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How to Hang Christmas Lights Around Windows

Updated November 1, 2026 · General information, not electrical or safety advice

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The short answer: Measure around the window frame and add 10%: a 3 by 5 foot window needs about 16 feet, so buy about 18. Outside, clip lights to the trim with adhesive clips. Inside, use indoor-only lights on suction hooks or removable hooks, and never pinch the cord in the window.

Safety first. Use only lights and cords rated for outdoor use, plug them into a GFCI-protected outlet, keep ladders and light strands at least 10 feet from overhead power lines, and have a helper. Hire a licensed electrician for any wiring or new outlet. See our safety guide. This reminder is ours; the sourced details are on that page.

How much string?

The Christmas Light Emporium, a retailer, says the feet around a window equal the string you need. Its example: a 3 by 5 foot window is (3 + 5) x 2 = 16 feet. Add 10% for slack. Our calculator does this for several windows at once.

Outside the window

Use outdoor-rated lights and a GFCI-protected outlet. See outdoor power.
Clip to the trim. Hunker lists window and door trim as a place to hang lights. Go-Forth Home Services says clips attached with outdoor adhesive avoid drilling into brick, stone or stucco.
Clean the surface and check the temperature. Ware Landscaping says adhesives fail on dirty surfaces and need roughly 50°F or more.
Space the clips as the package says. Ware suggests 1 to 2 feet apart for adhesive clips on stucco; This Old House suggests roughly one per 8 inches on gutters. Windows are small, so more clips give a neater outline (our advice).
Test the strand first and plug connections face down (Public Storage).

On stucco, see stucco. On upper floors, use the ladder rules or hire a pro.

Inside the window

Use indoor-only strands on windows, mantels and indoor trees (Public Storage). Outdoor-rated strands also work, but check the label.
Suction hooks work on smooth surfaces such as glass, metal and tile. Loctite, an adhesive maker, says they hold up to 3 kg, need a clean, dry surface, and do not work well on porous surfaces like drywall.
Painter's tape suits lightweight decorations, since most adhesives can damage wood and other surfaces (Family Handyman).
Keep the cord safe. Idaho Power says to keep cords out of places where they could be damaged, including through windows. Do not close a window on a cord.
Turn them off at night. Illinois Extension says to turn lights off before sleeping or leaving, or use a timer.

We did not find a source for how much weight window clips hold. Check the package rating against your strand, and test one clip first.

Need clips or a hanging pole?

Clips made for the job are gentler on your gutters and cords than nails or staples. Match the clip to your gutter, shingle or trim.

Browse light clips and hanging poles Count your clips

Common questions

How many feet of lights do I need for a window?

The Christmas Light Emporium says the distance around the window is the string you need. A 3 by 5 foot window is 16 feet, so with 10% slack buy about 18 feet.

What can I use to hang lights on window glass?

Loctite says suction hooks work on smooth surfaces such as glass, metal and tile, up to 3 kg, if the surface is clean and dry. Check each hook's own rating.

Can I run a cord through a window?

Idaho Power lists windows among the places to keep cords out of, because they could be damaged. Use an outlet inside the room or a proper outdoor outlet instead.

Related guides

Sources