Tree Lighting 101
Before you start rocking around your Christmas tree winding lights, here are some important facts:
- Plan for at least 100 lights for each 1-1/2 feet of tree height.
- Follow the instructions for your string lights for the number of strands you can safely connect.
- Light-emitting diode (LED) lights use less energy and tend to last longer than incandescent light bulbs.
- Look at our Christmas Lights Buying Guide to see what’s available to light your home for the holidays.
- Got a few bulbs out? Don’t sweat it. It’s easy to buy individual replacement bulbs and replace them as needed instead of buying a whole new strand.
- For more illumination wind strands of lights close to the trunk first, then go back and wind lights around the outer branches.
What’s the Best Way to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree?
There’s no wrong way to put lights on your Christmas tree. It comes down to what works best for you. There are three basic approaches to lighting a tree with string lights: wrapping the lights in circles, weaving lights among the branches and wrapping lights around each branch. Here are more tips to get the look you want for your tree.
The Circle Method
Starting from the top of the tree, wrap your string lights in a circular motion down the tree. Don't use more than three strands of lights connected together at a time. If you want more lights or a denser look to the lighting repeat the circular path with another set of three. This method works really well if you're seeing your tree from all angles or if the tree is sitting in the corner of a room. If it is in a corner just worry about the top and you can be more frugal with lights in the section of tree that no one will see.
The Weave Method
When hanging your lights, divide the tree into thirds vertically. In each section, weave a strand of lights back and forth working your way down the tree. For a denser, more well-lit look, use more than one strand per section. Repeat the same method you used on the front of the tree on the back of the tree.
The Wrap Method
The most time consuming and detailed of all the methods is wrapping. This could be the best method for a tree that has a sparse look with larger, more distinct branches. Starting at the base of the branch by the trunk, wrap lights around the branch moving outwards toward the end. Once you're several inches from the tip of the branch wind the string of lights back and repeat on the next branch. Continue to do this until the tree is covered with lights.