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Outdoor Christmas Lights: How to Choose the Right Ones

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

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The short answer: Buy lights labeled for outdoor use, look for a certification from an accredited testing lab, and choose LED. Match the type to the job: C7 or C9 bulbs and icicle lights for rooflines, minis for tighter spacing and trees, nets for bushes. Check the wattage and the maker's limit on connected strands before you buy.

Check these first

Outdoor rating. Bob Vila says to use only outdoor-rated lights, cords and power strips; indoor-rated devices outdoors can cause short circuits, shock or fire. Illinois Extension suggests certification from an accredited testing lab such as Underwriters Laboratories.
LED, ideally ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR says certified strings use no more than 0.2 watts per bulb, carry a warranty of at least three years, and are weathering-tested if labeled for outdoor use. See LED vs incandescent.
Length. Bob Vila says strands come in lengths from 25 to 150 feet. The Christmas Light Emporium says strands typically run 25 to 50 feet. Divide your measured length by the strand length (the calculator does it).
Wattage and connection limit. Both are on the box or tag. Illinois Extension and Idaho Power say to follow the maker's limit on strands.
Inspect on arrival. Test every strand before it goes up (Public Storage).

Types and where they go

Type	Good for	What the sources say
C7 and C9 bulbs	Rooflines and gutters	This Old House: space C7 and C9 lights about 6 to 10 inches apart. The Christmas Light Emporium: C9 bulbs at 12-inch socket spacing means one bulb per foot.
Mini lights	Trees, shrubs, railings	This Old House: minis need tighter spacing. The retailer's tree-trunk formula uses bulb spacing and wraps.
Icicle lights	Eaves and gutters	This Old House lists icicle lights among the outdoor options.
Net lights	Bushes and hedges	The retailer says a 4 by 6 foot net covers about 24 square feet.
Solar strands	Spots with no outlet	Bob Vila: no outlet needed, but they may not charge on cloudy days. See solar.
Light projectors	Quick install on a wall or garage door	Family Handyman suggests a light projector can replace strings of lights and is quick to install.

Sources: This Old House, The Christmas Light Emporium (a retailer), Bob Vila, Family Handyman.

How many do I need?

Measure your roofline and windows, add 10%, and divide by the strand length. Open the calculator to get strands, clips, cords and timers, plus a power check against your outlet.

Then pick the right clips for your surface: gutters, stucco, or anything without nails.

We do not name or rank products. We did not test any strands, and we found no independent test of outdoor lights to cite.

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

What kind of Christmas lights are best for outdoors?

Ones labeled for outdoor use, ideally LED. ENERGY STAR says certified LED strings can last up to 10 times longer than incandescent, and outdoor-labeled products are weathering-tested.

What are C9 lights?

A bulb size used on rooflines in the planning guides we read. This Old House lists C9 bulbs among outdoor options and suggests spacing C7 and C9 lights about 6 to 10 inches apart, and the Christmas Light Emporium plans one C9 bulb per foot at 12-inch socket spacing.

How long should my light strands be?

Bob Vila says strands come in lengths from 25 to 150 feet, and the Christmas Light Emporium says they typically run 25 to 50 feet. Divide your total measurement by the strand length.

Related guides

Sources