How to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas... once you’ve nailed the lights.

Whether you're decorating an artificial tree or the real deal, the best way to put Christmas lights on a tree is all about strategy – and a little sparkle.

So plug in, untangle those wires, and follow our easiest tips for hanging lights on your tree without the stress.

How many lights do you need for a Christmas tree?

Getting the right number of Christmas tree lights is essential for that balanced glow. No one wants a tree with too few lights or uneven brightness.

Use this handy guide to work out how many string lights you'll need based on your tree's height:

6ft tree → 400–600 lights
7ft tree → 500–700 lights
8ft tree → 600–800 lights
9ft tree → 700–900 lights

For extra sparkle, go above the minimum, especially if your decorating style includes tinsel or reflective decorations. Add cluster lights or fairy lights to layer brightness and create depth.

Remember, it's always easier to pull back than to find you're short on lights halfway around your tree.

What are the best Christmas tree lights?

Christmas Tree World’s LED lights are designed to help you make this Christmas your most spectacular yet.

Our extensive collection includes:

Multicoloured LED string lights with flicker and glow features
Warm white lights for a soft, classic shine
Solar-powered lights with up to 20 hours of illumination
Cluster lights & icicle lights for bold outdoor brilliance

These lights are not only beautiful but also energy-efficient, long-lasting, and safe for both indoor and outdoor displays.

Whether you're lighting up an unlit artificial tree or pre lit tree, or even framing your home, our LED lights help you glow through the entire holiday season.

How to put Christmas lights on a tree like a pro

Decorating your Christmas tree should be joyful, not stressful. Here’s the easiest way to put lights on a Christmas tree, step by step, whether it’s real or artificial.

Step 1: Choose the right type of lights for your tree

Decide what kind of Christmas tree lights suit your decorating style:

Want a classic look? Try warm white LED string lights.
Love colour? Go for multicoloured fairy lights or cluster lights.
Eco-conscious? Solar-powered lights are great for outdoor and indoor use.

Make sure your lights are working properly before you start, especially if you're mixing light strands from previous years.

Pro tip: LED lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and cool to the touch, perfect for both indoor and outdoor Christmas lights.

Step 2: Count how many lights you’ll need

Use this simple formula: 100–150 lights per foot of tree height.

Here’s a rough guide:

6ft tree → 400–600 lights
7ft tree → 500–700 lights
8ft tree → 600–800 lights
9ft tree → 700–900 lights

Want a brighter tree with extra sparkle? Add a few more lights than the minimum.

Step 3: Check your plug & socket setup

Make sure your extension cords are long enough and that your tree is positioned near a wall socket. This avoids awkward stretching or wires trailing through the room.

Pro tip: Use battery-operated or solar-powered lights for flexibility, especially when decorating a spot without easy plug access.

Step 4: Test the lights

Always plug in your lights before putting them on the tree. This ensures:

All the bulbs are working properly
You can see how they glow in your room lighting
You know where the plug end is

This will save you major frustration later.

Step 5: Pick a lighting pattern

Choose one of the four most popular methods to put lights on your Christmas tree:

Option A: Top-to-bottom spiral

Start at the top of the tree with the non-plug end.
Wind the lights around your tree in a spiral, working down.
Tuck some lights deeper into the branches for added depth.

Option B: Bottom-to-top zig-zag

Plug in the lights at the base and zig-zag upwards.
Work in sections, left to right, then back.
Ideal if you want even spacing and better control.

Option C: Horizontal loops

Start at either the top or the bottom.
Wrap lights in even horizontal rows around your tree.
Great for first-timers or those in a hurry.

Option D: Vertical drop

Hold the non-plug end at the top.
Drop the light strand vertically, loop at the bottom, and go back up.
Repeat in a zig-zag until the whole tree is lit.
One of the easiest ways to put lights on a Christmas tree and super easy to remove later!

Option E: Fully personalised with a twinkly tree

No organisation needed - you can fully personalise your lights display using an app
Endless presets and animations for you to choose from

Step 6: Layer the lights

For a fuller look:

Position some lights on the outer branches and some closer to the trunk
This gives your tree dimension and glow from within
Don’t just wrap, weave the light string in and out for texture

Pro tip: Use larger bulbs on the outside for bold impact, and smaller ones inside for subtle extra lights.

Step 7: Secure & hide the wires

Once you’re happy with the layout:

Use zip ties, clips, or twist ties to secure light strands to branches
Hide wires by weaving them under branches or wrapping them near the trunk
Run your extension cord behind the tree and secure it along the wall

Another great tip here is to use a Christmas tree skirt as well to tidy up any final bits on your tree!

Step 8: Step back and adjust

With the lights on, stand back and check:

Are there any dark spots?
Do some lights need spacing out more evenly?
Is the tree glowing all the way around, especially if it’s seen from all sides?

Adjust and tweak before adding decorations. It’s much harder to fix once ornaments are on. Your branch fluffing and light checks should go hand in hand, so you can see where any dark spots are.