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

Multi-colored lights hanging from a porch siding

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

  • Step 1|Untangle the lights

    Carefully untangle all the lights and lay them out on a dry surface outside.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Invest in a CHRISTMAS LIGHT STORAGE BOX to make both setup and storage of your Christmas light strings hassle-free. Spools inside the box help avoid tangles and minimize bulb breakage.

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

SEE MORE OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Safety Tips for Hanging Outdoor Christmas Lights

Multi-colored lights hanging from a porch siding

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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CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHT TYPES: THE BALSAM HILL GUIDE

CHRISTMAS DECORATING 101: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW