Jump to:
Being a garden tree owner comes with perks, especially this holiday. It can pull double duty and become the star of your festive display. Our guide to how to decorate an outdoor tree for Christmas shares a few tricks to help you step up your game. Ready?
The Best Way to Decorate an Outdoor Tree for Christmas
Decorating a tree outside can be magical — until rain, wind, or tricky power access make it a bit of a puzzle. From choosing weatherproof lights to anchoring ornaments, here’s how to decorate safely and beautifully outdoors.
Power and safety: lighting your outdoor tree the right way
Always use outdoor-rated lights and cables (IP44 or higher) and plug them into a weatherproof socket or RCD-protected extension lead. Keep plugs off the ground and cover connections with a waterproof box or protector. If your tree’s far from a power source, choose solar-powered or battery lights instead. Secure cables neatly with zip ties and avoid overloading sockets — stick to low-voltage LED lights for safety and efficiency. A quick visual check before switching on will keep your outdoor tree glowing safely all season.
How to hang lights on an outdoor tree
Hanging lights on a tree outdoors takes a bit more care than dressing one indoors. Begin at the trunk and guide the lights out toward the ends of the branches. Weave them in where the shape looks sparse to cover.
Secure everything with outdoor hooks or zip ties, and nothing loose that the wind can grab.
Outdoor tree lights suggestions
Colourful string lights, such as red, greens and golds, always fit the season. A small tree looks best when the lights are wound from the base upwards. With a taller or wider tree, run the lights around the trunk first, then weave through the outer branches.
You’ll find plenty of designs, from falling stars and snowflakes to icicle and bauble shapes. Some sets have light patterns like slow fades, twinkling effects, or chasing flashes. Give it a try, and mix a feature set with plain lights to see how the effects play off each other.
Hang the ornaments
You might need a bit bigger ornaments for your garden tree. Shatterproof baubles are the safest pick, and they come in many sizes and colours to match the lights.
But don’t stop there—add ribbons, mini gift boxes, or outdoor-safe tinsel to fill the gaps between branches. If the tree’s tall enough, finish it off with a solid topper like a metal star or woven rattan piece.
Tips: Use cable ties or metal hooks so nothing ends up rolling across the garden after a windy night. And always reach for weatherproof ones, like plastic or resin, for longer use.
Tinsel and garland with pets in mind
If you think your tree could use a bit more detail, tinsel and garlands will do the trick. Go for chunky tinsel in gold, red, or green. You can twist a few strands together for a fuller effect or drape them around the trunk for extra shine.
Garlands can be more creative. Try fabric or felt ones shaped like stars, bells, or holly leaves. They’re lightweight, bright, and safer for pets than foil or plastic versions. Avoid anything that sheds or tangles, and fasten them tightly so curious paws don’t pull them down.
Prevent decorations from blowing away
Strong winds can undo all your hard work in minutes. What you can do is to clip fishing weights behind lighter pieces or wrap garden wire around the hooks. Also, hang your sturdier ornaments, like wooden baubles, closer to the lower branches. This will help steady the rest and keep the tree looking even.
Avoid fragile glass baubles — shatterproof resin or wooden décor lasts longer and won’t break if it falls. After strong winds, do a quick check and tighten any loose ties to keep your tree looking neat and festive.
For smaller trees, go easy with the weight to avoid pulling the branches down. A few wired pinecones, fabric bows, or small metal bells do the trick.
That’s it. Your tree is lit, decorated, and ready for the garden to show it off!
Weatherproofing your tree decorations
Rain and frost can wear down decorations fast. Choose resin, coated metal, or sealed wooden ornaments and avoid paper or fabric unless treated. Check lights for IP44+ ratings, and use clear spray sealant on any DIY décor to make it water-resistant. A quick wipe-down after wet weather keeps everything bright and prevents rust or fading.
FAQ
How do I hide extension leads and plugs on my outdoor Christmas tree?
Run cables along the trunk or thicker branches and tuck them behind decorations. Use clips or cable ties to keep them tight, tidy and avoid anyone tripping.
What’s the easiest way to store decorations after the season?
The simplest way is to keep everything in containers and put them in a shed. Christmas lights on a spool or cardboard, and pack ornaments in boxes with dividers.
Some tips you might find handy: How to Prepare Your Outdoor Storage Units for Winter
