Learn how to put lights on your Christmas tree so it glows beautifully! Get step-by-step instructions and Christmas tree lighting tips.
Wondering how to place a string of lights on a Christmas tree beautifully? These easy-to-follow tips will show you how to put lights on your artificial Christmas tree.
I'll help you create your best holiday tree yet with these easy decorating ideas. I've even got tips for adding lights to a real tree at the end!
So many artificial trees come pre-lit, but I prefer to put my own lights on. That way, if a light strand doesn't work when you set up the tree, it's not a big deal.
You just run to the store and buy a new strand or two.
I love writing about everything Christmas decor! I've covered the best artificial Christmas trees, how to decorate a bedroom for Christmas and how to decorate with Christmas ribbon. My hope is that these posts give you inspiration to create a home you love for the holidays!
Still need to buy lights for your tree?? Grab some HERE! These lights are perfect and come with a 4.6-star rating!
The Best Way to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree
Let's take a minute to learn how I get my Christmas tree to glow without looking like a big old ball of lights. I wasn't going to share it because I figured everyone knows this already. But I'm always picking up new, simple tricks from people, so I'm sure someone out there will benefit from it.
When I was growing up, I remember taking a strand of lights and walking it around the tree in a circle. I would simply rest the lights on each layer of branches and call it a day!
But as I got older, I realized there was a better way! It involved wrapping each individual branch with lights! Duh!
Not only did I get the glow I was hoping for, but the lights disappeared into the branches of the tree. Win-win!
1. Buy More Lights Than You Think You'll Need
This way of hanging Christmas lights is really simple, but it takes way more lights than you'd expect. So just get extra twinkle lights, OK? Keep the receipts and return any you don't need.
The rule of thumb is 100 lights per foot, so if you have a 9-foot tree like mine, you'll need 900 lights.
2. Check to See if the Lights Work
Before putting lights on the tree, make sure they work. And leave them on while you put them up so you can see how it's going!
3. Weave the Lights Up and Down Each Branch, Starting from the Bottom of the Tree
Weave the lights up and down each side of the branch from trunk to tip. Start by running the lights to the middle of the tree, then along each branch. Once you've done one branch, move on to the next until you reach the top of the tree!
Start at the bottom of the tree! Think of it as building your tree's light foundation a little at a time. Put in the first section and work one branch at a time. This keeps all the string lights easy to manage.
It's a little hard to make out in that picture, so I drew a line with arrows showing how I do it...
You go up one side and down the other, until you reach the top of the tree.
Yes, it may seem like overkill, but when your tree literally sparkles and glows from the lights, you'll love it!
4. Step Back Frequently
Step back to check your branches at regular intervals. This helps you see how the tree is coming along and makes sure you don't have any empty spots!
5. Use an Extension Cord or Power Strip
Don't string 18 to 50 light strands together. It's just too much.
I'll string maybe 3-4 strands together and then run them down the back of the tree to my extension cord or power strip. I've tried connecting too many strands, and it blew the fuse on one of them and caused all kinds of headaches.
6. Use Smart Plugs on Your Outlet
In recent years I've discovered the magic of smart plugs for my Christmas trees! Even if you have a pre-lit tree, this is pure gold. No more crawling behind the tree to switch off the lights at the outlet every night.
These smart plugs (or smart power strips) connect to a free app on your smartphone. You can program them to turn on at a set time each day and turn off again. I absolutely love waking up and walking into the living room with the lights already glowing. It adds so much holiday magic!
Final Thoughts
And now you have a beautifully glowing Christmas tree! It's so simple, yet I know people who don't know this trick, so I hope it helps!
When the lights are done this way, they're much less noticeable, too! Especially if you're used to wrapping the tree like a mummy. Then all you see are the lights and not the pretty branches! This way the tree glows from the inside out.
Isn't it so pretty?
I hope this helps your tree glow beautifully this holiday season!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many strands of lights do I need to light a Christmas tree?
The rule of thumb is 100 lights per foot of tree. So if you have a 9-foot tree like mine, you'll need 900 bulbs.
Do you start stringing Christmas tree lights from the top or the bottom?
Always start stringing your lights at the bottom!
Do Christmas lights go on the tree first or last?
Definitely put lights on the tree first, before any ribbon or ornaments. I share more about the order of decorating a tree in my how to decorate a Christmas tree post.
Real Tree vs. Artificial Tree
You can use the same method to string lights on a real tree. You just don't have the defined branches a real tree has. So a simple way to get the full light effect is to push the strand toward the trunk, then weave it back out to the branch tips. You may want to wear gloves to protect your hands!
What Are the Best Christmas Lights
Use green wire lights with 50 to 100 bulbs per string. They're comfortable to handle and blend in with green branches. Mini lights will help your tree achieve the glow effect we're going for!
Incandescent Lights vs. LED Lights
Incandescent bulbs give the traditional warm white glow, while LED bulbs are brighter and a bit harsher. But LEDs pose fewer safety risks since they don't get hot like incandescent bulbs. Tip: turn off Christmas lights when you're away from home to reduce the risk.
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