How to Hang Christmas Lights Outside Around Door & Windows

How to Hang Christmas Lights Outside Around Door & Windows

Lighting the exterior of your home for Christmas sets a festive tone for the holiday season. Christmas lights, whether all white or a variety of colors, add a distinctive glow around door and window frames, visible even to passersby. Taking your time to hang lights securely ensures they’re able to withstand strong winds and stay put for the entire season. Use only lights and extension cords rated for outdoor use, as these are made to withstand the elements.

1. 1.

   Measure the perimeter of the doors and windows with a tape measure, climbing a ladder to do so if necessary. Write down the total perimeter for each window or door separately, not counting the bottom of the door, so you’ll know how many strands of lights are needed for each window or door.

2. 2.

   Wipe the surface around each door or window with a rag to remove dust. This will allow the adhesive light hangers to stick better.

3. 3.

   Note the locations of the nearest exterior outlets in relation to each window or door. Measure the distance from each outlet to the nearest window or door to determine an appropriate extension cord length.

4. 4.

   Test each strand of lights by plugging them into an outlet, detangling them as you test them, if necessary. Replace defective light strands or those with exposed metal wires.

5. 5.

   Attach a light clip to the end of the first strand, followed by another clip every 12 to 18 inches, or as recommended on the clip package, since this may vary per manufacturer. Repeat the process with all strands required to light all the doors and windows involved in the project. Do not remove the adhesive backing from the clips yet.

6. 6.

   Start the first light strand at the bottom corner of either a window or door, and work upward. Wrap the strand along one side and across the top, if long enough, until it is taut. Enlist a friend’s help to make the process a little more manageable.

7. 7.

   Remove the adhesive backing from the clip at the end or bottom of the light strand, pressing it in place along the corner of the window or door frame. Repeat the process with each clip along the strand, keeping the string of lights taut as you work.

8. 8.

   Plug another strand into the first, if necessary; otherwise, plug an extension cord into the end and run the cord to the outlet. If using more than one strand per window or door, peel the adhesive backing off the respective clips and press them into place.

9. 9.

   Repeat Steps 6 to 8 with each window or door being decorated. Plug the extension cord or cords in when finished.

   Things You Will Need

   • Ladder

   • Tape measure

   • Rags

   • Christmas lights rated for outdoor use

   • Extension cords safe for outdoor use

   • Adhesive light clips for outdoor use

   Tip

   Light clip kits are available in a variety of sizes; purchase a set designed for the size of lights you’re using, such as LED twinkle light hangers.

   Check both the extension cords and lights for a UL symbol on the package; this indicates they’re approved by Underwriters Laboratories as safe electrical equipment.

   Use low-wattage LED light strands to cut down on electrical bills. Turn lights on only during dark hours to avoid wasting electricity.

   Warning

   Use only lights and cords designed for outdoor use to avoid potential safety hazards.

   Plug extension cords only into covered ground fault interrupter (GFI) outlets to ensure safety.

References

Resources

Writer Bio

Kathy Adams is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer who traveled the world handling numerous duties for music artists. She writes travel and budgeting tips and destination guides for USA Today, Travelocity and ForRent, among others. She enjoys exploring foreign locales and hiking off the beaten path stateside, snapping pics of wildlife and nature instead of selfies.