Best Step-by-Step Ways to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree
Your go-to guide on stringing Christmas tree lights like a pro.
Lighting your Christmas tree is one of the most magical parts of the holiday season – and it doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a little planning and a few simple steps, stringing Christmas tree lights is an effortless process. Keep reading to find out exactly how to hang them for a beautiful, glowing tree.
Quick Answer: How to String Lights the Easy Way
Test your strands, then put lights on the tree before ornaments. For most homes, the zigzag method is fastest: start at the top (or bottom), drape horizontally, drop ~3 inches, and reverse direction until the tree is evenly covered. Plan on about 100 lights per foot of tree height (more for a fuller glow). Prefer a classic wrapped look? Use the spiral. Want column-like sparkle? Try vertical strands.
How Many Lights for a Christmas Tree?
| Tree height | Standard glow | Fuller / brighter | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–5 ft | ~200–300 lights | ~400–500 lights | String lights |
| 6–7 ft | ~400–500 lights | ~600–700 lights | Christmas lights |
| 7.5–8 ft | ~500–600 lights | ~700–900 lights | String lights |
| 9–10 ft | ~700–900 lights | ~1,000+ lights | Christmas lights |
To achieve the perfect glow, a good rule of thumb is using 100 lights per foot of your tree's total height. If your tree is especially full, increase this number to 150 lights per foot. Below is a quick guide to the recommended number of lights for common Christmas tree heights:
- 6' Tree: 600–900 lights
- 7' Tree: 700–1,050 lights
- 8' Tree: 800–1,200 lights
- 9' Tree: 900–1,350 lights
- 10' Tree: 1,000–1,500 lights
Neighborly Tip!
Need a refresher course on the types of Christmas lights available? Check out our Types of Christmas Lights for an overview of every option.
How to String Christmas Lights: 3 Methods
What You'll Need
- String Lights: Calculate your lights using the height chart above, and keep 1 to 2 extra strands as backups.
- Extension Cord & Power Strip: Ensure you reach the nearest wall outlet easily.
- Light Tester or Extra Fuses/Bulbs: Quick fixes for unexpected outages.
- Step Stool or Ladder: For comfortably reaching the top branches.
Method 1: The Zigzag
The zigzag is one of the quickest and easiest ways to string your Christmas tree lights, perfect if you’re short on time.
1. Start at the Top or Bottom: Choose your starting point and begin draping your lights horizontally across the branches from left to right.
2. Work in Rows: After reaching the end of one side, shift your strand up or down 3 inches, then continue back in the opposite direction.
3. Repeat to Cover the Tree: Continue zigzagging back and forth, spacing each row roughly 3 inches apart until the entire tree is evenly covered.
Method 2: The Spiral (Classic Wrap)
While the spiral method may take more time, this technique wraps lights around your tree in loops to create an evenly lit tree and classic holiday look.
1. Choose Your Starting Point: Begin at either the top or bottom of your tree – starting at the top is more common because it allows you to light the most visible section first, then work your way down. If you want precise control over where the plug ends up, starting from the bottom can also work.
2. Wrap Your First Loop: Drape your strand in a loose, circular motion around the tree. Gently slant it downward if you began at the top, or upward if you started from the bottom.
3. Evenly Space Rows: Continue looping your lights around the tree, leaving about 3 inches between each spiral.
Method 3: Vertical Strands (Even Glow)
Hanging lights vertically is an insider designer trick that delivers deep, even illumination and makes end-of-season takedown remarkably easy.
- 1. Divide Into Sections: Mentally divide your tree into three or four vertical triangular sections from top to bottom.
- Hang Vertically: Starting at the top of the tree with the non-plug end of your light strand, run the lights straight down to the bottom branch along the section.
- Loop & Return: At the bottom, loop the strand a few inches to the side and run it back up to the top. Continue this up-and-down pattern until the section is complete, tucking some strands deeper toward the trunk for a rich, dimensional glow. Repeat across all sections.
Best Ways to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree
| Method | Best for | Speed | Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zigzag | Most trees; beginners | Fastest | Even, layered rows |
| Spiral | Full artificial trees | Medium | Classic wrapped glow |
| Vertical | Slim / sparse trees | Medium | Rainfall / column light |
Real vs. Artificial Tree Tips
- Real Christmas Trees: Real branches can droop under heavy light strands. Use lightweight LED strings, and be careful not to crush delicate pine needles. If stringing vertically or in spirals, work with the natural gaps in the branches. Always turn off lights on a real tree before going to sleep or leaving the house for fire safety.
- Artificial Christmas Trees: Set up and fluff your tree sections first before adding lights. You can use the pliable wire branches of artificial trees to wrap gently around light strands, locking them in place for a secure fit.
Neighborly Tip!
Browse our Guide to Christmas Tree Sizes for more advice on every tree type.
LED vs. Incandescent for Tree Lighting
- LED Christmas Lights: Energy-efficient, cool to the touch (making them safer for real trees), and extremely long-lasting. You can safely connect many LED strands end-to-end without blowing a fuse.
- Incandescent Christmas Lights: Provide a classic, warm holiday glow at an affordable price point, but generate mild heat and consume more power. Be mindful of maximum strand-connection limits listed on the packaging.
Neighborly Tip!
For even more information, browse our comprehensive guide to The Differences Between LED & Incandescent Christmas Tree Lights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Testing Lights First: Always plug in each strand before putting it on the tree to catch burnt-out bulbs early. For help troubleshooting broken strands, check out our guide on How to Hang Christmas Lights.
- Wrapping Branches Too Tightly: Avoid wrapping wires tightly around individual branches. Drape them naturally across tips and tuck some deeper inside
- Overloading Electric Outlets: Never connect more light strands end-to-end than the manufacturer recommends.
- Leaving Plugs Exposed: Keep your setup looking polished by tucking bulky extension cords and strand connectors deep within the inner branches near the trunk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you put lights on the Christmas tree first?
Yes, always put the lights on your Christmas tree before adding garlands, ribbon, or ornaments. This ensures cords can be easily hidden deep within the branches without disturbing fragile decorations.
Should you start at the top or bottom?
Both work! Starting at the top helps you manage the most delicate, narrow section first while working downward. Starting at the bottom gives you direct control over where the main plug lands near your wall outlet.
What is the best way to put lights on a Christmas tree?
The best method depends on your goals: the Zigzag method is the fastest, the Spiral method offers a traditional, full wrap, and the Vertical method provides the deepest glow and easiest removal.
How many lights for a 6- or 7-foot tree?
For a 6-foot tree, use 600 to 900 lights. For a 7-foot tree, use 700 to 1,050 lights. Use the higher end of the range if your tree is extra full.
How do you hide the plug and cords?
Push connected plugs deep into the inner branches near the trunk of the tree. Choose light strands with wire colors that match your tree (green wires for traditional trees, white or clear wires for white or flocked trees).
