Can You Put Christmas Lights on the Ground? Here’s What to Do
Make your pathways merry and bright
Highlights
Use ground stakes to secure lights in place and protect electrical connections from moisture.
Look for large, spaced-out bulbs and use one stake per bulb.
Test each strand before installation and follow manufacturer instructions for attaching bulbs to stakes.
When it comes to Christmas lights, the more, the merrier—but can you put Christmas lights on the ground? After all, there’s a valid concern that it might create a hazard or that the fresh snow might cover up your festive display. Luckily, with ground stakes and the right precautions, you can deck your ground and pathways just as you would deck the halls. Here’s how to use ground stakes to secure Christmas lights on the ground.
Can You Put Christmas Lights on the Ground Safely?
Ideally, you should keep light strands off the ground because lights and cords can cause tripping or accidental breakage. It’s important to use the right types of Christmas lights and ground stakes to secure them properly. Securing the lights with clips to the stakes helps keep them in place and minimizes tripping hazards while protecting the electrical connections from moisture. Be sure to use lights rated for outdoor use, so they can safely handle being exposed to the elements.
Prepping to Put Christmas Lights on the Ground
You’ll need ground stakes designated for outdoor use to safely place Christmas lights on the ground. As for the lights, look for larger, more spaced-out bulbs, as you’ll be placing these upright and using one stake for each bulb. Plan where you’ll place them beforehand and measure the distance so you’ll know how many strands you need. You may need to pick up extension cords that are rated for outdoor use, too.
Whether you’re putting Christmas lights on the ground or hanging them around your home, always test each strand to ensure it’s working properly first. You may need to learn how to fix Christmas lights if you’re facing a small issue, such as a burnt-out bulb or a blown fuse. If there’s faulty wiring, or if the lights are excessively old or worn, it’s best to replace them altogether.
How to Put Christmas Lights on the Ground With Stakes
Follow these guidelines for placing Christmas lights on the ground.
Plug the lights into an outdoor electrical outlet with a weatherproof cover to test them.
Unplug the lights, allowing enough slack for the plug to reach the outlet comfortably.
Position the lights along the desired area.
Stick one stake in the ground for each bulb and attach the bulbs based on the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring they are facing upward.
Once the lights are set, plug the cord back into the GFCI outlet to illuminate your display.
Tips for Placing Christmas Lights on the Ground
Need help putting Christmas lights in a secure spot? Follow these helpful tips:
Periodically check and secure lights and stakes to keep your display beautiful and hazard-free.
Keep lights on a timer for added convenience and energy savings.
Ensure outdoor outlets have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for safety.
Store lights in a cool, dry place to keep them safe and intact for next year.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Planning and executing a holiday display is hard work, especially when juggling holiday baking, entertaining, and all the other joyous to-dos of the season. Whether you’re short on time or having trouble bringing your vision to life, a professional Christmas light installer near you can help you achieve the holiday display of your dreams.
Cost of Professional Christmas Light Installation
The average professional Christmas light installation cost can range from about $250 to $700 or more, depending on your location and the complexity of the display. You may want to budget a little extra (about 20% of the cost, minus the materials) for tipping your light installers for a job well done.
Frequently Asked Questions
To hang Christmas lights outside without nails, consider using alternatives like adhesive hooks, gutter clips, or even hot glue. These options allow you to secure lights to various surfaces without causing damage to your roof or siding. Be sure to clean and prepare the surface before applying these alternatives for better adhesion.
There are several ways to hang Christmas lights safely. Here are some key Christmas light safety tips to keep in mind:
Always use Christmas lights and extension cords that are rated for outdoor use.
Don’t overload outlets by plugging in too many lights.
Opt for LED lights for a safer display that saves on energy costs.
Do not use old or broken Christmas lights.
Christmas lights typically do not need to be grounded like electrical circuits in your home do. However, it's crucial to use outdoor outlets equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for added safety. GFCIs can help protect against electrical shocks and are recommended for outdoor electrical connections when using Christmas lights.