Practical Tips on How to Hang Festoon Lights

Festoon lights are one of the most versatile and charming lighting solutions, whether you're styling a garden party, lighting up a pergola, or creating a magical year-round glow in your outdoor space. With their signature warm bulbs and timeless appeal, festoon lights effortlessly transform any environment into a cosy, inviting retreat.

However, no matter how beautiful your festoon lights are, their impact heavily depends on how they’re hung. A thoughtful installation not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also ensures longevity, safety, and ease of use. In this guide, we share five practical ways to hang your festoon lights, along with helpful tips and product links to make the process smooth and effective.

If you’re planning a long-term festoon display, a guide wire system is the most reliable and secure method.

Tools Required:
Stainless steel guide wire
Turnbuckles and hooks
Cable ties or clips
Eye hooks and a drill
Festoon lights

Step-by-Step:
Measure your space and map out the layout.

Install eye hooks at each end where the guide wire will run.

Thread the wire through turnbuckles and tighten securely to create a strong line.

Attach your festoon lights using cable ties or integrated clips at regular intervals.

Safety & Weatherproofing:
Always use outdoor-rated festoon lights, such as our Connectable Festoon Lights.

Avoid excessive tension to prevent wire snapping under pressure.

Use UV-resistant ties for outdoor durability.

Extra Tips:
Keep bulbs evenly spaced for balance.
Ensure easy access to bulbs for future replacements.

Hosting a weekend garden party or wedding? Adhesive command hooks are perfect for short-term hanging without damaging surfaces.

Tools Required:
Outdoor command hooks
Ruler or tape measure
Lightweight festoon lights

Step-by-Step:
Clean and dry the surface thoroughly.

Apply hooks every 60-100cm, ensuring even spacing.

Drape the lights gently without putting tension on the hooks.

Safety & Weatherproofing:
Use hooks rated for outdoor use and follow curing instructions before hanging.

Avoid placing near heat sources or in windy areas.

Trees offer a great anchoring point for festoon lights and add a rustic, natural feel to your display.

Tools Required:
Outdoor extension cord (if needed)
Tree-friendly rope or bungee cords
Festoon lights with strong cabling
Ladder and helper

Step-by-Step:
Wrap cords around trunks at the same height.

String festoon lights between the trees, secured with cable ties.

Let the lights swoop naturally for a relaxed look.

Safety & Weatherproofing:
Avoid using nails or screws in tree bark.
Use weatherproofed lighting, such as our Pro Connect Festoons.

Extra Tips:
Space bulbs evenly and account for movement from wind or swaying branches.

For added security, anchor the mid-section with a third tree or pole.

Festoon lights look stunning when strung across fences, walls, or the exterior of your home.

Tools Required:
Wall plugs and hooks
Drill and spirit level
Festoon lights

Step-by-Step:
Mark out your layout and spacing.

Drill holes and install wall plugs for a secure hold.

Insert hooks and drape lights as desired.

Safety & Weatherproofing:
Seal holes with silicone to prevent water ingress.

Choose mains-powered festoons for reliability.

Extra Tips:
Use a downward drape to prevent strain on bulbs and wires.

Allow slack in the cable to handle wind flex.

Don’t have trees or walls nearby? A pole system lets you create a display anywhere.

Tools Required:
Metal or wooden poles (2.4m–3m high), our Shepherd’s Hook Festoon Poles are perfect.
Ground stakes or heavy bases
Cable ties or clips
Festoon lights

Step-by-Step:
Install poles securely in the ground or weighted bases.

String festoon lights between poles with gentle swoops.

Anchor midpoints if needed for added stability.

Safety & Weatherproofing:
Make sure poles are wind-resistant and check for secure anchoring.

Select festoon lights with rubberised cables for outdoor use.

Extra Tips:
Keep spacing around 50-80cm between poles for a sturdy span.

Use Festoon Poles specifically designed for this setup.

Spacing & Planning:
Draw a basic plan of your space.

Calculate bulb count based on 30–50cm spacing for a warm glow, and wider spacing for a minimal look.

Wind & Movement:
Always allow slack in the line to reduce tension from wind.

Secure cable joins with waterproof tape or clips.

Power & Cable Management:
Use outdoor-rated extension leads and sockets.

Conceal cables neatly with cable guards or along the base of fences.

For wireless setups, consider our Solar Festoon Lights.

To keep your festoon lights shining for seasons to come:

Regular Maintenance:
Wipe bulbs gently with a soft cloth every few months.

Check for frayed cables or loose connections before each use.

Winter Storage:
Take down lights during extreme winter weather to prolong their life.

Coil cables neatly and store in a dry, temperature-controlled space.

Hanging festoon lights properly transforms your space, from garden soirées and festive weddings to quiet evenings under the stars. Whether you're using a guide wire for a long-term setup or shepherd's hook poles for a quick celebration, the right installation method ensures your lights look beautiful and perform brilliantly.

We offer a wide range of festoon lights and accessories to suit every setting and season. Explore our full Festoon Light Collection now!