There’s something magical about driving down a street glowing with warm holiday lights. Whether it’s twinkling icicle strands, colorful string lights wrapped around porch rails, or a perfectly lit roofline—outdoor Christmas lights instantly turn your home into a festive wonderland.
But let’s be honest: hanging Christmas lights outdoor can feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before. What tools do you need? Can you avoid damaging your walls? How do you get everything straight and secure—even in winter weather?
This complete step-by-step guide teaches you how to hang Christmas lights outdoor safely, neatly, and efficiently, with plenty of beginner-friendly tips.
Why Outdoor Christmas Lights Matter
Before jumping in, it helps to understand why people love decorating outdoors:
● They boost curb appeal and bring holiday joy
● They create a warm, welcoming home atmosphere
● They’re fun for kids, neighbors, and holiday visitors
● They make seasonal photos and memories more magical
● They help you express personal style—minimalist, colorful, vintage, or bold
And the best part? You don’t need professional help. With the right plan, you can hang Christmas lights outdoor beautifully on your own.
Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Outdoor Christmas Lights
The first decision is choosing which kind of outdoor lights you want to hang outside. Each style creates a different vibe.
1. String Lights (Classic Choice)
Great for: rooflines, windows, railings, fences
Options: warm white strings, rgbw light bulbs, mini bulbs, LED C9 or C7 bulbs
2. Icicle Lights
Great for: eaves, gutters, roof edges
Their “dripping” effect is especially beautiful in winter.
3. Net Lights
Great for: bushes, hedges, shrubs
They create an even, professional-looking glow.
4. Rope or Strip Lights
Great for: pathways, fences, outlining architectural shapes
Durable and weather-friendly.
5. Projector Lights
Great for: quick décor without hanging anything
Projects snowflakes, stars, holiday patterns.
Mini string lights
C9/C7 bulbs
Icicle lights
Net lights
Rope lights
Step 2: Gather the Right Tools and Supplies
Before you start climbing ladders, make sure you have everything ready.
Essential Tools
● Sturdy outdoor ladder
● Outdoor-rated extension cords
● Weatherproof power outlet (GFCI)
● Light clips (gutter clips, shingle clips, or universal clips)
● Outdoor timer or smart plug (optional but helpful)
Before You Start: Safety & Planning
Clips, Hooks & No-Damage Options
These let you hang Christmas lights outdoor without nails or screws:
● Gutter clips for overhangs
● Shingle clips for roof edges
● Sticky light hooks for walls, doors, windows
● Deck clips for railing mounts
● Brick clips for brick walls
● Tree hooks or reusable ties for wrapping branches
Never use staples or nails—they damage wiring and can cause dangerous shorts.
Step 3: Measure and Plan Before Hanging
Before hanging your outdoor lights, make sure you’ve planned the total number of light strands you need. If you’re also decorating a Christmas tree, you may want to estimate the bulb count ahead of time. Our guide “How Many Lights Do You Need for a Christmas Tree?” breaks down the recommended number of lights per foot of tree height, helping you prepare enough lights for both indoor and outdoor areas.
A huge beginner mistake is buying light bulbs and climbing the ladder before planning.
1. Measure the Areas You Want to Decorate
Use a tape measure to check:
● Roofline length
● Porch or deck railing perimeter
● Tree height and branch spread
● Window or door frames
2. Sketch a Simple Layout
Even a rough drawing helps you visualize where each strand goes.
3. Check Power Access
Ask yourself:
● How many lights can one outlet handle?
● Do I need an outdoor extension cord?
● Should I use a timer so lights turn on automatically at dusk?
A timer makes your outdoor Christmas lights look professional with zero effort.
Step 4: Test Your Lights Before Hanging
Do not skip this step.
● Plug in every strand
● Check for dead bulbs or weak sections
● Replace or repair before installing
● Confirm brightness and color consistency
Once lights are on the roof, you’re not going to want to take them down again.
Step 5: Hang Lights on Your Roofline (Safest Method)
The roofline is the most iconic Christmas lighting spot.
1. Attach Light Clips First
Use:
● Gutter clips for horizontal placement
● Shingle clips for roof edges
● Universal outdoor clips for both
Space clips evenly (about every 12 inches).
2. Hang the Lights Section by Section
Start near the power source.
Work slowly, staying stable on the ladder.
Keep lights pulled slightly taut—not sagging, not tight.
3. Secure Extension Cords
Use outdoor cord holders or hooks to keep everything neat and weatherproof.
Step 6: Light Up Trees and Bushes
Trees are a classic holiday showcase.
For Bushes
Use net lights—they’re the easiest method.
For Trees
Start at the bottom and wrap upward:
Keep wraps evenly spaced
Use tree clips or reusable cable ties
Avoid choking the branches too tightly
For tall trees, use a light hanging pole (very common in holiday decorating).
Step 7: Add Timers or Smart Plugs
Automate your outdoor lights so they turn on every evening and off at dawn.
Options:
Mechanical outdoor timers
Dusk-to-dawn sensors
Smart outdoor plugs (Wi-Fi or app-controlled)
This saves energy and keeps your Christmas lights consistent every night.
Once your holiday lights are hung, you might also be thinking about adding permanent outdoor lighting to your patio or backyard. To avoid buying too few—or too many—lights, our guide on How Many String Lights Do You Need for Your Patio? provides clear formulas and layout suggestions to help you plan the perfect coverage for any outdoor space.
Safety Tips You Should Never Ignore
● Always use outdoor-rated lights and cords
● Avoid hanging lights when it’s raining or snowing
● Never overload a power outlet
● Keep cords away from walkways
● Secure everything firmly in windy regions
● Don’t climb ladders alone
Safety first — Christmas magic second.
FAQ: Hanging Christmas Lights Outdoor
How Do You Hang Christmas Lights Without Damaging Your House?
Use shingle clips, gutter clips, sticky outdoor hooks, or brick clips. Never use nails or staples.
What Are the Best Clips for Hanging Outdoor Christmas Lights?
Gutter clips for eaves, shingle clips for roofs, universal clips for mixed installations, and adhesive hooks for walls.
How Many Christmas Lights Can You Safely Connect Together?
LED strands allow more connections—often 20–40 strands—while incandescent strings may allow only 3–5. Always check manufacturer instructions.
How Do You Hang Christmas Lights on Trees Outdoors?
Start from the base, wrap upward in even spacing, and use tree clips or cable ties to secure.
How Do You Keep Outdoor Christmas Lights From Falling?
Use weatherproof clips, avoid hanging during high winds, and ensure cords aren’t pulling too tight on any hook or clip.