How to hang outdoor Christmas lights
Outdoor Christmas lights can bring your home to life during the festive season. Whether wrapped around trees in your front garden, lining pathways, our draped along your home’s roof, a well-placed light display can create a festive atmosphere and seasonal warmth.
Installing outdoor Christmas lights requires proper planning and the right equipment – our home experts here at Dobbies have shared their expert methods for creating an illuminated display safely and beautifully.
How to create a balanced outdoor light display
Spread festive cheer with every twinkle of your outdoor lighting this year. The best way to create a Christmas display is to enhance your home and work with the shapes and lines of your property. A symmetrical approach is great for creating balance, whereas if you’ve got trees and winding paths in your front garden, then organic and staggered arrangements will work well.
We recommend avoiding clustering too many bright lights or multiple colours in one spot – mixing cool and warm tones can sometimes create imbalance unless used with intent. For example, you could drape cool white icicle lights across the roofline paired with warm fairy lights on nearby shrubs.
We’d say that the key is visual harmony – each element should flow naturally into the next.
Create a design plan
Before you begin, decide on what kind of light display you’d like to create. Take a walk around your garden, driveway, or balcony and decide which areas you’d like to highlight and where you can safely hang your new lights. Be sure to take note of where any outdoor sockets or extension leads will be positioned, too!
Choose between a classic warm white scheme for a timeless glow, cool white for a crisp, modern finish, or multicolored lights for a nostalgic take.
Hanging Lights on Different Surfaces
Each surface type around your outdoor or garden space will need a slightly different method to secure lights safely and neatly.
Brick and Masonry
For brick walls or stone surfaces, use adhesive outdoor light clips that can withstand cold and damp. Alternatively, masonry hooks or brick clips can fit between mortar joints without the need for drilling. Avoid using nails or staples, as they can crack brickwork or damage insulation. For a clean finish, position clips along the same horizontal line and space them evenly to prevent drooping.
Wooden Fences and Garden Structures
Wooden surfaces are more flexible but still require care. Plastic cable clips or outdoor command hooks work well and prevent damage to the timber. If you plan to use nails or screws, make sure the wood is treated and the fixings are galvanised to resist rust. For a softer look, wrap string lights loosely around posts or along fence panels to highlight texture and depth.
Rooflines and Gutters
When outlining eaves or gutters, use gutter clips or shingle tabs designed for this purpose. They grip securely without piercing the material and make it easy to remove the lights after Christmas. Clip spacing should be tight enough to prevent sagging but loose enough to allow for gentle curves at corners. Avoid overreaching when working at height; reposition your ladder regularly as you need to, so you can stay safe and maintain precision.
Windows and Door Frames
To frame windows and doors, use adhesive light hooks that can hold weight even in cold weather. Apply them to clean, dry surfaces and wait several hours before hanging the lights to ensure a strong bond. To achieve symmetry, measure both sides of the frame before fixing the first clip. A well-balanced window outline creates a focal point that anchors the rest of your display.
Trees, Hedges, and Shrubs
Wrap string lights or net lights around trees and hedges for a layered, natural effect. For taller trees, begin at the base and spiral upwards, maintaining even spacing between each loop. In smaller shrubs, choose lights with shorter spacing between bulbs to create denser coverage. Battery-operated lights can be useful in areas far from mains power.
Safety first!
Safety is essential when working with electricity outdoors. Use lights specifically designed for exterior use, with an IP rating of at least IP44 to withstand rain and frost. Check that all plugs, connectors, and extension leads are rated for outdoor conditions and connect through a residual current device (RCD) for protection against electric faults.
Avoid overloading plug sockets and ensure cables are secured and kept off wet ground. If lights are installed high up, use a stable ladder and, where possible, have someone hold it steady. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance and only use approved clips or fasteners designed for your chosen surface. 
Practical outdoor lights setup tips
Use outdoor timers or smart plugs to automate when your lights turn on and off. This saves energy and keeps the display consistent.
Check cables regularly for damage or moisture. If any lights flicker or fail, replace the section immediately rather than patching it temporarily.
Keep extension leads dry using outdoor cable covers or waterproof boxes.
Test the lights before hanging to confirm all sections work correctly.
Many homeowners find that LED lights are the most efficient and reliable choice, consuming less energy and producing less heat than older bulbs. The Energy Saving Trust recommends LEDs as a low-cost way to reduce power consumption during festive periods while maintaining brightness.
Share festive cheer with your outdoor lighting display
Hanging outdoor Christmas lights is a great tradition and a dazzling way to celebrate the season. With thoughtful design, surface-appropriate features, and reliable safety measures, your home can glow through winter evenings.
Discover our range of outdoor Christmas lights online, or visit your local Dobbies for seasonal inspiration.