How to Hang Outdoor Christmas Lights - Outdoor Cabinets

Hanging outdoor Christmas lights is a great way to spread holiday cheer and decorate your home for the season. With some planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful and festive outdoor lighting display. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps and provide tips for safely and effectively hanging lights outside to make your home glow for the holidays.

Gather Supplies and Plan Your Display

Before stringing up any lights, you’ll want to gather the right supplies and map out your display.

Supplies Needed

Here are some of the basic supplies you’ll need:

Christmas lights – Choose the type and quantity of lights based on your display plans. LED lights are popular for their brightness, energy-efficiency, and longevity.
Light clips or fasteners – Plastic clip-on fasteners are easy to install along gutters and roof lines. Nails or screws work for securing lights to wood or masonry surfaces.
Extension cords and timers – Heavy duty outdoor extension cords will be needed to connect lights. Timers allow you to set hours for the lights to turn on and off automatically.
Zip ties or string – For securing light strands and extension cords in place.
Scissors – To cut zip ties or trim light strands.
Ladder – An extension ladder provides safe access for hanging lights high up.
Headlamp or flashlights – Illuminate your outdoor workspace after dark.
Stakes or stabilizing supplies – If using outdoor light displays or figures, secure them in the ground with stakes. Weights like sandbags can provide stability.

Plan Your Display

Take measurements and sketch out a lighting plan for your home and yard. Consider the following:

Areas to highlight – Focus on lighting up main architectural and landscaping features. Include trees, bushes, the main entryway, roof lines, etc.
Types of lights – Use mini string lights to outline shapes and wrap bushes. Spotlights or floodlights can illuminate focal points. Pick lights that will produce the desired effect.
Placement – Determine how and where each set of lights will be positioned. Hide wires and extension cords.
Safety – Avoid placing lights near flammable vegetation, using indoors only lights outside, or overloading extension cords.
Access – Ensure you can reach areas with a ladder or extender to hang and secure lights.
Power source – Have an outdoor outlet available, or plan to run extension cords to an indoor outlet safely.

Check Lights Before Hanging

It’s smart to test your lights before spending time hanging them up. Here’s how:

Plug in and switch on lights to check for issues like bad fuses before installing.
Replace any burnt out bulbs to get the full lighting effect. LED light strands often have several bulbs out before the whole strand goes dark.
Check for broken, damaged, or frayed cords, wires and plugs. Discard any defective lights.
Ensure any lights you’re reusing still function properly after being in storage.
For string lights, untangle wires and straighten any twisted or kinked areas.
Arrange any new replacement bulbs evenly spaced along each light strand. Follow manufacturer instructions.

Testing lights ahead of time prevents finding issues only after spending time and effort hanging them. It also lets you return or exchange defective lights.

Use Safe Hanging and Mounting Techniques

Use proper techniques and caution when hanging outdoor Christmas lights high up or in hard-to-reach areas.

Ladder Safety

When using a ladder, keep these ladder safety tips in mind:

Place your ladder on solid, level ground. Stay clear of areas with tree roots, bushes and uneven turf.
Extend your ladder to the proper height, with the base positioned 1 foot away from the house for every 4 feet of height. Lock the ladder’s extenders in place.
Climb slowly with three points of contact on the ladder at all times. Don’t lean or overreach. Move the ladder as needed.
Have someone stabilize the ladder base while in use. Avoid using ladders in windy conditions.
Use fiberglass ladders near power lines or electrical equipment. Aluminum ladders conduct electricity.

Roof and Gutter Mounting

Follow these tips for safely mounting lights along roof lines and gutters:

Use clip-on fasteners designed for gutters to secure light strands. Avoid nails or screws that can damage the roof or provide leaks.
Run a low-voltage light wire along roof and gutter edges. Clip light strands to the wire every 12 inches or as needed.
Stand in the center of ladder rungs when reaching above you to install clips or attachments. Don’t lean sideways.
Attach a plastic or metal hook securely to anchor each light strand along roof lines. Hang strands from the hooks.
Angle C7 or C9 bulb light strands down when running along gutters so bulbs face the house. Avoid aiming bulbs upward.
Check that rain gutter areas are clear of debris before mounting lights nearby. Prevent leaves from piling up on lights.

Trees and Bushes

Use these techniques for lighting trees and landscaping:

When aiming to wrap a tree in lights, start at the top and work down. Secure light strands with extender hooks or insulated staples.
For bushes, gently weave mini light strands throughout the branches in back-and-forth motions from top to bottom. Avoid forcefully bending stems.
Stick with cool white or color light strands to avoid excess heat exposure to plants. Position spotlights a safe distance away.
Support heavier light strands with hooks or ties around main branches to prevent sagging, tearing, or damage. Don’t wrap lights too tightly.
Place stake lights or lanterns around flower beds, gardens, and pathways. Push stakes firmly into soil.

Areas Above Entryways

Follow tips like these when placing lights over doorways and entryways:

Use adhesive or removable fasteners like Command Hooks to mount individual fixtures or light clips above doors and windows. Avoid damaging surfaces.
Hang icicle lights from an existing overhang and secure in place with a clip at the top and bottom of each strand.
Weave wide ribbons of mini lights back and forth above a porch or garage door. Anchor them at top and bottom.
For a walkway, run a low-voltage wire the length of the path overhead. Clip on light strands.
Check manufacturer instructions so lighting elements like wire frames are properly secured for outdoor use. Lightweight fixtures can detach in wind.
Ensure lighting doesn’t obstruct walkways or sight lines for pedestrians and vehicles.

Ground and Low-Level Lights

For lighting up low-level areas:

Place pathway lights, lanterns with LED candles or mini spotlights along steps, paths, and driveways to safely illuminate walking areas.
Position ground or low-voltage stake lights around foundations, flower beds, and other landscaping.
Set up illuminated outdoor figures and displays on a stable, level area. Secure with ground stakes or sandbags on base.
For lighting trees from below, use spotlights on stands a safe distance from the trunk and branches. Angle the light up into foliage.

Always double check that lighting placements are secure and stable so displays remain intact all season long.

Connecting and Powering Lights

Follow proper setup steps when connecting and powering light strands.

Connecting Light Sets

Start by plugging together all your individual light strands before mounting them up. Test again.
Take note of the male and female plugs and sockets as you connect strands to prevent shorts. Match up correctly.
If a plug connection is exposed to moisture, cover with plastic bags secured with electrical tape for waterproofing.
For connecting multiple strands, use designated light strand connectors or outdoor-rated splitters/tees.
Avoid overloading plugs, sockets and extension cords beyond capacity. Follow manufacturer wattage guidelines.

Running Extension Cords

When running extension cords:

Use heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cords for powering outdoor lights. Avoid light duty indoor-only extension cords outside.
Inspect extension cords for damage to plugs, sockets, and wires before putting in use.
Ensure extension cords used outside are marked for outdoor use and have sufficient wattage and amperage ratings for the lights plugged in.
Unroll extension cords fully when in use rather than leaving coiled. Do not wrap or knot cords.
Use outdoor cable clips and ties to firmly secure cords in place and prevent tripping hazards. Don’t nail or staple through cords.
Prevent cords from resting and damage in areas of standing water. Consider outdoor extension cord covers.
Don’t run cords across high traffic areas including sidewalks, driveways and doorways where they may get damaged.

Providing Power

When powering your lights:

Plug light strands directly into exterior-rated outlets on your home or garage whenever possible.
For areas far from an outlet, safely run extension cord(s) to the nearest exterior outlet.
For displays requiring multiple extension cords, use a grounded outdoor power strip connected to an outlet to plug cords into.
Use a temporary hookup to safely run an extension cord outdoors from an indoor outlet if needed. Use window/door closure products or covers to seal any openings the cord passes through.
Test GFCI outlets before use. Plugging in lights can trip older GFCI outlets. Press the “Reset” button as needed.
Use timers, light sensors, or smart plugs to control when holiday lights turn on and off automatically.

With good connections and power supply, your lights will shine bright all season long!

Hang and Secure Lights in Place

Once your lights are tested and powered, it’s time to mount them for maximum holiday impact.

Hanging Lights

When hanging connected light strands:

Refer frequently to your lighting plan so lights are installed in designated areas.
Work methodically in sections, fully installing lights in one section before moving to the next.
Hang light strands straight and evenly. Avoid sagging, bunching and overlaps for best appearance.
Hide or disguise wires running to lights whenever possible. Consider attaching them to the back side of rain gutters or running them through greenery.
On trees, wrap light strands carefully around each main bough stem extending from the trunk.
Hang icicle strands in flowing, even lines. For a fuller look, hang strands right next to one another.
Place clip-on fasteners every 8 to 12 inches along roof lines and gutters. Angle light strands between fasteners.
For spotlights, position the head at the proper angle to highlight the desired object or area.

Securing Lights

To keep light strands securely in place:

At the end of light strands, tie extension cords and plugs into bundles using cable ties to relieve strain on connections.
Use mini light clips to anchor light strands to surfaces like gutters, eaves and windowsills. Place clips no more than 12 inches apart.
For lines along fences or railing, use zip ties to attach light strands to posts and vertical supports every foot or as needed.
On trees and wreaths, gently wrap strands around main branches/stems and tie in place with floral wire or bread ties. Don’t break delicate branches.
Stake spotlights, lanterns or figures into the ground following instructions. Use at least 8-10 inch garden stakes.
Weight down light strands and extension cords as needed with sandbags, rocks or plastic cord covers to prevent wind damage.

Regularly check light mounts throughout the season and re-secure any strands that become loose.

Maintaining and Storing Lights

With proper care and storage, outdoor Christmas lights can be reused for many holiday seasons.

Weatherproofing Lights

To protect displays from the elements:

For light strands on bushes, trees and wreaths, use weatherproofing spray made for Christmas lights. Carefully follow directions.
Cover exposed light bulb sockets with small plastic bags like mini sandwich bags secured with weatherproof tape.
Place detachable watertight covers over any exposed light strand connection plugs.
Check light strings after wet weather and dry off any moisture with a soft towel to prevent corrosion.
When temperatures drop below freezing, check that lights haven’t frozen to surfaces before removing. Gently loosen.

Checking Lights Periodically

Inspect lights regularly for damage after installation, especially after wind storms. Repair or replace any damaged strands.
Check for loose, sagging or fallen lights. Rehang or reinforce mounts as needed.
If using timers, check lights come on and off at desired times each week. Adjust settings as needed.
For lights on landscaping, prune back any new growth touching or obstructing lights.

Taking Down Lights

When taking down light displays:

Fully de-energize all lights at the power source before removing. Unplug extension cords.
Remove any no-nail light clips, cable ties and other detachable fasteners for reuse next year.
Carefully unwind and untie light strands from trees, wreaths and railings. Avoid breakage.
Take down and gently store any illuminated figures in original packaging if possible.
Manage extension cords carefully to avoid tangling. Tie cords with bread ties or twist ties.
Place colored tape or tags on any problem light strands needing replacement to fix later.

Storing Lights

To safely store lights until next season:

Coil up light strands by wrapping them around cardboard, plastic sleeves, or your hand to prevent tangling and knotting. Don’t wrap tightly.
Place coiled light strands in large plastic storage totes or bags. Multiple strands can be stacked.
Store light strings in a cool, dry indoor location away from heat, moisture, and pests. An attic, basement or garage shelving unit works well.
Label storage containers with contents and dates for easy identification later.
Keep spare fuses, bulbs, fasteners and extension cords together in clearly marked bags for next year’s use.

Proper maintenance and storage helps holiday lights last many seasons brightening your home for the holidays!

Safety Tips for Hanging Outdoor Lights

Hanging outdoor Christmas lights brings joy to many households, but also comes with safety considerations. Keep these tips in mind:

Use fiberglass ladders near power lines or electrical boxes. Never touch wires while on a ladder.
Check for overhead power lines before using long poles or extenders for installing lights. Maintain at least 10 feet of clearance.
Avoid hammering nails or screws into electrical wires hidden in walls. Use removable clips instead when possible.
Prevent cuts by handling C7 and C9 bulb lights carefully. Turn off lights and allow to fully cool before replacing bulbs.
When checking for bad bulbs, unplug light strands first rather than handling live wires.
Place spotlights and floodlights on stable bases directed away from flammable surfaces. Don’t set lights in dry grass or leaves.
Check amperage ratings and use appropriate gauge extension cords for the power load. Overheated cords can ignite.
Avoid overloading outlets. Plug multiple strands into power strips with built-in circuit breakers.
Keep ladders, lights and extension cords out of heavily trafficked walkways and driveways.
Prevent tripping hazards by securing cords tightly along walls, under rugs, or using cord covers.
Turn off all indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before leaving home or going to sleep. Use timers appropriately.

By following safety practices, you can prevent hazards, damage and injuries when decorating outdoors for the holidays. Focus on fire prevention and use caution when working with electrical equipment, ladders and heights. Take time also to ensure your displays are sturdily secured so they remain intact all season long for maximum enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Outdoor Christmas Lights

What are the most popular types of outdoor Christmas lights?

LED light strands are currently the most popular choice for hanging outdoor holiday lights. LEDs are energy efficient, extremely long-lasting, and bright. They also remain cool to the touch. Mini string lights are great for wrapping trees and bushes while C7 and C9 bulb strands create that classic vibrant look along roof lines.

How do I know how many lights to buy?

Estimate the length of your house roofline, gutter, fences, trees and bushes to decorate and allow for at least 50 mini light bulbs per foot of coverage. It’s better to have extra than run short in the middle of decorating. Consider buying multiple shorter strands rather than one very long strand which can be more prone to failure.

What is the easiest way to hang outdoor Christmas lights on gutters?

Plastic clip systems made specifically for gutters take the hassle out of mounting lights. Look for durable clips that fit over the front outer lip of the gutter. Use the recommended clip spacing, and run the light strands between clips angled slightly downward. This allows rain and snow to run off the lights.

Should I layer multiple light strands for more fullness?

It’s fine to hang multiple strands of mini string lights together as long as you don’t overload an outlet. For C7 and C9 bulbs, avoid cramming strands too close together since bulbs need breathing room. Excess heat buildup can shorten bulb life. Layer icicle lights for a fuller look.

How do I attach lights securely to vinyl or metal siding?

Avoid nails that will damage siding. Adhesive plastic hooks, low-voltage light wire hung on hangers, removable Command clips, and magnetic fasteners are all good options for safely securing light strands on metal and vinyl siding and trim.

How do I prevent light strands from sagging?

Use enough secure mounts for the strand length and weight. If using eyelet screws or hooks, loop the wire through and make a knot. Zip ties pulled snugly around the wire and mount provide a tight hold. For