Hanging lights on the house is the most visible part of holiday decorating and the part most likely to cause injuries. A little planning makes the job faster and safer.

1. Plan and measure

Decide what you want to light: the roofline, windows, railings, bushes or trees. Measure each run with a tape measure and add a few extra feet to reach the outlet. Sketch the house and mark where each strand will start and where the power comes from.

2. Choose outdoor-rated lights

Use lights labeled for outdoor use. Large C9 bulbs give the classic roofline look and are visible from the street; C7 bulbs are slightly smaller; mini lights work best on bushes and railings. For gutters, icicle lights are a popular alternative. Read the box for the maximum number of strands you can connect end to end.

3. Test everything on the ground

Plug in every strand before you climb a ladder. Replace any strand with cracked insulation, broken sockets or damaged plugs instead of repairing it.

4. Use clips, not nails or staples

Plastic light clips attach to gutters or slide under shingles without damaging the roof or the wire. Nails and staples can pierce insulation and create a shock or fire hazard. All-in-one clips work for both gutters and shingles; buy enough for one clip about every 12 inches.

5. Ladder safety

  • Set the ladder on firm, level ground and extend it at least 3 feet above the gutter line if you need to step onto the roof edge.
  • Keep three points of contact and do not overreach: move the ladder instead.
  • Have someone hold the base and hand you lights.
  • Avoid working on wet, icy or windy days.
  • Keep ladders and lights well away from overhead power lines.

6. Power the display safely

Plug outdoor lights into a GFCI-protected outlet, which cuts power if it detects a fault. Use extension cords rated for outdoor use, keep connections off the ground and out of puddles, and do not run cords through doors or windows where they can be pinched. A plug-in timer or smart plug switches everything on at dusk and off at bedtime.

7. Take them down carefully

Remove lights by unclipping, not pulling, and wrap each strand around a reel or a piece of cardboard so it is ready for next year.

Prefer a quicker option?

A light projector covers the front of a house without a ladder. For more ideas, see our outdoor Christmas lights and outdoor decorations categories.