A Christmas garland is one of the most versatile festive decorations you can use in your home. Whether it’s draped across a mantelpiece, wrapped around a bannister, framing a doorway or running along the centre of a dining table, a garland can bring warmth, colour and a welcoming seasonal atmosphere to a space.
Adding lights to your garland is a simple but effective way to enhance that ambience, giving your decoration depth and a gentle glow that feels instantly festive. Once you know the basics, decorating a Christmas garland with lights is straightforward, and it only takes a little preparation to create a spectacular result.
Choosing The Right Garland For Lighting Decorations
Before you begin, it’s worth considering the type of garland you’re working with. There are numerous types and styles available when it comes to garlands:
- Plain garlands are ideal if you want maximum freedom to decorate freely with not only the lighting but with baubles, ribbons or other added details as well.
- Flocked garlands, which are dusted with realistic-looking snow, pair especially well with lighting that creates a wintery look. Combined with bright or warm wintery lights, such garlands can be used throughout the winter season, not just for Christmas.
- A decorated or luxury Christmas garland either with lights or without them tend to have denser branch coverage and may include built-in foliage, pinecones or berries. These added details may slightly guide or influence how you position the lights, but they can also help to hide cables and create a full, rich appearance.
It's also important to consider the length of your garland to ensure you have enough lighting to cover it and that it fits the area you’re decorating. Many Christmas garlands are around 9 feet long, but shorter and longer options (such as 6-foot and 12-foot garlands) are also common.
What About Pre-Lit Garlands?
Rather than decorating a Christmas garland with lights yourself, there is the alternative option of pre-lit Christmas garlands with lights already woven evenly through the branches. There’s no “correct” option when choosing one or the other. Both approaches have their own advantages:
- Pre-lit garlands offer convenience and are quick to set up.
- Non-lit garlands allow for more creative freedom, letting you choose the exact lighting style, brightness and colour tone.
What Kind Of Lights Work Best For Garlands?
The lights you choose can influence the tone and brightness of your garland. Lights with thinner cables tend to be easier to weave through branches while keeping the look natural.
Some popular options for the lighting include:
- Fairy lights – Classic string lights with small bulbs for a soft, twinkling glow.
- Cluster lights – These have closely spaced bulbs for a full, sparkling finish.
It's also worth considering whether you’ll use mains-powered or battery-operated lights. Battery-operated lights are especially useful for areas without nearby plug sockets, such as dining tables, shelves or hallways and they help avoid visible trailing wires.
How To Add Lights To A Christmas Garland
Once you’ve chosen your garland and lights, you’re ready to decorate. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Lay the garland flat and fluff the branches
Place the garland on a table or the floor and gently separate the branches. A fuller shape helps the lights sit naturally and makes the overall display look more polished.
Step 2: Switch the lights on before adding them
Turning the lights on helps you see how the bulbs are spaced and how bright they will look once woven through the foliage.
Step 3: Start at one end and weave the lights through the garland
Begin at the end nearest the plug or battery pack. Thread the lights between the branches, tucking the wire gently as you move along.
Step 4: Wrap loosely rather than pulling tight
Keeping the lights slightly loose allows easy adjustment and prevents flattening the foliage.
Step 5: Hide the wire within the foliage
Tuck the cable into the thicker parts of the greenery so it blends into the garland, leaving the glow of the bulbs visible and natural.
Step 6: Secure with clear ties if needed
If your garland will be moved or hung vertically, use clear cable ties or twist ties to hold the lights in place. They’re discreet and easy to remove later.
How Can You Further Accessorise Your Christmas Garland With Lights?
Once your lights are in place, you can enhance your garland with a few final touches:
- Ribbons in velvet, satin or organza can introduce colour and texture.
- Pinecones, berries or floral picks can add natural detail and depth.
- Baubles can be nestled into the branches to match the rest of your décor theme.
- LED candles can be placed nearby to complement the soft glow from the lighting.
There are no set rules for what you should or shouldn’t add to your Christmas garland with lights. The best approach is the one that suits your home and the atmosphere you want to create.
