Home Improvement

How to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree

We all love that festive cheer, light, and spirit that the Christmas holidays bring. Have you already decorated your Christmas tree? Or maybe you are about to do it any day now? Whatever it is, putting the lights on the Christmas tree is perhaps the most difficult and time-consuming part of the process.

So, we have prepared this article to answer the question of how to put Christmas lights on a Christmas tree correctly and get ready for the holiday season.

Table of Contents:

Read on if you’d like to learn:

  • How to put lights on a Christmas tree;
  • How many lights do you need for a Christmas tree;
  • What are the different types of Christmas lights;
  • How to hang Christmas tree lights safely.

How to put lights on a Christmas tree like a professional

Decorating a Christmas tree is a talent; with the correct technique, your tree will appear as striking as those seen in professional showcases. To get this polished effect, choose a lighting strategy, make sure the lights are well dispersed to provide a warm glow, and then use the right tools.

Best way to put lights on a Christmas tree

Using the layering approach when arranging lights on your tree is one of the best ways to achieve a polished appearance. This method adds depth and harmony to the lighting of your tree, and it’s simple to accomplish by doing the following:

  • Gather your materials
  • You’ll need enough lights, some twist ties or light clips for securing lights, and a step ladder for larger trees.

  • Start at the base of the trunk
  • Begin by wrapping the lights around the base of the trunk, where you’ll plug them in. This creates a subtle inner glow that brightens the tree from within. Move upwards, weaving lights along the trunk to add depth.

  • Work from bottom to top for main branches
  • Divide the tree into three vertical sections to help maintain an even light distribution. Weave the lights up and down each section, moving from the inner branches outward. Aim to wrap lights around individual branches to highlight the natural structure of the tree.

  • Alternate with zig-zag or spiral patterns
  • For added dimension, use a combination of weaving and a soft zig-zag or spiral pattern. Zig-zagging helps fill gaps between branches, while the spiral keeps the lights evenly spread. This method works well for both real and artificial trees and prevents uneven lighting.

  • Step back regularly
  • Periodically step back to observe how the lights look from different angles. This helps you spot and adjust any overly bright or dim areas for a consistent appearance.

  • Top it off
  • Once you reach the top, gently adjust the lights to ensure they’re securely in place, especially if you’re adding a tree topper. Ensure the topper itself is illuminated for a seamless, bright finish.

Choose your light tone and colour! Professionals often stick to a single colour or tone, such as warm white, for a classic look. For a more modern style, opt for cool white or mix colours subtly for a playful yet polished effect.

Check out our comprehensive guide on how to flock a Christmas tree and pair it with some lights for an outstandingly beautiful tree for the festive season!

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How many lights do you need for a Christmas tree?

The answer to this question depends on the size of the tree. The bigger the Christmas tree the more lights you’ll need. Most experts recommend around 100-150 mini lights per foot. Maybe you already have lights available from previous years or have purchased brand-new ones.

Either way, make sure to plug them in before hanging them on the tree to check if they are properly working. It’ll be very unfortunate to put up all the lights only to find out they are actually faulty. 

It’s good advice to keep the lights on while hanging them since this way, you will have an overall idea of how the finished result will look like.

Types of Christmas lights

There are different types of Christmas lights to consider when making your choice. The most common and popular ones are:

  • Mini string lights
  • We have all had this type of beautiful, twinkling lights on our Christmas trees at one point or another. They are the most popular and widely spread Christmas lights. Mini string lights come in many different colours and are quite easy to handle.

  • LED Christmas Tree lights
  • Their popularity is growing since they are durable and significantly more efficient than the traditional Christmas lights. LED lights have a warm light and produce a specific colour.

  • Large bulb lights
  • They are also a traditional choice. Large bulb lights come in different colours and are suitable if you prefer moderate to low light.

  • Icicle Lights
  • They are generally one main string to which many other light-covered strings are attached. Icicle lights are also very beautiful. They are usually suitable for outside decoration, but could easily be used to put on a Christmas tree, as well.

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Safety tips on hanging Christmas tree lights

  • Always plug the lights in to test if they are working before hanging them on the tree;
  • Use LED lights instead of traditional lights. The latter are covered with glass and heat up easily, while the LED lights are safer because of the sturdier lenses used to cover them;
  • Make sure the wattage of the lights you use is the same. Also, consider the maximum wattage capacity of the house circuit you plug them into;
  • Dispose of any old Christmas lights.
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If you don’t feel confident in your ability to decide what is the best tree size to choose for your property, or you simply don’t have the time to do everything by yourself, you can always trust the Fantastic professionals to help you out.

We can deliver and install real premium-grade Nordmann Fir or pot-grown Norway Spruce trees. After the holidays are over, we can also handle the removal and disposal of the tree.

Takeaways:

There are a few important things to consider when hanging your Christmas tree lights:

  • Decide what kind of lights you like and prefer;
  • What tree you have – a real one or an artificial one;
  • Check how big the tree is – the unwritten rule is to have 100-150 lights per foot of your tree.
  • Always plug in the lights before hanging them on the tree to make sure they are working;
  • Follow all safety tips and recommendations to ensure your and your family and home’s safety.

***

image source: Shutterstock / 3523studio

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