How to Put Fairy Lights on a Christmas Tree?

Nothing captures the festive spirit quite like a beautifully lit Christmas tree. The right lighting can completely transform your home for the season. But when it comes to actually putting the lights on the tree, it can feel more like a tangle than a treat.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose, position, and perfect your Christmas tree lights so your home shines as bright as the season itself.

Why Lighting Matters

Christmas tree lights are the heart of your festive décor. They set the tone, add depth and warmth, and bring that magical sparkle that makes Christmas feel truly special. Even the most beautifully decorated tree can feel flat without the right lighting.

Think of your lights as the foundation of your tree’s style: Our top choice> 

  • Warm white because it gives a timeless, cosy glow

Step 1: Choose the Right Lights

Before you start decorating, it’s important to select the right lights for your tree.

LED vs. Traditional Lights

We strongly recommend LED lights. They’re energy-efficient, long-lasting, cool to the touch, and available in a wide range of styles. Traditional filament bulbs may feel nostalgic, but they use more energy and can heat up over time. LEDs give you all the sparkle with none of the stress.

Choosing the Perfect Colour

Your light colour sets the mood of your décor:

  • Warm White: Soft, golden, and classic

  • Cool White: Cold and uninviting (not recommended)

  • Multicolour: Fun, nostalgic, and great for family spaces but you will be limited on where to repurpose these throughout the year.

We recommend either our Essential or Core Series Fairy Lights. 

How Many Lights Do You Need?

The amount of lights depends on your tree size and how bright you want the final look to be:

  • Soft glow: ~10m (100 lights) per 2ft of tree

  • Brighter, fuller effect: 20m (200 lights) per 2ft

Most household indoor trees are 6ft so you would then opt for 30m (300 lights) or for a fuller glow 60m (600 lights) 

Step 2: Test Your Lights First

Before you place a single strand on the tree, plug in your lights and test them. Ensure every bulb is working and check for any damaged wiring. This simple step prevents frustration later. Although if using our lights we're confident you won't have any problems with this step!

Step 3: Start from the Bottom

Now you’re ready to decorate!
Begin at the base of your tree and work your way up. Start with the lights plugged in so you know your cable comfortably reaches the socket.

Wrap the lights around the trunk and inner branches first. This creates depth and gives your tree a warm, glowing centre. Then gradually weave outward and upward.

Pro Tip:
Step back every so often to see how your lighting looks from different angles. Adjust as needed for an even distribution.

Step 4: Weave, Don’t Wrap

Instead of tightly wrapping lights around each branch, aim to weave them through the tree for a more natural, balanced look.

Try the zigzag method: move your lights side-to-side across the front of the tree instead of circling the entire thing. It saves time, avoids tangling, and ensures the visible side shines beautifully.

If your tree is visible from all sides such as in a window or open-plan living area continue weaving around the entire tree for an even, glowing finish.

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