Learn more about the best outdoor Christmas lights to help you plan and execute the perfect festive display. Here are our tips for choosing the best lights for your roof, windows, and outdoor spaces.
A Note On Outdoor-Safe Lights
Not all Christmas lights are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Unless specified otherwise, most lights should only be used indoors.
The best Christmas lights for your house should be specifically marked “outdoor-safe.” Look for lights approved by trusted companies such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory) or ETL (Edison Testing Laboratories).
Choosing Lights by Type
Christmas lights come in various colours, sizes, and special features to suit different decorating styles. Survey the outdoor area you intend to decorate and determine which light type will accentuate the space best. Learn more about common light types to help narrow down your options. You can opt to combine different kinds for a dazzling display.
Classic Christmas String Lights
These traditional Christmas lights can be wrapped around porch railings and posts or used to illuminate trees and shrubbery.
Icicle String Lights
These lights are a series of connected individual bulbs commonly used on porches, eaves, and trees to create a twinkling effect.
Curtain String Lights
These lights create a curtain-like effect and are typically used to create a soft, diffused light. They’re often used on windows, walls, and ceilings.
Festoon String Lights
These strings feature evenly spaced small to mid-sized bulbs that hang horizontally across roof gutters and mouldings.
Choosing Lights by Colour
Whether you want to create a timeless display or dazzle friends and family with the latest Christmas light technology, your choice of light colour matters. Check out your options below.
Warm White
Delight guests with the warm and welcoming glow of classic Christmas lights. Hang them from tree branches for an easy outdoor Christmas light display.
Multicolour
Celebrate the season with a colourful showcase. Drape them on shrubbery or around porch railings for a festive feel.
Twinkly
Customise and control the colour changes and effects of your light show from your phone.
How To Measure Your Display Area
Use a tape measure to get the length of your roof line, window edges, and other exterior surfaces before calculating how many light strings you need. Save the measurements so you can access the information the following year.
After measuring the length or width of your display area, compare the values with the length of the light strings to determine how many strands you’ll need. The standard length for a 50-light strand is 25 feet, while a 100-light strand usually measures 50 feet. For example, if you need to cover a 120-foot space, you’ll need at least five 50-light strands or three 100-light strands. You may need more if you’re hanging the lights in a pattern.
Insider's Tip
Invest in a light string storage box. This allows you to store your Christmas lights safely and efficiently when the season is over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about displaying outdoor Christmas lights below.
How Do You Make Christmas Lights Look Good Outside?
Identify the key features of your home’s façade that you wish to highlight, be it your porch steps, trees and foliage, or roof line. Then, use the right kind and number of lights for a professional-looking display. Accentuate with festive outdoor decorations to complete the look.
What Are the Best Lights To Use for Outdoor Trees?
Regardless of the outdoor Christmas light you choose, consider the bulb type. The best LED Christmas lights emit less heat and consume less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They may be a bigger investment upfront, but LED bulbs last longer and can help you save on electricity costs and replacement bulbs.
What Colour Is Best for Outdoor Christmas Lights?
The best outdoor tree lights are a matter of personal preference. For a whimsical display, choose colour-changing lights. Consider warm white outdoor Christmas lights for a soft glow similar to those on traditional Christmas trees.
We hope this guide to outdoor Christmas lights is helpful for you as you plan your next festive display. Click the button below to shop our range of outdoor Christmas lights.
Learn More About Christmas Lights
For more easy outdoor Christmas light ideas, check out the articles below: