Stay Safe Hanging Christmas Lights: DIY Tips (and When to Leave It to the Pros)

The holidays are a time for cheer, not trips to the ER. Every year, thousands of people are injured while hanging Christmas lights—mostly from ladder falls and electrical mishaps. If you’re planning to hang your own lights this season, take a few minutes to do it safely.

At We Get You Lit, we love seeing homes across Jacksonville sparkle, but safety always comes first. Here are our top DIY safety tips—and a few reasons why hiring professionals can be the smarter move.

1. Check Your Lights Before You Climb

Before you head outside, plug in every strand and inspect it. Look for frayed wires, cracked sockets, or missing bulbs. Replace damaged strings right away. Always use outdoor-rated lights and extension cords with UL or ETL certification to handle Florida’s humidity and weather swings.

2. Use the Right Ladder (and a Spotter)

Set your ladder on solid, dry ground. Never lean it against gutters or climb on furniture to reach higher spots. Keep three points of contact at all times—two hands and one foot or vice versa. Having a spotter at the base is a simple way to prevent accidents.

3. Watch the Weather

Wet roofs and electricity don’t mix. Skip metal ladders and never install lights in the rain or when surfaces are slick. Rubber-soled shoes and gloves with good grip help reduce the risk of slipping or shock.

4. Protect Your Roof and Gutters

Avoid stapling into shingles or wood trim. Use plastic clips made for gutters, shingles, or eaves. They’re inexpensive, safer, and won’t cause leaks later. Remember: walking on roofs is dangerous, especially on steep slopes—consider staying on the ladder instead.

5. Don’t Overload Circuits

Plug lights into GFCI-protected outlets and follow the manufacturer’s limits on how many strands can be connected together. Too many can trip breakers or worse. Use timers or smart plugs to control power automatically and avoid running cords through doors or windows.

6. Store Lights the Right Way

When the season ends, wrap cords loosely and store them in a dry spot. Avoid tangles and kinks—they lead to damaged wires and frustration next year.

When It’s Time to Call the Pros

If your roof is high, steep, or you’re short on time, there’s no shame in handing it off. Professional installers have the equipment, insurance, and training to make your home shine without risk.

At We Get You Lit, our Jacksonville team designs, installs, and maintains custom Christmas light displays safely and efficiently. We handle everything—from setup to removal—so you can relax and enjoy the glow.

Stay Bright, Stay Safe

The sparkle of the holidays should come with smiles, not stress. Follow these safety tips if you DIY, and if you decide you’d rather stay off the ladder this year, call us at 904-701-4609 or request your free quote online.

We Get You Lit — Jacksonville’s trusted Christmas light installation pros.