A house with twinkling window lights sets a cozy Christmas scene. Add in some freshly fallen snow and a fire crackling beyond the glass and it becomes perfectly picturesque.
While we can't conjure up a winter wonderland for you (we really wish we could!), we can help you create a cozy vibe with Christmas window lights!
Popular Christmas Window Lights Ideas:
Christmas window lights can be displayed either on the inside or outside of your house and the installation method in both locations will be very similar. For most applications you'll need either adhesive or screw-in clips (your preference) to install the lights in your window, and that's pretty much it! It doesn't take a lot of time or many supplies to create window lights!
Adhesive Clips Tip: If you choose to use adhesive clips, we recommend testing the adhesive in an inconspicuous area to make sure it will come off of the surface cleanly. Most wood and smooth surfaces are fine, but we have seen clips stick stubbornly to some surfaces - so it's best to check before getting too far! If you're mounting lights outside, make sure any adhesive or sealants you use are outdoor rated.
Measuring for Window Lights: To avoid a lot of extra length that will need to be hidden, try to purchase light sets that are as close to your window size as you can. Take a long piece of string and tape it around your window in the same way you plan to install your lights. Then cut the string off wherever you want your lights to end. Carefully remove the string from the window and lay it flat to measure it. This will give you a close estimate of the length of lights you'll need.
How to Outline Windows with Lights
Mini Lights - we recommend using either adhesive hooks, screw-in hooks, or special clips designed for mini lights to outline your window with lights. If you're using clips with a hook, space the clips out evenly around your window placing a clip every six inches or so. Plug the lights in and then starting at the corner of the window closest to the plug, wrap your string around the hook of the first clip. Pull the string tight up to the next clip and wrap it around that hook. Continue this process until the entire window is complete. If you have any extra string, you can tuck it away somewhere inconspicuous or trail it down the wall.
If you're using mini light clips, the process is similar, except the light bulbs themselves fit snugly into the clip instead of the string being used. With mini light clips you can either use a clip on every bulb or every few bulbs depending on how secure you want them to be.
Rope Light - To outline windows with rope light, choose the smallest rope light diameter you can find so it's less bulky in your window frame. There are special hooks and channel tracks designed for use with rope light that can either be secured with adhesive or screwed in to keep the tubing in place. You can purchase 18 foot rope light kits that include mounting clips which may be all you need for your windows, however rope light spools are also available with some accessories included and can be cut to create custom lengths. For more rope light projects and installation tips, check out our rope light landscape ideas.
How to Hang Curtain Lights in Windows
Hanging curtains lights is probably the easiest and fastest way to create Christmas window lights. Similar to mounting mini lights around a window, you can use either adhesive clips or screw-in hooks to hang curtain lights. If you have a curtain rod available, this can also be used to secure the lights with twist ties or zip ties.
Before purchasing curtain lights, measure the width and height of your window to see how many sets you'll need to stretch across your window frame and make sure the light drops are long enough to cover your window's height. Evenly space and secure the hooks above your window by either screwing them in or following the installation instructions on your adhesive clip packaging. The more clips you use, the more secure your curtain lights will be. When the clips are in place, lay the horizontal support string of the curtain lights in the hooks. If you want them to hang more tightly across your window you can wrap the string around the hook to create a snug fit as you go. Gently pull on each of the vertical drops in sections with two hands to help straighten them out. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the hooks as you do this or they could be pulled off.
Hanging Stars & Snowflakes in Windows
Star and snowflake decorations are often heavier than string lights, so for this application we recommend using either a screw-in hook or a nail to hang these lights in your window. Suction cup hooks may also work if the decoration is not too heavy. You'll also need fishing wire or a string rated to hold the weight of your decoration. The wire should be secured around the snowflake or star and then attached to the hook to create the look of it being suspended in the center of a window. Run the power cord straight down to the power source or along the edge of the window to make it as inconspicuous as possible.