electroluminescent. The socket lighting element itself is preferably a low power LED or electroluminescent light.