In an AC drive circuit for LEDs, a current limiting capacitor connects to an AC source, a first circuit portion, including a first rectifying diode and a first power capacitor, connects between the current limiting capacitor and the source and a second circuit portion, including a second rectifying diode in series with a second power capacitor, is in parallel with the first circuit portion. A first LED is in the first circuit portion in parallel with the first power capacitor, while a second LED in the second circuit portion is in parallel with the second power capacitor. During positive half cycles, the first rectifying diode charges the first power capacitor and drives the first LED. During negative half cycles, the second rectifying diode charges the second power capacitor and drives the second LED.