Abstract: A lighting system comprises a crown including a plurality of connectors for engaging a plurality of light strands. The lighting system further comprises a plurality of light strands extending between first and second ends. The first ends of the light strands are removably engageable with the connectors of the crown. Each of the light strands includes at least one lighting element. Finally, the lighting system also comprises a controller in electrical communication with the crown for selectively controlling the lighting elements of the light strands. The present invention additionally provides a decorative article including the lighting system.