There are two proven ways to string lights on a Christmas tree — the vertical method (running strands up and down from trunk to tip) and the classic spiral method (wrapping lights around the tree horizontally). Christmas World recommends starting with the spiral if you're a beginner and switching to vertical once you want a faster, more even glow. Either way, a 6-foot tree needs roughly 600–900 fairy lights, and a 7-foot tree around 700–1,050.
How Many Lights Do You Need First?
Before you pick a method, you need the right number of lights. Our general rule is 100–150 fairy-light bulbs per foot of tree height — so a 6-foot (1.8 m) tree takes about 600–900 bulbs and a 7-foot (2.1 m) tree about 700–1,050. Going denser? Push to 150–200 bulbs per foot for a rich, sparkling look. Using cluster lights, which have bulbs every centimetre instead of every 10 cm, halve the count: a 6-foot tree needs only about 300–450.
You can skip the maths entirely with our Christmas Lights Calculator — enter your tree height and preferred look, and it gives you the exact bulb and strand count.
The Vertical Method: Up-and-Down Lighting
The vertical method — also called the "TikTok hack" or waterfall lighting — runs each strand from the top of the tree to the bottom, weaving in and out of branches. It's faster, uses fewer lights, and makes blown sections easy to replace without rewrapping the whole tree.
Vertical Method — Step by Step
- Start at the top. Secure the first strand's plug end near the star or topper. Run the lights down one side of the tree, weaving the strand out to the branch tips and back toward the trunk as you go.
- Zig-zag down. When you reach the bottom, zig-zag back up to the top on the adjacent section. The idea is vertical stripes of light, not horizontal rings.
- Repeat around the tree. Each strand covers one vertical strip — typically 5–8 strips for a 6-foot tree. Plug the next strand into the previous one at the top.
- Tuck and hide. Push the wire gently into the branches so only the bulbs sit proud. Bend a small branch over the wire to hold it in place if needed.
- Step back and check. Look for dark gaps and move individual bulbs to fill them. The vertical method should give you even, shadow-free coverage.
The vertical approach really shines on artificial trees with hinged branches because you can run strands down between the branch layers. For real trees, the branch spacing is less predictable, so take an extra moment to tuck the wire into natural gaps.
The Spiral Method: Around and Around
The classic spiral method wraps lights horizontally around the tree, working from the bottom (near the power point) to the top. It's the way most Australians have always done it — simple, reliable, and perfect for beginners.
Spiral Method — Step by Step
- Start at the base, near the trunk. Plug the first strand into the wall outlet (via a tree stand with a built-in power strip if you have one). Begin wrapping the lights around the lowest branches.
- Spiral upward. Wind the strand gently around the tree, keeping the spacing even — about 10 cm between rows for a standard look, tighter for a dense glow.
- Weave in and out. Don't just run the lights along the surface. Push each loop slightly into the branches so light reaches the trunk, not just the tips.
- Connect strands at the top. When the first strand runs out, plug the next one in and keep spiralling. Most 6-foot trees need 2–3 strands of 100-bulb LED fairy lights.
- Finish at the topper. Leave enough slack at the top to reach your tree topper. Tuck the final plug end behind the top branches.
Vertical vs Spiral: Which Should You Choose?
Both methods produce a beautiful tree. The choice comes down to your experience, your tree type, and how much time you have.
Christmas World's tip: if you've always done the spiral and want to try something new, the vertical method is a quick win that gives your tree more depth — the lights seem to glow from inside the tree rather than sitting on the surface.
Choosing the Right Lights for Your Tree
The method matters, but so does the light type. Here's what Christmas World recommends for Australian homes:
- LED fairy lights — the all-rounder. Warm white (2700K) gives a traditional glow; cool white is crisper. Choose 100-bulb strands for easy handling.
- Cluster lights — bulbs every centimetre for a dense, "lit from within" effect. Perfect for the vertical method because each strand covers more visual area. Halve the usual bulb count.
- LED Christmas lights — energy-efficient and cool to the touch. A typical 700-bulb display costs under $3 for the whole season (roughly 14–25 watts × 270 hours × $0.35/kWh ≈ $1.32–$2.38).
- Solar cluster lights — if your tree is on a verandah or near a window, solar gives you cable-free placement (though indoor trees still need mains power).
- App-controlled lights — adjust brightness, colour and timers from your phone. Great for trees you want to change up during the season.
If you're lighting a pre-lit LED Christmas tree or fibre-optic tree, you may only need to add accent strands — never remove the built-in lights, just layer on top.
Pro Tips for a Flawless Finish
Quick Tips
- Test before you string. Plug in every strand before you start. A blown strand halfway up is frustrating.
- Use a timer. Set lights to come on at dusk and off at bedtime — saves power and extends bulb life.
- Work from the inside out. Lights go on first, then garlands, then baubles. Always.
- Keep the plug at the back. Position the tree so the power point is hidden behind it. Use a tree accessory cable tidy if needed.
- Dim the room lights. Check your work with the room lights off — dark gaps are easier to spot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
What Not to Do
- Don't start at the top with the spiral method. You'll end up with the plug at the top and nowhere to power it. Always start at the base for spiral, the top for vertical.
- Don't skimp on lights. A 6-foot tree with 300 lights looks sparse. Use our lights calculator to get the right count.
- Don't mix warm and cool white. 2700K and 6500K side by side looks inconsistent. Pick one temperature and stick with it across every strand.
- Don't overload power boards. LED strands draw very little (roughly 2–3.6W per 100 bulbs), but daisy-chaining more than the manufacturer's limit is a fire risk. Check the packaging.
- Don't forget to water a real tree. A dry tree drops needles onto your light strands. Keep the stand topped up.
Lighting Different Tree Types
Real trees: Branches are less uniform, so the spiral method is easier — let the natural gaps guide your wrapping. Real trees are available in-store at Belrose, Alexandria and Penrith (pickup only — we don't deliver live trees).
Artificial trees: Hinged branches make the vertical method a breeze. If your tree already has light sockets (a "pre-wired" tree), use those first and add cluster lights on top for extra density.
Fibre-optic trees: These are self-lit — no stringing required. Add a single strand of warm white fairy lights at the tips if you want extra sparkle, but never try to replace the fibre-optic core.
Potted trees: Smaller and often tabletop-sized. Use battery-operated fairy lights so there's no trailing cable. About 100–200 bulbs is plenty for a 3–4 foot potted tree.
When the season's over, wrap your lights around a flat cardboard reel or use a tree storage box with built-in light compartments. Never ball them up — next December you'll spend an hour untangling.
Ready to Light Your Tree?
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Frequently Asked Questions — Putting Lights on a Christmas Tree
Should I put my Christmas tree lights on vertically or horizontally?
Both look great. The vertical method (running strands up and down) is faster and gives the tree more depth, while the horizontal spiral method is easier for beginners. Christmas World recommends vertical for artificial trees with hinged branches and spiral for real trees.
How do you put lights on a Christmas tree for beginners?
Start with the spiral method. Plug the first strand in at the base, wrap it evenly around the tree working upward, and connect additional strands as needed. A 6-foot tree typically needs 2–3 strands of 100-bulb fairy lights. Weave the wire slightly into the branches so light reaches the trunk, not just the tips.
How do you string lights on a Christmas tree the easy way?
The easiest approach is the vertical method: start at the top, run each strand straight down from trunk to branch tip, zig-zag back up, and repeat around the tree. It uses about 20% fewer lights than the spiral and is simpler to adjust if you find dark patches.
How many lights do I need for my Christmas tree?
Christmas World's rule is 100–150 fairy-light bulbs per foot of tree height. A 6-foot tree needs about 600–900 bulbs, and a 7-foot tree about 700–1,050. For cluster lights, halve the count. Use our Christmas Lights Calculator for an exact number based on your tree size and preferred look.
How do you put lights on an artificial Christmas tree?
If it's a hinged tree, the vertical method works beautifully — run strands down between the branch layers. If it's pre-lit, you may only need to add a layer of cluster lights for extra density. Never remove built-in lights; always layer on top. Start at the top for vertical or the base for spiral.
How do you hide the cord on a Christmas tree?
Tuck the wire gently into the branches so only the bulbs sit proud. Bend a small branch over the wire to hold it in place. Position the tree so the wall outlet is hidden behind it, and use a cable tidy to bundle excess cord at the back.
How do you put lights on a Christmas tree in a zig-zag pattern?
The zig-zag is another name for the vertical method. Instead of wrapping lights around the tree, you run each strand from the top to the bottom, zig-zagging back up to cover the next section. This creates vertical stripes of light that give the tree a more modern, dimensional look.
What are the best lights for a Christmas tree?
Warm white LED fairy lights (2700K) are the most popular choice — they mimic traditional incandescent glow without the heat or power cost. For a denser, richer look, cluster lights with bulbs every centimetre are our top pick. Both are available in-store and online at Christmas World.
