Putting lights on a Christmas tree is the one step that makes or breaks how the whole thing looks. Get it right and every ornament pops. Get it wrong and no amount of tinsel will fix it. This guide covers exactly how to put lights on a Christmas tree in the UK, from how many lights you actually need (roughly 100–150 per foot of tree) to the safest way to hang them so they stay put all season.
Always put lights on before any ornaments or garlands.
Start at the base of the trunk, not the top, so the plug reaches the socket without needing a long extension cord.
Keep the lights switched on while you work, so dark spots show up immediately and you can fix them as you go.
As a rule of thumb: 100–150 mini lights per foot of tree height.
Divide the tree into three vertical sections and weave lights from the inner branches outward for even coverage.
LED lights are safer and more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.
How to put lights on a Christmas tree like a professional
Decorating a Christmas tree is an art, but with the right technique, your tree can look as beautiful as any showroom display. So, let’s look at the…
Best way to put lights on a Christmas tree
Using the layering approach when arranging the lights is one of the best ways to achieve a polished appearance. If you’ve ever wondered do you put lights on the Christmas tree first or last, the answer is first. The reason Christmas lights go on first, before ornaments or garlands, is because it makes it easier to wrap the tree evenly and test the lights safely.
How to put lights on a Christmas tree evenly and safely, from gathering your materials to hiding the final connections.
Gather your materials
Check that you have enough lights. Around 100–150 per foot of tree is a good rule to follow. Pick up twist ties or light clips to keep the lights in place once positioned. If your tree is tall, have a ladder ready before you start.
Start at the base of the trunk
Many people ask: do you start at the top or bottom when putting lights on a Christmas tree? The answer is you start at the bottom, so you do not have to run extension cords down from the top. Wrap the lights around the base of the trunk first, where you will plug them in.
Keep the lights plugged in
When you keep them switched on, you can see exactly where they glow and where dark spots appear. This helps you spot gaps that need more coverage and even out brightness across the tree. Check for burnt-out bulbs or faulty strands before you finish.
Work from bottom to top for main branches
Divide the tree into three vertical sections to help maintain 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 fills 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 across the whole tree.
Top it off
Once you reach the top, gently adjust the lights to ensure they are securely in place, especially if you are adding a tree topper. Make sure the topper itself is illuminated for a seamless, bright finish.
Hide plugs and outlet connections
If you are using more than one string of lights, push any plugs or connections deep into the branches. This hides unsightly green plugs or outlet joins and keeps the tree looking neat and professional.
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!
How many lights do you need for a Christmas tree?
The short answer: plan for 100–150 mini lights per foot of tree height. A 4 ft (1.2 m) tree needs around 400–600 lights, while a 7 ft (2.1 m) tree needs roughly 700–1,050. This applies whether you have a real tree or an artificial one. The rule scales with the tree, so use it as your starting point regardless of the size of the tree you choose.
Whether you have lights left over from previous years or brand-new ones, always plug them in before hanging them to confirm they work. Finding a faulty string after it is already on the tree is a frustrating waste of time.
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.
Fairy lights and micro-LED lights – Increasingly popular in UK homes, these use very fine wire that sits almost invisibly among branches. Many versions are battery or USB-powered, which makes them especially practical for artificial trees where mains access is awkward. They give a delicate, subtle glow rather than bold brightness, so they work well layered alongside a main string.
You now know how to put lights on a Christmas tree so it looks awesome, but you should also know how to do it safely.
Always plug the lights in to test if they are working before hanging them on the tree.
Use LED lights instead of traditional lights. Traditional bulbs are covered with glass and heat up easily, while 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. Never daisy-chain more than three strings on a single socket.
Look for the CE or UKCA mark on light packaging. This confirms the product meets UK electrical safety standards and has been tested accordingly.
Turn off and unplug Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving the house. Both the London Fire Brigade and RoSPA recommend this, as lights left on overnight are a common cause of house fires in December. A timer plug is a practical alternative if you want lights to come on automatically.
Dispose of old or damaged Christmas lights responsibly. Most UK local councils accept them at WEEE recycling points, so check your council’s website before putting them in general waste.
Do you put lights on a real Christmas tree the same way as an artificial one?
Yes, the technique is the same for both. On a real tree, work a little more carefully around fragile branches and do not force the wire too tightly. One important difference: always check that lights used on a real tree carry a relevant UK safety certification. Dry needles are more flammable than artificial branches, so using certified, good-condition lights matters more on a real tree.
How do you fix a section of Christmas tree lights that has stopped working?
Start by checking the fuse in the plug. A blown fuse is the most common cause and is easy to replace with one of the same rating. If individual bulbs are out rather than a whole section, look for a loose or burnt bulb in the affected area and swap it out. If the entire string is dead after checking the fuse, try a different socket on a different circuit before assuming the string is beyond repair.
Can you leave Christmas tree lights on overnight?
This is not recommended. The London Fire Brigade and major UK home insurers both advise switching off and unplugging Christmas tree lights before going to sleep or leaving the house. They are one of the more common causes of house fires during December. If you want lights to come on automatically each evening, a simple timer plug is a safe and practical solution.
The formula is simpler than it looks. Lights go on first, always. Start at the base, keep them switched on while you work, and aim for 100–150 per foot so there are no dim patches. Divide the tree into thirds, weave from the inside out, and step back often. Do that and the rest of the decorating almost takes care of itself.
If you would rather skip the whole process and have a beautifully set-up tree ready to decorate, Fantastic Services handles the heavy lifting. From delivery and installation through to collection after the season, the whole thing is taken care of.
