How to Put Lights on an Indoor Christmas Tree

Lights on a Christmas tree begin at the bottom.

Trimming the Christmas tree is a time-honored tradition that begins with stringing the lights. Before you can add your favorite family ornaments, popcorn and cranberry garland, beads or tinsel, you must encircle the tree with lights. Any style of indoor lights will work on an indoor tree, but miniature lights are recommended because they are less likely to break. Whether you prefer basic white lights, colorful bulbs or lights that flash to a musical beat, stringing Christmas lights is a simple process you can do alone or with another's help.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Indoor lights
• Extension cord

Instructions

1. Read the packages to ensure all strings of lights are the same wattage. Plug your lights in to check for unlit bulbs. Tighten loose bulbs and replace burnt bulbs.

2. Plug your first strand of lights into an extension cord or straight into the nearest outlet, depending on the proximity of your tree to the power supply.

3. Begin behind the tree, at the center of the bottom branch and swag the lights over and under the first tier of branches, moving in a clockwise direction. For permanent light placement on an artificial tree, twist the lights securely around the branches

4. Drape the lights up to the next tier of branches when you return to your starting point behind the tree.

5. Continue draping the lights clockwise around the tree until you need another strand.

6. Plug the next strand of lights into the first strand and continue moving clockwise to the top of the tree. If you have an artificial tree, light each section of the tree with a new strand so that you can easily pull the tree apart for storage.

7. Stop draping the lights when you reach the top of your tree. Plug the end of your lights into your tree topper or hide the plug behind the tree, under a branch.

8. Step back and look at your tree. Fill in any sparse spots on the tree by moving your strands up or down.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate your tree with both white and multicolored lights. Set the white lights closer to the trunk of the tree and the colored lights at the tips of the branches.

• If you have a helper, stay on one side of the tree and pass the lights off to your helper to string on the other side of the tree.

• Use only indoor lights, which are made to stay cool. Outdoor lights are a fire hazard because they can become too hot and burn.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens
• Lawn Ornaments and Fountains

Resources

• Better Homes and Gardens: Tree Lighting 101
• HGTV: Designer Christmas Tree