How to hang Christmas lights and what Christmas lights to buy

Whether you install Christmas lights before or after Thanksgiving, this guide will provide tips on how to hang Christmas lights and how to make this holiday season especially merry and bright.

What are the Christmas lighting trends for 2023?

If Christmas lighting trends end up looking like this year’s Barbie-inspired Halloween, shades of pink will dominate this holiday season.

Lights and Decor, an online blog about all things home decor, describes the preference for bright colors, such as pink, in Christmas lighting as the “Merry Chroma Trend.” This trend goes beyond Barbie’s pink to include bright blues, yellows, oranges, reds and greens.

On the other side of the spectrum, Christmas decor featuring earthy and neutral tones is also very popular. Warm, soft lights can make your home feel especially cozy this time of year.

Timeless Christmas looks include traditional red, white and green colored lights; Completely white screen; Or red and white striped lights.

What is the best way to hang Christmas lights?

When hanging Christmas lights on a high surface, such as the ceiling or along the top edge of a wall, a ladder or hanging pole is helpful.

Most experts recommend that before placing lights on any surface, you take the time to make a plan. A plan can reduce frustration and make hanging lights a fun vacation activity rather than a stressful one.

At this planning stage, be sure to locate power outlets, take measurements, and know how many strands of lights are needed for the job. You can also select a focal point to decorate around.

After purchasing your holiday lights, make sure all the strings are on while they’re still on the ground, advises Monica Mangin, host of the Lowe’s Homestore show, “The Weekender.”

If hanging lights are too much, spotlights or projected Christmas lights can be festive and much easier to set up.

What is the least harmful way to hang Christmas lights?

When it comes to avoiding home damage, there are some good options available to reduce and even erase damage to any surface you place your lights on.

Things like control hooks inside the house and plastic light clips for every surface outside can be good alternatives to nails, tape, staples or glue.

What type of Christmas lights is best?

Choosing the perfect Christmas lights will look a little different for everyone. There is a great variety of colors and styles, and everyone has their own tastes.

To find out what works best for you, start with a color. Most types of lights come in the form of white or multi-colored strings. Some can even change between the two modes.

Keeping the colors consistent will help create a cohesive look wherever the lights are. Remember that white Christmas lights are not all the same color and range from warm yellow light to cold icy light.

Check the packaging and buy the same brand to keep the different strings of lights as close together as possible.

Next, choose the style you prefer. There are large bulbs and small string lights, as well as a plethora of other options. Another popular style outside your home is icicle lights.

Mixing and matching can work, but when in doubt, be consistent.

According to Louise, different styles of Christmas lights include:

• Small String Lights – The most popular style of all time; Features small lights that come on a string.
• WIDE ANGLE LED MINI LIGHTS – Cone lights give more light.
• Large Bulbs – A larger bulb gives these lights a vintage feel.
• MOVING & COLOR CHANGING LIGHTS – Multiple settings allow for a variety of colors and sparkling effects.
• Icicle Lights – As the name suggests, these lights look like long icicles coming down the side of your house.
• LED Rope Lights – A continuous path of light that can be used to create complex shapes or designs.
• Track Lights – Used with stakes in the ground to light the track.
• Net Lights – for use on outdoor shrubs and trees; Net lights are an easy option compared to string lights winding through branches.
• Projector Lights – Usually placed in front of the house to display a light show.

What are the best projector Christmas lights?

The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute tested and rated Christmas projector lights. Here are what they think are their top three options for 2023.

1. LedMall Motion Eight Patterns Outdoor Laser Christmas Lights – Covers a wide area; It has remote control function. Available on Amazon for just over $100.
2. Minetom Christmas Lights Laster Projector – Awarded Best Value for being waterproof and extremely durable; reasonable price; Available on Amazon for about $30.
3. Anerbili Christmas Projector Lights, Double Headed Christmas Lights for Snowfall and Snowflakes – Won Best Snowflake Display; Easy step.

Why are my Christmas lights suddenly not working?

If the string lights you used last year aren’t working, don’t throw them away just yet.

Home Depot provides a list of problems and potential solutions.

• The circuit cannot carry power.
• The fuse could blow.
• A burned out bulb can affect the entire strand.
• The wire could break.

What can I do with Christmas lights that aren’t working?

If the light string is beyond repair, hardware stores like Home Depot, Lowes and Ace Hardware will recycle it, according to Good Housekeeping.

Places like Holiday LEDS will also take broken Christmas lights and recycle them, according to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.