Spread holiday cheer with a merry light display outside your home. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through easy tips and practical considerations on how to hang Christmas lights around your home’s exterior.
How To Hang Outdoor Christmas Lights: Step by Step
FEATURED: TWINKLY ICICLE LIGHT STRINGS
Lights outside add an enchanting glow to exterior spaces. Wrap them around outdoor christmas decorations, trees, or greenery, or hang in a pattern from eaves and railings. Remember to use the proper tools and follow safety precautions for a trouble-free installation.
Materials
- Measuring tape
- Ladder
- Extension cords
- Christmas light clips and insulated hooks
Steps
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Step 1|Untangle the lights
Carefully untangle all the lights and lay them out on a dry surface outside.
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Step 2|Test the bulbs
Plug in the light strings and check if all the bulbs are working. Also do a cursory check on your extension cords and other electronic accessories, if using. Make sure there are no frayed wires or other damage.
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Step 3|Measure your section
If you’re thinking about how to hang Christmas lights on the roof with festoon lights, use a tape measure to know the length of the section you’ll hang lights on and compare it against the length of the light string to make sure it will fit. When assessing how to hang Christmas lights on gutters using cascading lights, measure even spaces between light string placements for a uniform effect.
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Step 4|Attach the hooks
Secure the Christmas light hooks and clips to your chosen location. Spread out the hooks evenly to prevent the light strings from drooping or gaping. If you’re wondering how to hang Christmas lights around windows, you may opt to use Christmas light hooks or window clips with either adhesive backing on the window frame or suction cups against the glass itself.
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Step 5|Hang the light strings
Carefully attach the light strands using the clips or the hooks. Make sure each section is free of tangles or twists.
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Step 6|Plug in the lights
Once the lights are in place, plug them in to ensure that the entire set-up works. Step back and check your display for any inconsistencies.
Insider’s Tip
How To Hang Christmas Lights on Roof Without Gutters
If you’re curious about how to hang Christmas lights on roofs without gutters, you can use clips to attach the lights to the shingles. You can also use ones with adhesive backing. Keep in mind, however, that light clips made of plastic may become brittle and break over time after prolonged sun and weather exposure
Safety Tips for Hanging Outdoor Christmas Lights
FEATURED: OUTDOOR GLOBE FAIRY LIGHT STRINGS
Follow these tips to make installing your outdoor light display as safe as possible.
Observe Extra Caution When Using Ladders
Make sure to set the ladder on dry and even ground. Have someone outside with you to hold the ladder securely in place from the bottom.
Only Use Lights As Directed
Read the manufacturer’s guide on the proper use of your light strings. Verify that they can be used outdoors. Do not pull, twist, tie together, or weigh down lights to lessen the risk of damage and fire.
Minimize Electrical Hazards
Avoid overloading extension cords. To be on the safe side, only use 75% of the available plugs and remember to use one plug per outlet. Use insulated light looks or nails to secure the light strings safely.
When the holidays are over, make sure to store your Christmas lights properly so you can use them for years to come. Invest in a special LIGHT STRINGS STORAGE BAG so you don’t have to deal with tangled wires every season. For more tips, check out our guide on HOW TO STORE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS.
We hope this guide helped you learn all about Christmas lights and how to hang them. Visit our website to see our collection of outdoor Christmas lights
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