How to String Lights on a Christmas Tree
What’s the best way to put lights on a Christmas tree? 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. The video above, which shows methods for stringing lights on a Christmas tree, also tells you how many lights you need for Christmas trees by tree height. Here are some tips for lighting your tree.
- Follow the instructions on the string lights packaging for the number of strands you can connect together.
- Light-emitting diode (LED) lights use less energy and tend to last longer than incandescent light bulbs.
- If you’re circling the tree with string lights, start at the top and add additional strands until you get your desired look.
- If you’re weaving string lights among the branches, divide the tree into triangles and weave the string lights back and forth within each triangle until you’ve filled the tree.
- Wrapping the tree is more complicated but covers the tree with lights. Starting at the base of the bottom branches, wrap a branch. Then use loose wraps to take the strand back toward the trunk and to the next branch.
- Plan for at least 100 lights for each 1-1/2 feet of tree height.
- Look at our Christmas Lights Buying Guide to see what’s available to light your home for the holidays.
Tips for Hanging Christmas Decorations
Hanging different types of Christmas decorations from different surfaces calls for a mix of hangers, and you don’t need to add nail holes to walls, mantels and doors. This video gives you tips for hanging holiday décor with damage-free hooks, hangers and more.
- Removable hooks and hangers are great options for hanging decorations on walls or for hanging stockings from the mantel. You can also use removable hangers to keep cords from string lights and lighted decorations out of the way.
- Decorative hangers make it easy to adorn your doors with Christmas wreaths. You can also find stylish stocking holders.
- Cable zip ties help you line stair railings with garland. Just cut them loose when the season is over.
Easy-to-use clips aren’t just for decorations. You can also find clips for hanging string lights on mirrors and banisters inside and shingles, gutters, windows and doors outside.
Tips for Choosing Artificial Christmas Trees
Choosing between a fresh or artificial tree may be tough, given the options available on artificial Christmas trees. This video shows you what you need to know to find the right artificial Christmas tree for your home. Here are some key things to think about.
- Trees with shredded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) needles are often more inexpensive options, while trees with molded polyethylene (PE) needles tend to be the most realistic artificial Christmas trees.
- Artificial pre-lit Christmas trees can save a lot of setup time and can give you a lot of options for lighting. Adding your own lights to an unlit tree lets you customize your look each year, and the activity can even become part of your holiday traditions. Check out How to Decorate a Christmas Tree to get started decorating with lights and Christmas ornaments.
- Consider not just the height of tree (including a topper) but also the width. Make sure the tree will fit the space you have planned for it.
Our Choosing a Christmas Tree guide gives you even more information on artificial trees, and if you prefer fresh-cut Christmas trees, you’ll find tips for selecting and caring for them as well.
How to Hang Christmas Lights Outside
Once you’ve got your indoor holiday decorations in place, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas lights for the house. Exterior Christmas lights can make your house stand out and help you share festive cheer with the whole neighborhood.
Plan Your Design
The best way to hang Christmas lights outdoors is to start with a plan:
Pick a Focal Point: For example, if you have columns that frame your entryway, that may be where you want to start. Without a focal point, Christmas lights for a house or landscape look chaotic, and chances are good the final look won’t be what you’d hoped for.
Consider the Surface: For example, if you want lights on the roofline or eaves, check factors such as gutter thickness and shingle flexibility. Other popular spots for outdoor Christmas lights include:
- On bushes, hedges and trees
- Around pillars, posts or deck railings
- Around windows, door frames and other architectural features
- Along driveways and pathways
- Inside window boxes and planters
Make sure you have a way to hang lights on each of the surfaces you plan to decorate.
Measure Light Locations: Measure any straight line you want to decorate with lights. This will help you decide how many strands you need. Also measure the distance to your power source. Keep in mind there are limits to the number of string lights you can safely connect together. See the manufacturer’s information for details.
Calculate Lights for the Landscape: The number of lights you’ll need to decorate trees and shrubs is a matter of personal preference, but as with your Christmas tree, a good rule of thumb is 100 lights for every 1-1/2 feet of tree or shrub you want to cover. So, a 6-foot evergreen needs at least 400 lights for a basic level of lighting. For a more striking effect, stagger two sets of lights side by side or look for lights that are spaced closer together. Denser lights equal a brighter display.
For more tips, see our Christmas Lights Buying Guide and Outdoor Holiday Lighting Ideas.
Prepare Your Lights
Use the Right Cords and Lights: Use outdoor extension cords and lights designed for outdoor use. Look for Underwriters Laboratory-listed (UL-listed) products. Check the package for details and for information on the lighted length. Remember to note how many strands you can connect together.
Check Your Cords: Don’t use frayed or damaged cords. One faulty cord isn’t just a safety hazard, it also could ruin your entire design.
Pay Attention to Light Color: Make sure your light colors match. Some white LED lights have a bluish tint, while others have a warmer, amber tint. Incandescent bulbs are slightly amber but may look different than the warm, amber LEDs. Hang them side by side, and they’ll look mismatched. Both colored and white lights can vary based on manufacturer and the age of the lights. Make it easy on yourself and buy new lights that you can be sure are the same color.
Use Light Clips: Just like indoors, light clips simplify hanging Christmas lights outdoors. You can find something for just about every surface, including gutters and shingles. Simply read the packaging to find the clips that fit your application.
Consider Different Light Types: There are many different light types and colors, so have fun decorating with them. Just make sure you group the same light type together. For example, try using white lights on your bushes but colored lights on your trees and entryway. Top the display off with white icicle lights along your roofline.
LED lights are some of the best Christmas lights for outdoors. They’ll save you money on energy costs, they’ll last longer than incandescent lights and you don’t have to worry about them overheating.
Icicle lights look great on the eaves of your roof — just make sure to cluster them together. If stretched too far apart, the look is completely lost. For your bushes, try net lights, which create a blanket of lights. Simply lay them over your bushes.
Automate your outdoor Christmas light display by adding a timer.
When decorating with Christmas lights, follow all manufacturer instructions for use and safety.
How to Hang Lights Outside
Before you hang outdoor Christmas lights, decide what you’re going to work on first and gather everything together. Enlist a helper for your decorating project. Wearing work gloves is a good idea as well. As you decorate, step back and check your work to make sure everything is shaping up the way you want it.
If you’ll be using a ladder, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and see our ladder guide for safety tips.
Instructions
Want More Ideas?
Need quick and easy ideas to keep your holiday supplies in order? From wreaths to wrapping paper, we’ve got you covered. Watch our Christmas Storage Hacks.