How to Hang Outdoor Christmas Lights

Planning Your Display

Before you begin hanging outdoor Christmas lights, a strategic plan will save you time and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your display.

Choosing Your Lights

Select lights that are rated for outdoor use to ensure durability against the elements. LED lights are energy-efficient and come in various colors and styles. Choose between options like icicle lights, net lights for bushes, or classic string lights according to your desired look.

Evaluating Your Space

Assess the areas you intend to decorate, such as rooflines, windows, doors, and landscaping features. Measure each space to determine how many strands you'll need. Consider accessible power outlets and the presence of trees or structures for hanging lights.

Sketching a Design

Create a simple sketch of your home's exterior on graph paper, marking key areas to illuminate. Plan where to place each type of light for a balanced display. Add notes on your sketch for specific colors or themes you want to incorporate.

Calculating Power Needs

Check the wattage of each light strand and tally the total to ensure you don't exceed the capacity of your power source. Use a table to track:

Light Type Watts per Strand Quantity Total Watts
Standard String 40 5 200
LED String 5 8 40
Icicle Lights 60 3 180
Net Lights 25 4 100

Ensure your circuit can handle the total load and plan for the use of extension cords or power stakes as needed.

Gathering Materials

Before you begin hanging your outdoor Christmas lights, it’s essential to have all the necessary materials on hand to ensure an efficient installation. This not only saves time but also helps avoid midway interruptions.

Light Clips and Hangers

Choosing the right light clips and hangers is crucial for your light display. They come in various styles suited for specific surfaces like gutters, shingles, or bricks. Here's what you'll need:

  • Adhesive Clips: for attaching lights to flat surfaces such as window frames or walls.
  • Gutter Hooks: for easy installation on gutters without causing damage.
  • Shingle Tabs: which slide under shingles to hold light bulbs upward.

Extension Cords

Extension cords are necessary to power your lights from an electricity source. Purchase cords that are rated for outdoor use, which are designed to withstand weather conditions. Keep in mind:

  • Length: Buy cords long enough to reach from the power outlet to where your lights will begin.
  • Wattage: Ensure they can handle the wattage of your lights to prevent overload.

Ladders and Safety Gear

Using ladders and safety gear appropriately is vital to prevent accidents. Always inspect your ladder before use and wear suitable gear for protection. Here's a checklist:

  • Ladder: A sturdy one, appropriate for your building’s height.
  • Gloves: Non-slip gloves for better grip.
  • Safety Goggles: To protect your eyes from debris.
  • Non-slip shoes: For stability on the ladder.

Installation Safety

When hanging outdoor Christmas lights, your safety is paramount. This section provides essential tips to prevent electrical hazards, falls, and injuries due to weather conditions.

Electrical Safety

  • Ensure all extension cords and light strings are rated for outdoor use. Check for UL certification.
  • Inspect lights for damage. Replace lights with broken sockets, exposed wires, or loose connections.
  • Use GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets to prevent electric shock. Test GFCIs monthly.

Ladder Safety

  • Choose the right ladder for the job: it should extend at least 3 feet over the roofline.
  • Before use, inspect the ladder for cracks or loose parts. Set it on a firm, level base.
  • Maintain a 3-point contact (two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot) on the ladder at all times.

Weather Considerations

  • Install lights on a dry day. Wet conditions increase the risk of electric shock and ladder slips.
  • Secure lights firmly to withstand winds. Use outdoor-rated clips, not staples or nails.
  • Remove lights after the season to prevent damage from prolonged exposure to harsh weather.

Installing the Lights

Proper installation ensures a safe and visually appealing display. Follow these steps to efficiently install your outdoor Christmas lights.

Starting Point

  • Identify Power Source: Locate your nearest outdoor power outlet. Use a weatherproof extension cord to bridge gaps if needed.
  • Plan the Layout: Sketch a rough design of where you want the lights to go. Measure the lengths needed for roof, trees, and bushes.

Attaching Lights to the Roof

  • Light Clips: Select the appropriate light clips for your roof type. Clips should secure tightly without damaging roofing materials.
  • Installation: Begin at the closest point to the power source. Attach light clips every 6 to 8 inches along your gutters or roofline. Clip the light strand into place, making sure it is pulled taut to prevent sagging.

Working with Trees and Bushes

  • Trees: Wrap lights around the trunk and branches, starting from the base. Use a ladder for higher branches, ensuring you maintain three points of contact.
  • Bushes: Net lights are an efficient way to cover bushes evenly. Drape the net over the bush, and plug it into an extension cord if necessary. Secure the edges with ground stakes to prevent movement.

Powering Your Lights

Before you begin hanging outdoor Christmas lights, ensure you have a reliable power source and understand how to manage the timing of your lights effectively.

Connecting to Power Source

To ensure safety and functionality, connect your outdoor Christmas lights to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This special outlet will cut off the power if there are any faults, preventing hazards. If your outdoor space doesn't have a GFCI outlet, you can purchase a portable outdoor GFCI unit from most hardware stores.

  • Check the Label: Each string of lights should have a tag that mentions power specifications. Match these with your power source.
  • Power Strips and Extensions: Use outdoor-rated power strips and extension cords to reach further distances. They should also be marked for outdoor use and meet local electrical standards.

Using Timers and Controllers

Timers and controllers can save energy and automate the lighting display. Here's how to incorporate them:

Timers:

  • Digital or Mechanical: Choose between digital or mechanical timers. Digital timers offer more features, while mechanical timers are often more robust.
  • Set-up: Plug the timer into the GFCI outlet, then connect your lights to the timer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set the times you want your lights to turn on and off.

Controllers:

  • Smart Plugs: Consider smart plugs that connect to Wi-Fi, allowing you to control your lights via a smartphone app.
  • Multi-channel Controllers: For elaborate displays, use multi-channel controllers that let you choreograph different sections of your lights to music or patterns.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Maintaining your outdoor Christmas lights ensures they last through the season, while troubleshooting helps address any issues that arise. It's important to periodically check for problems and know how to fix common issues to keep your display shining brightly.

Replacing Burnt-Out Bulbs

When you notice some lights aren't working:

  1. Identify the faulty bulb by checking for a dark filament or a discolored bulb.
  2. Turn off the lights before attempting to replace any bulbs.
  3. Remove the burnt-out bulb by gripping it firmly and pulling it straight out.
  4. Insert a matching replacement bulb into the socket, making sure it’s secure.

Tip: Always keep spare bulbs on hand that match the voltage and size of those in your light strings.

Addressing Wiring Issues

For wiring problems:

  • Inspect the entire length of the light string for any visible damage, such as frayed wires or insulation breaks.
  • If damage is found, disconnect the lights from the power source immediately.
  • Repair minor insulation damage with electrical tape, wrapping it carefully around the affected area.
  • For more severe damage, consider replacing the entire string to avoid potential safety hazards.

Caution: Never attempt to repair a light string while it is plugged in, and do not use lights with wiring issues until they are fixed.

Taking Down and Storage

After the festive season, proper disassembly and storage of your outdoor Christmas lights will ensure their longevity and ease of use for the following year.

Removing Lights Safely

Before removal:

  • Ensure all lights are unplugged and the power supply is off.
  • Check the weather; never remove lights in wet or icy conditions.

During removal:

  • Use a steady ladder to reach high places.
  • Gently remove each light clip or stake, avoiding tugging or yanking.

Organizing and Storing Lights

Label and sort:

  • Label light strands with their location (e.g., 'roofline', 'bushes') for easy installation next year.
  • Sort different types or colors into separate groups.

Storing methods:

  • Use reels or spools to wind each strand, preventing tangles.
  • Alternatively, wrap lights around cardboard pieces cut to size and secure ends with tape.

Storage location:

  • Choose a cool, dry place such as a basement or closet.
  • Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the lights to prevent damage.
Back to blog