A Christmas wreath is one of the most iconic festive decorations you can add to your home. Whether it’s displayed on a front door, hung above a mantel, placed in a window or styled as a table centrepiece, a wreath brings instant seasonal charm to any space. Adding lights enhances that effect even further, giving your wreath depth, gentle sparkle and an inviting glow. With a little preparation, decorating a Christmas wreath with lights is simple to do.

Here we’ll cover how to choose the right wreath for you, the lights that work best and the steps to lighting your wreath neatly and safely.

Choosing The Right Wreath For Lighting

Before adding any lights, consider the type of wreath you’re working with. Different styles offer different decorating possibilities:

• Plain wreaths – More of a “blank slate” option. Ideal if you want maximum freedom to decorate with lights, ribbons, bows or baubles.
• Decorated / luxury wreaths – These often include pinecones, berries or mixed foliage and tend to have denser branch coverage. While they offer a full and rich appearance, you may have slightly less flexibility when threading lights.
• Flocked wreaths – With branches dusted in snow-effect flocking, these pair particularly well with warm white or cool white lighting, creating a soft wintery look.

You’ll also need to factor in the size of the wreath you’re adding Christmas lights to. A standard 24-inch wreath suits most doors and walls, but larger wreaths (30-36 inches) create more impact and may require extra lights for an even glow.

What About Pre-Lit Wreaths?

If you prefer a quicker setup, pre-lit wreaths have light already woven through the branches. They offer convenience and a ready-made balanced look.

However, manually adding lights may still appeal if you want full control over the colour, brightness and spacing of the lighting. Both methods work well and the best option depends on how much customisation you’re looking for.

What Lights Work Best For A Christmas Wreath?

Choosing Christmas lights that are well suited for decorating a wreath will make the whole process much easier. Lights with a thin cable are best, as they are flexible and easy to hide within the foliage.

Lighting options worth considering include:

• Fairy lights – The most practical option for most wreaths, especially those displayed on doors or walls. Their thin cable makes them easy to weave and the bulbs give a welcoming soft glow.
• Cluster lights – These offer a fuller, more sparkling effect. Best for medium to large wreaths, as they can overwhelm smaller ones.

There are other factors you need to consider when picking out the Christmas lights you’ll use to decorate your wreath.

Power source

Whichever kind of lights you choose for your Christmas wreath, you’ll want to make sure that the method of powering the lights is well suited for wherever the wreath will be set up. Choose a power option suited to where your wreath will be displayed:

• Battery-operated lights – Ideal when you want a Christmas door wreath with lights or you’re setting up your wreath in areas without nearby sockets.
• Mains-powered lights – Well suited for indoor wreaths, or outdoor displays provided the lights are weatherproof and the plug is properly protected.
• Solar-powered lights – Work well outdoors if the solar panel can receive good sunlight exposure.

Colour style

The colour you choose for the lights covering your wreath will help to set the overall tone that you’re aiming to achieve. For instance:

• Cool white lights can create a crisp, wintery theme
• Warm white lights provide a classic cosy look
• Multicolour lights are ideal for a traditional festive style

What Else Do You Need For Adding Lights To A Wreath?

Depending on your wreath type and decorating style, you may find some of the following helpful:

• Clear ties or twist ties
• Garden wire (if needed for extra support)
• Gardening gloves (to protect your hands when fluffing foliage)
• Scissors or secateurs (if trimming loose branches or adding extra foliage)
• A wreath hanger
• Any decorate additions you want to use after the lights are in place

How To Add Lights To A Christmas Wreath (Step-By-Step)

Once your wreath and lights are ready, you can complete the decorating process by following these simple steps:

Step 1 – Lay the wreath flat and fluff the branches

Spreading out the foliage helps your wreath look fuller and gives you room to weave the lights evenly.

Step 2 – Turn the lights on before placing them

Seeing the bulbs illuminated helps you understand their spacing and brightness as you decorate.

Step 3 – Start at the battery pack or plug end

Position the battery box or plug at the back or bottom of the wreath where it can be hidden easily.

Step 4 – Weave the lights around the wreath frame

Wrap the lights loosely around the greenery, tucking the cable between branches rather than pulling it tight.

Step 5 – Space the lights evenly

Work in a circular pattern, wrapping the lights around the wreath in a simple spiral motion so the glow appears balanced from all angles.

Step 6 – Secure if needed

Use clear ties or twist ties on the back of the wreath to keep the lights firmly in place. This is especially helpful for wreaths hung on doors that open frequently.

Step 7 – Hang the wreath and check the final look

Once upright, step back and adjust the lighting or cable placement as needed.

How Can You Personalise A Christmas Wreath?

Once the lights are in place, you can add decorative touches to suit your style:

• Ribbons or bows in satin, velvet or metallic finishes
• Pinecones, berries or floral picks for natural texture
• Small baubles or ornaments that match your colour scheme
• Other lightweight additions that won’t pull the wreath forward

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong approach. It’s simply about creating a wreath that suits your festive theme.

Where You Can Display A Christmas Wreath With Lights

A lit wreath is versatile and can be displayed in many places around your home, such as:

• Front doors – Battery lights are often the easiest option when placing a lit wreath on a front door
• Interior doors – Lightweight wreaths are recommended for such doors.
• Above fireplaces or mantels
• Windows
• Hallway walls
• As a table centrepiece – With the battery pack hidden beneath greenery or fabric

Place your Christmas wreath with lights wherever you feel it will bring the most festive warmth to your space.