How to Buy Outdoor Christmas Lights

Before stringing up a single strand of Christmas lights, take a moment to plan out what type of lights you'll need, how many, and how you'll deck out your trees, shrubs, windows and eaves with hundreds (or even thousands) of outdoor Christmas lights. Here are step-by-step instructions to make your home a sparkling standout this holiday season.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Ladder
• Christmas lights

1. Measure the length of the home that you want to light; add an extra 30 feet or so to allow for the pitch of the roof. Measure the height of bushes and the height of the sections of any trees you want to light.

2. Figure out how many strings of lights you'll need based on your measurements; strings come in lengths from 25 lights to 200 lights. For trees and bushes, figure on about 50 lights per foot of height, or double that number if you're using miniature lights.

3. Decide what type of lights you want: color or white? Regular or specialty lights, such as icicles or pearls? Large (C-7, C-9) or miniature? Keep in mind that full-size lights (C-7 or C-9) are specifically made for outdoor use, and because they run at 125 to 175 watts per string, they are brighter and last longer.

4. Look for light strings that can be plugged into each other, especially if you are using chasing lights.

5. Plan to use shorter strings; if one burns out, it will be easier to replace.

6. Keep an eye out for sales. Many stores compete with each other to have the lowest prices.

Tips & Warnings

• Hire an electrician to install an outlet or two in your eaves. Make sure to have the electrician put the outlets on a switch so you don't have to unplug the lights to turn them off.
• Consider putting your lights on a timer if possible.
• Pick up great deals for next year during the after-Christmas sales.
• Make sure the strings you're considering are rated by Underwriter's Laboratories and are designed for outdoor use.
• Make sure the model of lights you buy has not been recalled. Check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Resources

• Letters From Santa
• Christmas Recipes

[casey77]

on 12/30/2008 Great site!! I followed your instructions, and searched the internet for some good deals. I found this website called christmasworld.com and they have 70% off their Christmas Lights. Now I have lights for next season wish me luck that I don't fall of the ladder and break my neck!

Casey L.

[mattburg6]

on 12/8/2008 Before you buy Christmas lights, get an idea of what you want to do with them by seeing what other decorators have done on the Tacky Light Tour (http://www.tackylighttour.com)

on 11/22/2005 There's something charming about a tree with older ornaments - those that have a patina, and look as if they have been lovingly handed down through the family over the years. Always check those yard sales. Over the years I've found many terrific ornaments in those bags that sell for a few dollars. Wide ribbon wound in a spiral on the inside of the branches makes a fantastic impression. Symmetry helps - put the tiny ornaments at the top and the largest on the lowest branches. Small American flags add a 'first generation' touch. Buy some new flags at the toy store and stain them to look old by dipping them in strong tea.