How to Hang Outdoor Christmas String Lights

It's a time-honored tradition every December—climbing up on a ladder and wrestling with a string of outdoor Christmas lights. But, while the lights look absolutely stunning when installed and lit, hanging outdoor Christmas lights may feel a bit daunting.

Well, don’t fear! We’ve got you (and your holiday decorations covered). Here’s how to hang Christmas string lights safely and without hassle. Follow these step-by-step instructions for hanging Christmas string lights outdoors that will be the envy of your entire neighborhood.

It may seem like a no-brainer, but with winter weather, it never hurts to plan ahead before you hang your Christmas lights. You can even hang your Christmas lights well before December to beat the snow and sleet! Choose a nice sunny autumn day when everything is still dry.

Hanging Christmas lights when it’s wet or cold outside isn’t only uncomfortable—it’s dangerous! It’s easy to slip and fall on a ladder, especially during wet weather. On that same note, be sure to solicit help from a friend or family member.

Measure the areas where you plan to hang your string holiday lights. If you want them to run along the roofline or around windows, you'll need to measure the parameter and length of each area carefully. As you're measuring the length of the string lights, it's imperative that you account for the extra length you'll need to dip lights between the hangers (presuming you don't want the lights to string tautly across the window or roofline).

Once you’ve measured, total up the length of each area to ensure you have all the lights, hangers, and supplies you will need to hang your Christmas string lights. It's always better to have a little more than you need rather than a little less.

You'll need electricity to make those glass Christmas bulbs shine brightly. Locate your nearest outdoor convenience outlet. If you have a switched outlet, you'll have control over your lights' power with the flip of an outdoor switch.

If you prefer “set it and forget it” automation for your Christmas lights, pick up an outdoor timer as well. These timing devices are available in both digital and mechanical models and allow you to automatically set your outdoor lights to go on and off at a specific time.

You will likely need an extension cord to connect your string lights to the outlet. How do you choose the right extension cord? Be sure to consider the length and buy one that is plenty long enough to reach the outlet. For safety, you should never plug two extension cords together.

Be sure to choose an extension cord for your holiday lights rated for outdoor use. The size of the wire inside the extension cord determines the gauge—a very important number to consider. If the extension cord is 25 feet or shorter, use a 16-gauge cord. If the cord is longer, you should select a heavier-duty 14-gauge cord to connect your string lights.

If you're starting with a new set of lights, it's still a good idea to test them just in case there's an issue. It rarely happens with lights out of the box, but you'll want to figure out any concerns before you start hanging your string lights outdoors.

If you already have string lights on hand, you may need to untangle them from last year. While you’re straightening out the Christmas lights, it’s a great time to check the cord for worn areas or cut wiring. Test the lights and replace any burnt-out or broken bulbs. It’s important to note that you should never mix LED bulbs with incandescent ones. A Christmas light repair kit can make the job much easier. Next year, use a cord strap to keep the lights in great condition.

Bring holiday magic to your home—not the hospital! Remember that climbing a ladder is always a two-person job! No one wants a cast and crutches for Christmas. Before getting up on the ladder, inspect it thoroughly for any defects. Make sure that you don’t exceed the specified weight limit.

Do a quick visual inspection of the ladder to ensure that each foot has a slip-resistant pad. You should place the ladder securely on the ground. Lean ladders against your home, using a towel or protective pad to keep from denting the siding. With each step, get down and move the ladder to avoid leaning out and stretching to reach. It goes without saying—never stack ladders on top of each other! Don’t miss our ladder safety guide to stay safe and avoid ladder injuries this holiday season.

Once you’ve set up properly with the right equipment and working Christmas string lights, it’s time to start hanging them. Never ever use nails or staples to hang up Christmas string lights. Nail and staple guns can pierce and damage the protective insulation in the light wire and cause an electrical hazard.

The right tools for hanging Christmas lights are lighting installation hooks and clips. These clips are specially made for gutters, shingles, trim, and flat surfaces. There are usually several options, allowing you to choose the right size for your bulbs and hanging surface. When hanging the lighting clips, be sure to space the clips every 8-10 inches. Clip in your lights as you go, and you’re ready to celebrate the season!

8. Hang Lights in Sections

When hanging string lights, it’s best to work in small sections to keep everything organized and keep a clean, consistent look. Start at the closest point to your power source and slowly work your way along the path where the lights will be hung. Here are some general tips:

1. Secure Lights as You Go: As you move along the hanging path, secure the lights to hooks or clips you've already placed. Be careful not to pull the string too tightly – you want a little slack so the lights drape naturally.
2. Avoid Excess Light Cord: If the string lights are longer than the area you’re covering, wrap any excess lights around a hidden anchor point or coil them behind a trim or edge.
3. Check for Tangles: Working in small sections allows you to spot any tangles, twists, or misplaced bulbs early on, before they become a bigger issue further down the line.