20 Christmas Lights Ideas for Indoors and Outdoors

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Quick answer: 20 Christmas Lights Ideas for Indoors and Outdoors. This guide gives 20 ideas in 4 sections: Indoor Fairy Light Ideas; Tree and Mantel Lights; Outdoor Lights and Displays; Projectors, Safety and Extras.

Written by the PinkDux Team. Last updated October 2026.

Few things lift a dark December evening like a string of twinkling lights. They are quick to put up, relatively inexpensive and make every room and doorway feel more welcoming.

Here are twenty ideas for inside and out, along with practical safety tips. Always use lights that are rated for where you put them, never overload sockets and switch lights off when you go to bed or leave the house.

Indoor Fairy Light Ideas

Inside, soft lighting does the most for the atmosphere.

• Warm white fairy lights on the mantel: Weave a string of lights through greenery along the mantelpiece. Warm white gives the cosiest glow and suits any colour scheme.
• Lights in a glass jar: Drop a small battery string into a large jar for an instant lantern. Place several on a shelf or windowsill for a lovely look.
• Lit garland on the stairs: Wind a light up garland round the banister. Use a battery set to avoid cables on the floor and tripping risks.
• Bedroom canopy lights: A string of lights above the bed gives a calm glow. Choose low heat LED lights and keep them out of reach of bedding.
• Light up tree branches: A bare branch in a vase with tiny lights looks stylish and takes a minute to set up. Ideal for a hallway.

Tree and Mantel Lights

The tree deserves the best lights in the house.

• Multicolour tree lights: Classic coloured bulbs look cheerful and nostalgic. They are especially popular with children.
• Cool white tree lights: Crisp white lights give a frosty look. They pair beautifully with silver and blue decorations.
• Remote control lights: Remote controlled lights let you change modes and switch them off without crawling behind the tree.
• Timer plug: A plug in timer switches the lights on and off automatically. It saves energy and means you never forget.
• Spare bulbs and fuses: Keep a bag of spares in a labelled box. It saves a trip to the shop if a bulb fails on Christmas Eve.

Outdoor Lights and Displays

Use only lights that are marked for outdoor use.

• Solar garden lights: Solar powered strings charge in the day and glow at night. They need no sockets and are simple to install around bushes and fences.
• Lit tree for the porch: A small outdoor tree with built in lights looks welcoming by the front door. Choose a weighted base so it does not blow over.
• Net lights for hedges: Net lights cover a bush or hedge quickly. Check that the set is rated for outdoor use.
• Icicle lights along the gutter: These hang down for a frosty look. Fix them with clips made for gutters rather than nails.
• Path lights: Lanterns or stakes along the path guide guests safely. Choose battery or solar operated and make sure the path is level.

Projectors, Safety and Extras

A few clever extras and safety basics finish the job.

• Snowfall projector: An indoor or outdoor projector casts moving snowflakes across a wall or house. Place it safely out of reach.
• Outdoor extension lead: If using mains lights outside, choose a weatherproof extension lead and keep connections off the ground.
• Cable clips: Clips keep cables tidy and off walkways. They reduce tripping risks and look neat.
• Residual current device plug: An RCD adaptor adds a layer of protection for outdoor lights. Consult the instructions and, if unsure, ask a qualified electrician.
• Light storage reels: Wrap lights around a reel at the end of the season to avoid tangles next year.

Helpful links and further reading

A few trusted places to find out more.

• RoSPA: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, with home and leisure safety advice.
• Royal Mail at Christmas: Check the latest last posting dates before you send cards or parcels.
• MoneyHelper: budgeting: Free, impartial budgeting tools and tips to plan your spending.

Frequently asked questions

Are LED lights safer than old style bulbs?

LED lights generally run cooler and use less energy. Always check the packaging for safety markings and follow the instructions.

How many lights does a tree need?

A common guide is around 100 bulbs per foot of tree height, but it depends on how bright you like it.

Is it safe to leave lights on overnight?

It is best to switch them off at night and when you leave home. A timer makes this simple and reliable.

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