How to Hang Christmas Lights Outside
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There’s nothing like a chill in the air to get you excited for Christmastime. And with the winter weather wonderland comes one of our favorite annual traditions: hanging Christmas lights! From twinkling string lights on your bushes to icicle lights hanging from the roofline, outdoor lighting plays a huge part in getting into the holiday spirit. However, figuring out what to buy and how to hang Christmas lights on a house is enough to make anyone say “bah humbug.” That’s why we’re here with a step-by-step guide on how to hang Christmas lights. Soon enough, you’ll make the outside of your home feel merry and bright.
Below, you’ll find instructions for how to hang outdoor string lights on your roofline, bushes, trees, and porches, as well as the different types of lighting to choose from and some tips to make the whole process easier. But first, we’re touching on the most popular styles of Christmas lights, along with links to our favorite highly rated, customer-recommended options. By the end of the article, yule be hanging your lights with Christmas cheer. It’s our gift to you!
What are the different types of outdoor string lights?
Outdoor string lights come in a variety of shapes, sizes, styles, colors—you name it. However, not all Christmas lights are made equal. Here’s a rundown of the most popular varieties to know about when you’re shopping, along with links to recommendations from some of our favorite retailers, like Amazon, Home Depot, and Wayfair:
Prep for Hanging Your Lights
Now that you have your lights, it’s time to prepare for the hanging process.
Step 1: Compare the length of your string lights with the area you’d like to hang them. You don’t want to get blindsided by running out of lights midway through putting them up.
Step 2: Determine which areas of your home you want to highlight the most. Then, plan the rest of the placements accordingly. For example, if you want the lights to look most prominent on your bushes, focus on that area first and then move on to the rest of the facade.
Step 3: Assemble and lay out your tools. Depending on your home and your lighting layout, you might need an extension cord, plastic clips, zip ties, a ladder, a measuring tape, and/or gloves.
Step 4: Test your lights before you hang them. Before you hang anything, make sure that your lights are all working properly. You don’t want to attach a beautiful set of string lights to your roof only to discover that one strand is a dud!
Step 5: Organize your strands. Separate your lights into groups depending on where you want to put them: roof, porch, garage, etc. Unknot and unkink the strands, and lay them end to end. That way, when it’s time to do the hanging, all you have to do is pick them up and place them where they need to go.
How to Hang Christmas Lights
Unlike the preparation process, the steps for hanging your lights depend on where you’re putting them.
On Your Roofline and Gutters
Putting lights on the rooftop and gutters creates a classic holiday feel.
Step 1: Decide exactly where you want to place your lights, whether that’s the entire roof, the perimeter only, or just in select spots. Depending on the makeup of your home, that could mean attaching them to the shingles, gutters, or eaves. Measure the space you want to cover.
Step 2: Back on the ground, grab the length of string lights you’ll need (add a few feet to your total, just in case.) Then, measure the space between each light on the strand—you’ll need this information for Step 3.
Step 3: Now that you have a game plan of where you’ll be working, the next step is attaching Christmas light clips to your home. These clips have adhesive backings, so you don’t need any additional tools. Just make sure you follow the directions on your clips to make sure they stay secure. Evenly space out the clips, using one clip per bulb. If you’re using mini lights, space the clips one foot apart.
Step 4: Grab your string lights and snap them into each clip. For a clean look, make sure they’re all facing the same direction. Then carefully climb down the ladder, power on your lights, and admire your festive facade!
On Your Bushes
Step 1: String your lights along your bushes as densely or far apart as you like. Or instead, use net lights, which are perfect for illuminating greenery (and easier to install).
Step 2: Secure the lights in place with zip ties, preferably in places where they’re not visible to onlookers. You don’t want a misplaced tie to ruin your thoughtful Christmas motif.
On Your Trees and Columns
Step 1: Wrap the lights around the tree or column in a spiral design.
Step 2: Secure the lights in place with zip ties if possible, though not necessary. On trees, continue to string the lights through the branches to keep them secure.
On Your Porches and Railings
Step 1: Spiral wrap the lights around your railings, making sure to wrap them evenly apart.
Step 2: Secure the lights in place with zip ties.
What are some tips or products that can make hanging Christmas lights on a house easier?
Last but certainly not least, make safety a priority.
- If you’re using a ladder, never do so alone. Ask a friend or family member to spot you to make sure you stay safe and secure and avoid falling. Always make sure the ladder is on even ground, and never set it up on snowy or slippery surfaces.
- Don’t place wires and extension cords near places prone to puddles. Even if your tools and equipment are waterproof, live electricity and pooled water can be a lethal combination.
- Don’t overload your outlets. Doing so can blow a fuse, or worse, it can also start a fire. For safety, try not to string multiple extension cords together; opt for one that’s long enough to meet your needs. If you can, power your lights on multiple outlets that are connected to separate breakers instead of piling them all into one.
- Consider using LED lights. They use less electricity than traditional bulbs, so they’re less likely to cause an electrical issue.
- Make sure you use high-quality tools and supplies, both for safety and for best results aesthetically.
Depending on the size and scope of your project, make a list and check it twice for these helpful tools:
Beautiful Outdoor Christmas Lights
Amy Gordon
Amy Gordon is a freelance writer and editor who splits her time between New York, NY and Vieques, PR. When she’s not at her desk, you’ll probably find her on a plane with her nose in a book, in the Caribbean snorkeling through coral reefs, or on the couch watching true crime TV. Learn more and read her work at www.amygordonmedia.com.
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