7 Fun Ways to Use Christmas Lights in Summer
Creative ideas to repurpose your Christmas lights for summer fun, from backyard décor to camping, parties, and DIY projects.
7 Creative Ways to Use Your Christmas Lights This Summer
Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean your Christmas lights have to go back into storage. With a little creativity, you can repurpose them to add charm, fun, or function to your outdoor (and indoor) spaces all summer long.
Here are 7 ways to make your Christmas lights work for you during the warm months:
☀️ 1. Light Up Your Backyard Patio or Deck
Wrap string lights around pergolas, deck railings, or fence lines to create a warm, inviting glow for evening cookouts and late-night hangouts. Use warm white lights for a clean, modern look—or colored ones for a more playful vibe.
🏕️ 2. Take Them Camping
Bring a few strands of battery-powered or solar string lights on your next camping trip. Hang them around your tent or RV to keep your site visible (and festive) without the harsh glare of a lantern.
🎉 3. Backyard Party Decor
Hosting a BBQ, pool party, or birthday bash? Use your Christmas lights to add sparkle to the event. Drape them along tables, inside drink coolers, around umbrellas, or even above a dance floor setup to elevate the atmosphere.
🌿 4. Highlight Garden Beds or Walkways
Low-voltage string lights can make great garden border markers. Weave them through flower beds, shrubs, or walkway edges for soft, glowing accents that help guests navigate your yard after dark.
🏡 5. Add a Glow to Your Garage, Workshop, or Home Gym
Don’t forget the inside. Run your old lights along the ceiling of your garage or home gym for functional, energy-efficient light that doubles as ambiance.
🔦 6. DIY Lanterns or Light Jars
Stuff a strand of fairy lights into mason jars or outdoor lanterns to make portable lighting that looks good on tables, ledges, or hanging from hooks. Great for patios or campfire settings.
🧒 7. Kids’ Forts and Play Areas
Use lights to add a touch of magic to your kids’ summer play zones—treehouses, backyard tents, or even under-bed forts. Just make sure to use indoor-safe lights and avoid heat sources.
💡 Bonus Tip: Let Summer Be a Test Run
If you’re in the Christmas light installation business (like Primo Lights), summer’s a great time to test new products, photograph setups for marketing, or offer permanent lighting systems that double as year-round décor.
Your lights don’t have to hibernate. With a little creativity, they can be part of the fun all year.