How to Create a Dripping Light Effect for Christmas by Hanging Vertical Icicles

Icicle lights resemble dripping ice

Vertically-hanging Christmas lights simulate dripping icicles and highlight the beauty of your home's architcture during the holiday season. Icicle lights are particularly popular in warmer climates, where real snow and ice are rare. Vertically-hanging icicle lights dangle from long strands of insulated wire, which you can attach to the eves or balconies of your home. Most home improvement stores sell them. Some people pay professionals to hang their Christmas lights, but you can save money by doing it yourself at home.

Things You'll Need

• Long measuring tape
• Icicle lights
• Plastic light clips
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Create a Christmas light plan in your home by determining where you would like to hang the icicle lights. Measure the distance of the area to determine how many strands of icicle lights you will need. Do this before you head to the store, so that you will be able to obtain the right length of lights. Account for a power source in your plan. You may need to run an extension cord from the inside of your home if you do not have an outside power source.

2. Plug in the icicle lights inside your home to determine if any of the bulbs are broken or defective. Untwist the broken bulbs, and replace them with replacement bulbs that will be included in the icicle light package.

3. Attach a plastic light clip at one end of the eave, balcony, or other area where you intend to hang the lights. Hang one end of the light strand on the plastic clip so that the icicle lights hang down vertically. This will give the dripping affect of an icicle.

4. Continue attaching plastic clips and hooking the icicle light strands to them until your entire home is covered in icicle lights. Plastic clips should be placed every two or three feet to secure the lights.

5. Ensure that each portion of icicle light is hanging down vertically.

Tips & Warnings

• The icicle portions of the light will be curled as you hang them. They will eventually uncurl and hang down straight.

• Use care when using a ladder. Make sure to position the ladder on even ground and to have a spotter below to ensure that you do not fall. If you live in a cold climate, consider hanging lights before it snows to make it easier

References

• Home Tips: Tips for Hanging Christmas Lights
• Wet Head Media: Exterior Christmas Lights Installation Guide
• Holiday LEDs: How to Hang Christmas Lights