Hanging Christmas lights outdoor can transform your home into a magical winter wonderland. With the right tips and techniques, you can decoratively illuminate your home’s exterior and yard for the holidays. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to hang Christmas lights outdoor effectively and safely.

Choosing the Right Christmas Lights

The first step to decorating the outside of your home is selecting the right Christmas lights. Here are the most popular options to consider:

Incandescent vs. LED

Incandescent lights – The traditional choice, these lights produce a warm, cozy glow but use more energy and don’t last as long. They’re also prone to blowing out, leaving gaps in your display.
LED lights – Energy-efficient and long-lasting, LEDs allow for versatility in shapes, brightness levels, and colors. They’re the best option for large, elaborate displays.

Bulb Size and Shape

Mini lights – Small bulbs on short wires create a cohesive, seamless look. Great for wrapping trees, railing, and precise outlines.
C7 lights – Medium round bulbs spaced further apart provide a retro look. Better for creating bold accents.
C9 lights – The largest bulbs with the most space between them make a dramatic statement. Perfect for roof lines and borders.

Color Options

Solid colors – Single color strands like all-white or multicolor remain classic choices.
RGB – Strings with red, green, and blue diodes can display custom colors and effects.
White color temperatures – Choose warm white, pure white, or cool white strands.

Specialty Styles

Icicle lights – Long drooping strands mimic glistening icicles on roof edges and windows.
Net lights – Tiny bulbs woven into a flexible mesh can drape over bushes, trees, and railings seamlessly.
Projector lights – These use lenses to cast patterns like snowflakes or phrases onto surfaces.
Inflatables – These self-inflating, light-up lawn decorations make festive accents.

Calculating How Many Lights You Need

To figure out how many lights to buy, measure the total length of all the areas you want to decorate, then add 20% more for spacing and connections. As a general guide:

Trees and bushes: 100 lights per foot of height
House outlines: 300 lights per 10 linear feet
Roof lines: 600 lights per 10 linear feet
Fences: 200-300 lights per 10 linear feet
Projections: Calculate the surface area and multiply by 2

Buy extra since having too many is better than running out! Extras allow you to fill in and fix dark spots.

Choosing Where to Place Lights

Carefully planning where to hang lights will create a cohesive, attractive display:

House Exterior

Windows and doors – Frame windows and outline the door for a welcoming look. Use icicle lights for a frosty effect around windows.
Roof lines – Follow the roofline with a continuous strand of bright lights. Focus on accentuating peaks, dormers, and other architectural details.
Gutters and trim – Lining gutters and fascia boards neatly defines the home’s shape.
Columns and railings – Wrap pillars, posts, and railings to add depth.

Landscaping

Trees – Circle trunks and drape nets through branches to mimic glistening snow. Start at the top and work down.
Bushes and hedges – Place lights toward the interior at regular intervals to highlight foliage.
Fences – Run neat rows of lights along the top or weave them through pickets.
Lawn decorations – Enhance standalone elements like reindeer, candy canes, and arches.

Advanced Accents

Roof projections – Make a big impact by outlining dormers, chimneys, and cupolas with bold C9 bulbs.
Rain gutters – Running a strip along the bottom edge of the roofline adds subtle ambiance.
Pathways and driveways – Guide visitors safely and stylishly by lining walkways and illuminated arches over driveways.

Choosing the Best Mounting Method

Your installation technique will depend on the material you’re decorating:

Houses and Trim

Plastic clips – These clip onto gutters, shingles, and trim without damaging them. Space 3-4 feet apart.
Adhesive hooks – Stick directly onto surfaces like fascia boards, window frames, and railings for easy removal.
Nails or screws – Permanently affix lights to wood trim, roof lines, and banisters using hardware. Pre-drill holes to avoid splitting wood.

Trees and Bushes

Insulated staples – Staple light strands to tree trunks and branches. Avoid damaging the bark.
Zip ties – Affix nets and spots of light to branches using weatherproof ties.
Clips – Alligator clips or specially designed clips clamp onto tree branches without penetrating them.

Fences and Railings

Plastic hooks – Hook strands over the tops of fences and railings to keep lights in place.
Zip ties – For vinyl and metal fences, use zip ties to attach. Place ties close together to prevent sagging.
Weaving – Directly weave flexible net lights through pickets and posts for a seamless look.

Safety Tips

Exercise caution when decorating outdoors to avoid hazards:

Use a fiberglass ladder on steady, level ground and have someone stabilize it. Never stand on the top rung.
Check for overhead power lines and maintain at least 10 feet of clearance. Never drape lights near lines.
Only decorate with lights rated for outdoor use and plug them into exterior-rated grounded outlets with surge protectors.
Prevent tripping hazards by securing extension cords tightly and routing them out of walkways.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for connecting strands end-to-end. Do not overload outlets.
Fasten lights securely so they won’t detach and fall. Check clips and ties periodically.
Turn off all lights when going to bed or leaving the home. Use a timer to automatically shut off.

Weatherproofing and Storing Lights

To make lights last season after season:

Choose outdoor-rated LED lights, which resist moisture and last for years.
When buying incandescents, look for lights advertised as weatherproof or water resistant.
Seal any exposed wire connections with electrical tape and connections caps.
Consider sprayinglastic clips with clear silicone sealant to prevent corrosion.
When storing, carefully pack light strands to prevent tangling bulbs and sockets.
Store lights flat in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture damage and wires from deforming.

Common Problems and Solutions

Refer to these troubleshooting tips if your lights malfunction:

String Doesn’t Light Up

Check for loose plugs, faulty timers, tripped breakers, or blown fuses.
For incandescent strings, look for broken, loose, or missing bulbs causing the circuit to fail.
Test light strings by plugging them in indoors to narrow down issues.

Blown Bulbs

Replace bulbs promptly to low stress on other sockets. Match wattages.
For incandescent strings, consider switching to LED lights, which are more durable.
If many bulbs blow quickly, the voltage could be too high. Try a different outlet.

Flickering Lights

Make sure all bulbs are correctly seated in the sockets.
Look for loose plug connections or faulty timers interfering with power.
Flickering could indicate voltage issues. Try another nearby outlet.

No Lights on Part of String

Check for broken wires or loose connections at any connectors along the strand.
Sections may have detached from the main string. Reconnect or replace that section.
For incandescent strings, try replacing bulbs in the dark section first before replacing the entire strand.

Lights Won’t Stay On Surface

For clips, swap out for a tighter grip variety or move them closer together.
Fasten lights more securely by tying extra knots or using heavier duty ties.
If weights are available, attach them to light strands to prevent wind whipping.

With the right preparation and techniques, you can transform your home into a spectacular, festive scene that will delight neighbors and passersby. Follow these tips to learn how to hang Christmas lights outdoor efficiently and creatively. With a dash of holiday spirit and elbow grease, you’ll create a cheerful, luminous display to enjoy for seasons to come.

Outdoor Christmas Lighting Ideas

In addition to lighting up your home’s exterior with traditional string lights, get creative and try these fun outdoor Christmas lighting ideas:

Novelty Christmas Shapes

Construct glowing Christmas shapes to place around your yard using PVC pipe and lights:

Christmas trees
Snowflakes
Stars
Candy canes
Present boxes

Paint the structures with outdoor paint beforehand for color and seal against moisture. Affix strands of C9 or net lights to the framework to illuminate. Anchor lights in place with zip ties.

Fun Accent Pieces

Decorate outdoor spaces with unique lighted decorations:

Light-up wire frame deer, reindeer, angels, snowmen
Inflatable snow globes, Santa in sleigh, nativity scenes
Project patterns like falling snowflakes onto the house, walkway, or lawn
Line driveway with luminaries or lit-up candy cane arches

Position these whimsical pieces in flower beds, along the sidewalk, or on the porch. Make sure decorations are rated for outdoor use.

Holiday Greenery

Incorporate greenery and use lights to enhance the natural elements:

Wrap columns and banisters with lit garlands and ribbons
Edge walkways and line driveways with lit candy cane posts
Decorate trees by stringing them with large bulbs
Frame entryways with lit wreaths and adorn porch railings with evergreen branches

The warm glow against rich greens and reds will complement your classic Christmas lights beautifully.

Twinkling Icicle Effects

Create magical icy effects with clear lighting:

Hang long icicle lights from roof and porch eaves
Outline windows and doors with icicle lights
Place plastic icicles around light posts and columns
Affix small clear “snowflake” lights randomly to bushes

The soft white glow mimics the sparkle of real icicles.

Fun Houselights

Make lighting part of the home’s architecture:

Affix lamp post covers over exterior fixtures creating the look of streetlights
Shine multicolor flood lights up from the yard onto the house exterior
Project patterns like snowflakes onto the garage door
Line the roofline and chimney using wide-angle C9 “tree topper” bulbs

Use lighting to accentuate architectural features for a whimsical look.

With a little creativity, you can transform your home into a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland using fun and innovative outdoor Christmas lighting ideas. Let your imagination shine bright this holiday season!

Preparing for Outdoor Christmas Lights

Preparing your home thoroughly before hanging outdoor Christmas lights will make the process go smoothly and ensure your lights last for seasons to come:

Planning Your Display

Decide on your design plan and exactly where you want lights positioned. Sketch out a simple layout so you know how many lights are needed and how to set them up effectively. Measure windows, railings, and trees to calculate your total length.

Figure out which mounting method makes the most sense for each area. Order any additional clips, ties, or hardware needed ahead of time.

Inspecting Your Home

Examine your home carefully for any repairs needed to facilitate decorating:

Check gutters and roof for any leaks or holes; patch to prevent moisture damage
Ensure railings, fascia boards, and other structures are secure for attaching lights
Replace any warped or missing roof shingles lights will be mounted on
Remove dead trees branches that could break from stringing lights
Prune back any vegetation that’s overgrown and obstructing the home

Testing Lights Thoroughly

Before hanging, thoroughly test new lights and old strands:

Plug lights in indoors to check every bulb works properly
For incandescent strings, replace any bulbs that are broken or dead
Check old strands for cracked sockets, frayed cords, loose connections
Ensure any stringers you connect function correctly when linked
Arrange light strings in order for each area of your display before bringing outside

Stocking Up on Supplies

Having ample supplies on hand will make decorating much simpler:

New LED or weatherproof incandescent light strings
Extra clips, mounting hooks, zip ties, staples for securing lights
Hardware like screws or nails if permanently affixing lights
Heavy duty extension cords and power strips for connections
Duct tape, electrical tape, sealing caps to weatherproof connections
Sandpaper, sealant, anti-corrosion spray for prep
High quality timers and surge protectors for control

With the right planning and preparation, you can adorn your home with a professionally done, long-lasting Christmas light display that will provide many seasons of enjoyment without hassles or hazards.

Hanging Outdoor Christmas Lights Safely

When decorating outdoors for the holidays, safety should always come first. Follow these top tips to prevent accidents and injuries:

Use a Ladder Safely

Place ladders on level, sturdy ground to prevent slipping or tipping over
Maintain three points of contact when climbing up and down
Have a partner stabilizes the ladder while you work
Avoid overreaching – keep your center of gravity between the side rails
Only stand on the top rung if it’s approved – never lean off the top

Avoid Power Line Hazards

Look up and survey surroundings for overhead power lines before decorating
Stay at least 10 feet away from any electrical lines
Never drape light strands from roof ridges across power lines
Consider hiring an electrician to move any problematic electrical connections

Use Outdoor-Safe Products

Only use decorations and lights rated for outdoor and weatherproof for exterior use
Check product markings to confirm they are outdoor safe
Look for UL, ETL or CSA ratings on electrical products

Practice Electrical Safety

Never overload electrical sockets – follow fuse and strand limits
Make sure electrical cords are grounded with tight, undamaged connections
Use extension cords rated for outdoor use and secure tightly to prevent tripping
Test GFIC outlets periodically by pressing the “test” and “reset” buttons

Work in Good Conditions

Set up ladders and decorate in daylight or with bright work lights for visibility
Wait for dry weather to reduce risk of slipping on ladders and roofs
Avoid decorating on windy days when ladders can shift or blow over
Watch for ice and snow accumulation; sweep off surfaces before climbing up

Secure Lights Properly

Fasten lights securely so they won’t detach and fall
Check light clips and ties periodically for deterioration and looseness
Use backups like zip ties or wire to reinforce critical connections
For roof decorations, attach a safety line to you in case you slip

By placing safety first when decorating outdoors, you can prevent electrical hazards, falls, and other accidents to keep the holidays festive. Take your time, assess risks thoroughly, and work carefully.

Hanging Lights on a House

Decorating your home’s exterior with beautiful Christmas lights is satisfying but requires care and proper techniques. Follow these tips for safely illuminating a house:

Outlining the Roof

Measure the roof’s length and outline main gables and edges with bright C9 or C7 bulbs
Affix shingle tabs every 6 inches using exterior-grade nails or screws
Run wiring along rain gutters, securing with plastic clips

Framing Windows and Doors

Measure window and door openings to calculate the right light length
Outline frames neatly using mini or pencil-point lights
Affix strand to casings at top and sides using adhesive clips or hooks

Wrapping Railings and Columns

Measure railings and columns, adding extra for shaping lights around posts
Wrap lights downward in coils, securing with ties or specialty clips
For flat railings, lay lights evenly across the top and tape down cords

Lining Walkways and Driveways

Measure the length from outlet to illumination destination
Lay extension cord down the center, securing with lawn staples to prevent tripping
Stick miniature lights to the ground along both sides using ground stakes

Accenting Architectural Details

Highlight sculptural elements like dormers, cornices, and arches with C9 lights
Trim trees and bushes with net or mini lights to accentuate landscaping
Project patterns like snowflakes or phrases onto surfaces for fun effects

Illuminating Trees

Start at the top and wrap lights downward, circling back up from the base
Secure strands to branches using specialty clips or flexible wire ties
For larger trees, weave net lights in and out of branches for even coverage

Planning carefully, measuring everything, and affixing lights securely will allow you to highlight your home’s unique architecture and landscaping beautifully and safely.

Hanging Lights on a Fence

Transform a fence into a glittering backdrop with elegant holiday lights. Follow these tips:

Measuring and Planning

Measure the total length of fence you want to

How to Hang Christmas Lights Outdoor: The Complete Guide