The holiday season is the perfect time to spread joy and cheer with a beautifully lit home. While the idea of stringing up your own lights may sound simple, it’s easy to make mistakes that can leave you with a display that’s more stressful than festive. Whether it’s a tangled mess of lights or a safety hazard waiting to happen, avoiding common pitfalls is key to a flawless holiday lighting experience.
Here are the top 10 mistakes people make when installing holiday lights—and how you can avoid them:
1. Not Checking the Lights Before Hanging Them
One of the most frustrating moments during holiday light installation is when you finish hanging the lights, only to plug them in and realize they don’t work. Before you go through the effort of hanging lights, always test them first! Inspect each strand for broken bulbs, frayed wires, or loose connections. This simple step can save you hours of frustration.
2. Using Indoor Lights for Outdoor Displays
It may be tempting to grab whatever lights you have on hand, but using indoor lights outdoors is a common mistake. Indoor lights are not designed to withstand the elements, which can lead to electrical issues, malfunctions, or even fire hazards. Always make sure you’re using outdoor-rated lights that are specifically designed for exposure to rain, wind, and snow.
3. Overloading Circuits
Holiday lights can draw a significant amount of power, especially if you’re using older, incandescent bulbs. Plugging too many lights into one outlet can overload your electrical circuits, causing outages or worse—fire hazards. To avoid this, calculate the wattage of your lights and make sure you’re spreading them across multiple circuits or using power strips with built-in circuit breakers.
4. Not Using Proper Clips for Hanging Lights
It may seem easier to use nails, staples, or tape to hang your lights, but doing so can damage your home and create safety issues. Stapling through wires, for example, can lead to shorts or shocks. Instead, use specialized plastic clips designed for hanging lights. These clips are easy to install, won’t damage your roof or siding, and keep your lights secure.
5. Improper Cord Management
A tangled mess of extension cords running across your lawn or sidewalk not only looks unsightly but can also be a tripping hazard. To avoid this, plan your layout ahead of time to reduce the need for multiple cords. Use outdoor-rated extension cords and secure them with stakes or clips to keep them out of the way. If possible, place cords near the edges of your home where they’re less likely to cause accidents.
6. Not Weatherproofing Connections
Holiday lights are often exposed to snow, rain, and ice, making it essential to keep electrical connections protected. Leaving plugs and connectors exposed to the elements can lead to short circuits or electrical failure. Use weatherproof boxes or electrical tape to cover exposed plugs and connections, ensuring that moisture doesn’t get in.
7. Hanging Lights Without a Plan
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of decorating, but hanging lights without a plan can lead to uneven, cluttered, or unbalanced displays. Take time to map out your design before you start hanging lights. Consider which areas of your home you want to highlight—rooflines, windows, bushes, trees—and how many lights you’ll need for each section. A little planning goes a long way toward a polished, professional-looking display.
8. Not Using Energy-Efficient Lights
Using old incandescent holiday lights may seem economical, but they’re highly inefficient, consume more energy, and burn out faster than newer alternatives. Switching to LED lights can save you money on your electricity bill while also lasting longer. LED lights also emit less heat, making them a safer option for prolonged use.
9. Ignoring Ladder Safety
Many holiday light installations require you to use a ladder to reach high areas like rooflines, gutters, and trees. Unfortunately, ladder accidents are a common occurrence during the holiday season. Always practice ladder safety by ensuring your ladder is on stable ground, having someone spot you, and using a ladder that’s tall enough to safely reach where you need to go. Never overreach or balance on an unstable surface.
10. Not Securing Lights Properly
Loose or sagging lights not only look unprofessional, but they can also blow off in high winds or cause damage to your home. Make sure your lights are securely fastened using proper clips and hangers. If you’re wrapping trees or bushes, ensure the lights are evenly spaced and snug. This will give your display a polished look and prevent damage from weather conditions.
Hanging holiday lights can be a fun and festive way to celebrate the season, but it’s easy to fall into common pitfalls that can turn your display into a headache. By avoiding these top 10 mistakes, you can ensure your lights are safe, durable, and beautiful all season long. If you’d rather skip the hassle altogether, consider hiring a professional installer to create the perfect holiday display for your home.
Make this holiday season bright, stress-free, and safe by approaching your light installation with a plan—or leave it to the pros for a stunning result!
