Outside Christmas Light Ideas

Use LEDs for Vibrant Color

Outdoor LED lights give off true or more vibrant colors whether it be red, blue, green, etc. Incandescent lights on the other hand, give off subtle colors because the bulbs are "color coated" on the outside.

How Many Light Strings on One Run?

Wire size determines how many strings sets you can put together along with the wattage used on those wire sets. A typical 100 light string of incandescent Christmas lights uses about 33 watts.

If they are on a 22-gauge wire, you can run three strings. If using an 18-20 gauge wire you can run six strings.

But you use LED light strings you could possibly run up to 25.

Be conservative and don't run a lot of string sets together. Break them up and use outdoor approved extension cords to be safe. If running a lot of lights we recommend you contact your electrical provider and have them extend your electrical capabilities.

Professional Tip for Hanging Outside Christmas Lights on Your Trees

Forget the ladders and do it like the pros.

You can hang outdoor Christmas lights on trees up to 25ft tree from the ground without a ladder and in no time at all.

Use an extendable pole and paint roller (without the roller). The poles usually extend up to 18 feet. Bend the paint roller so the holder is vertical to form a hook.

Connect your outside Christmas light strings together and with one person walking in front of you, use the roller to place the lights on the tree. You can loop it at the top and bring it back down. Tie it on and begin your next string if needed.

One person can do a tree that is maybe 12 to 13 feet. It takes two people to do taller ones; a couple of people can do it without too much trouble.

Hanging Outside Christmas Lights on Your Roof

This is not a DIY job. Hire professional roofers instead.

Professional outdoor lighting expert Bob Lyons of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives advises to have professional roofers install lights as they do also.

Bob states:"They have their license, they are bonded, and they are insured. If something happens the homeowner has no liability. I don't care whether you are Chevy Chase or not, you don't go up on the roof because it is too dangerous."

Optimum Outdoor Christmas Light Spacing

The wire is the most expensive part on the deal. So they put them every 2 inches or every 2-½ inches. When you are trying to light a tree you need 6 inch spacing, otherwise, you are putting too many strings sets on the tree and they are too close.

No matter the type of tree, it's still better to use four or six inch spaced lights.

Low-cost light sets may be 16 feet long with 100 lights while commercial lights may be 33 feet long for 100 lights.

You can purchase lights with different kinds spacing. Look for commercial lights sets and determine the spacing.

Most are 4 inch; others 2 ½. You can purchase 6 inch spaced lights sets on the internet if you can't find them locally.

Safety First for Outside Christmas Lights - Always!

Installing and hanging Christmas lights outdoors can be dangerous. Often times you must consider wet conditions, ladders, working with electrical line, receptacles, circuit breakers, and GFCI's, along with other factors that make hanging lights inherently risky.

Make sure you adhere to all safety recommendations and if not 100% sure of what you are doing consult with a reputable electrical contractor or outdoor lighting company.

About Painted Bench Photography

Tom and Heidi Morris are the founders of Painted Bench Photography where they work together on creative photography projects.

They are college sweethearts from the midwest now living in the Herndon VA area (near Washington DC) and previously in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Their dreams of working together in their photography business began with their handmade homemade Christmas cards nearly 10 years ago. (Amazing cards, we can attest!)

The best part for us - they are a part of our family: Our son and daughter-in-love!


Stop by Painted Bench Photography's photo gallery and enjoy the beautiful images they capture on their photo expeditions.