The Christmas tree is often the centrepiece of a festive display, and the lights you choose for it will greatly influence its look. The lights help to define the atmosphere, brightness and overall mood of your decorations. Therefore, knowing how to put lights on a Christmas tree in an organised and efficient way makes all the difference.

With a little planning, you can avoid tangles and uneven spacing and create a warm and inviting glow around the whole tree. Below, we’ll cover how to choose the right lights, how many you’ll need and step-by-step methods for placing them neatly and evenly.

Do You Put Lights On A Christmas Tree First Before Other Decorations?

Yes, it’s best to put your Christmas tree lights on before adding other decorations such as baubles or garlands.

Placing the lights on your tree first allows you to:

• Position them evenly across the branches of the tree
• Adjust spacing easily while the tree is still undecorated
• Avoid having to reach around or knock off other decorations while adjusting your lights into position

Lights form the foundation of your display, so getting them in place first helps make the rest of your decorating much easier.

How Many Lights For A Christmas Tree Do You Need?

The number of lights you’ll want for your tree depends on the height and density of it, the type of lights you’re using and your personal preference. As a general rule, aim for around 75 to 100 lights per foot of tree height for a classic and evenly lit look.

You can use the following set of recommendations as a guide:

• 4ft (120cm) tree – 200 to 400 lights
• 5ft (150cm) tree – 300 to 500 lights
• 6ft (180cm) tree – 400 to 600 lights
• 7ft (210cm) tree – 500 to 700 lights
• 8ft (240cm) tree – 600 to 800 lights

What Lights Are Best For A Christmas Tree?

Your choice of lights will depend on the style and atmosphere you want to create:

• Fairy lights – These string lights are well suited for most trees and provide a soft, classic-feeling glow.
• Cluster lights – These are a good option if you prefer a very bright, eye-catching and more dramatic display.

You should also consider the following when choosing your lights:

• Power source – Will a plug socket be easily accessible, or are battery powered Christmas lights more practical for your tree’s location?
• Placement – Will your tree be indoors or outdoors? If it’s outdoors, make sure the lights are rated for outdoor use and offer suitable weather protection.
• Colour – Decide whether to go for a single colour on the tree or a multicoloured mix. Whatever suits your overall theme best.

How To Put Christmas Lights On A Tree? (Step-By-Step)

Once you’ve chosen your lights, you’re ready to decorate. Here’s a general step-by-step guide on what to do:

Step 1: Unpack and test the lights

Check that your Christmas lights are working before placing them on the tree.

Step 2: Start from the bottom near the trunk

Place the first section of lights deep inside the branches to create a glow from the centre.

Step 3: Work upwards in gentle spirals

Move in a loose spiral pattern, weaving the lights from the inner branches outwards, then slightly back inside again. This adds depth and prevents the lights from sitting only on the surface of the branches.

Step 4: Keep spacing natural and avoid pulling the cable tight

Allow the lights to drape softly so they rest naturally across the branches.

Step 5: Step back and adjust evenly

Check the tree from different angles and fill in any darker gaps as needed.

Is There An Alternative Way To Put Lights On A Christmas Tree?

If you prefer a different approach, then you can consider trying the vertical zig-zag method, which is another popular option:

• Start near the top of the tree.
• Let the lights fall in a straight vertical line downwards, loop at the bottom and then go back up.
• Repeat moving the light strand up and down the tree’s branches in a zig-zag motion until the whole tree is lit.
• This technique is quick to apply and easy to remove when the season ends.

It’s especially helpful if you want to remove your lights efficiently after the holidays.

How To Store Christmas Tree Lights So They Don’t Tangle

When the festive season is over, neatly putting away your lights will make things easier when it’s time to take out and reuse them next year:

• Wrap the lights around a piece of cardboard or a cable storage reel.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Keep spare bulbs with them for next year.

A few minutes of neat packing will save plenty of time untangling them next December.