A bezier path based light strand.

Uses modifiers for array length and curve. Also particles. You'll have to manually adjust the particle count for both the bulbs and sockets after setting up the path, since there doesn't seem to be away to control that property with drivers. Erroring on less is better in this case, or you may get weird overlapping.

Also a few tricks with the materials on the bulbs themselves to help with the lighting and variation, and having the glass colors show up well.

Anyhow, just check it out and have fun!