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How to Hang Christmas Lights Inside Your Home

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

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The short answer: Use lights labeled for indoor use, test every strand, and attach them with removable options: putty or painter's tape for light strands, suction hooks on glass or tile. Keep cords out of doorways and under rugs, do not overload outlets, and turn lights off before bed.

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.

Pick the lights

Use indoor-only or outdoor-rated strands that match the label (Public Storage says to use indoor-only strands on mantels, windows and indoor trees).
LED is cooler. ENERGY STAR says LED strings stay cool to the touch, which lowers fire risk. Idaho Power says LEDs are safer than incandescent bulbs because they produce less heat. See LED vs incandescent.
Test every strand for burned-out bulbs, damaged cords and loose connections before you hang it (Public Storage).
Indoor tree: the Christmas Light Emporium gives a rough guide of about 100 lights per foot of tree height. It also gives a second rule in the same post, so treat it as a starting point and adjust for fullness.

Ways to attach (without nails)

Method	Best for	Source and caution
Mounting putty	Light items like garlands; strongest hold with four tabs per pound.	Loctite: clean and dry the wall first; it peels off without damaging paint. No weight limit is given.
Suction hooks	Smooth surfaces: glass, metal, tile.	Loctite: up to 3 kg; do not work well on drywall.
Painter's tape	Lightweight decorations.	Family Handyman: most adhesives can damage wood and other surfaces.
Zip ties	Banisters and fences.	Family Handyman: strings lights without marring the surface.
Removable adhesive strips	Ceilings and hanging items.	Loctite describes cutting them in half and using fishing line for ornaments. See ceilings.
Brick clips	Brick fireplaces and walls.	Loctite: avoid sealed, crumbling or chipped bricks.

Loctite is an adhesive maker, so its blog promotes its products. Check each product's own weight rating and test on a hidden spot first (our advice).

Cords and outlets

Do not run cords under carpets or through doorways, or where they create a tripping hazard (Illinois Extension).
Be careful with cords around crawling babies and toddlers (Illinois Extension).
Do not overload outlets. The CPSC says never to connect more than three sets of incandescent lights. Follow the box for LEDs.
Turn lights off before you go to sleep or leave, or use a timer (Illinois Extension).

Windows have their own tips: around windows.

Need lights?

Pick outdoor-rated LED strings. Check the box for the wattage and for how many strands you can connect end to end.

Browse LED light strings Count what you need first

Common questions

How do I hang Christmas lights inside without damaging walls?

Use putty, painter's tape for light strands, or suction hooks on glass and tile (Loctite, Family Handyman). Test on a hidden spot and check each product's weight rating.

Can I use outdoor lights indoors?

Outdoor-rated lights are built for harsher conditions, but check the label and the maker's instructions. Indoor-only lights should not go outside (Bob Vila).

How many lights for an indoor tree?

The Christmas Light Emporium gives a rough guide of about 100 lights per foot of tree height, so about 600 for a 6-foot tree. Adjust for how full you want it.

Related guides

Sources