Outdoor Holiday Lighting Tips: How to Brighten Your Yard Safely and Beautifully
House with holiday lights.
There’s something magical about holiday lights filling the streets in Colorado, especially with our crisp weather settling in. Whether you’re nestled in Highlands Ranch, enjoying the open space of Parker, or overlooking the foothills in Castle Rock, outdoor lights bring warmth to our winter evenings and cheer to even the coldest nights. Holiday lighting also highlights your landscape’s best features—trees, architectural lines, pathways, and entryways—creating a festive atmosphere your neighbors and family will love.
At Aspenwood Landscape & Maintenance, we’ve designed and installed holiday lighting across Colorado for years. Below are our top professional tips to help you create a safe, beautiful, and durable holiday lighting display that can withstand freezing nights, snowstorms, and high-elevation sun.
1. Choose LED Lights for Colorado’s Climate
Colorado winter temperatures fluctuate wildly—from sunny 60-degree days to sudden freezes. LED lights hold up exceptionally well to these shifts.
Why LEDs work best:
Energy-efficient (use up to 80% less electricity)
Long-lasting and durable
Emit minimal heat (safer for shrubs, eaves, and trees)
Resistant to temperature changes
Brighter with less power draw
If you want professional-grade quality, look for waterproof outdoor-rated LED strands with sealed bulbs. These icicle lights are one of my favorites - really bright, warm light with energy saving bulbs and if one goes out, your strand still works.
2. Use Commercial-Grade C9 Bulbs for Rooflines
For rooflines, gables, and gutters, C9 bulbs are the gold standard in Colorado.
Benefits:
Visible even with snow on the roof
Classic warm and elegant appearance
Durable during wind, sun, and ice
Compatible with custom cut-to-fit light lines
Many contractors (including Aspenwood) custom-cut roofline strands to fit perfectly—no sagging, no extra slack, no mismatched spacing. You can learn to do this yourself by purchasing them on Amazon or at Lowes!
3. Highlight Trees and Bushes Strategically
Trees and shrubs add dimension and depth to your holiday display. The trick is choosing the right lighting method and lights than trying to just wrap the string lights you have without much process. Let’s face it, most of us aren’t exterior designers.
Wrapping Trunks: Great for aspens, maples, and ornamental trees.
Pro tip: Start at the base and wrap tightly, spacing lights evenly. Using a stretchy trunk wrapping product like this will really help you get the professional look you are wanting.
Branch Wrapping: Shows off structure and shape—especially stunning on leafless deciduous trees.
Net Lights on Bushes: Perfect for junipers, boxwoods, and low shrubs. Net lights save time, reduce tangling, and create even coverage.
4. Avoid Overloading Circuits
Cold weather increases electrical resistance, meaning your system can overload more easily. A good rule of thumb: Don’t connect more than 40–50 LED strands per outlet (varies by product—check labels).
To prevent tripped breakers:
Use LED lighting to reduce power draw
Check wattage limits for your circuits
Use outdoor-rated extension cords
Avoid daisy-chaining too many strands
5. Use Outdoor-Rated Timers
Timers simplify your lighting routine and ensure consistency. Look for:
Weatherproof housings
Daylight sensors
Programmable schedules
Heavy-duty cords
Timers also help you avoid running lights all night, saving energy and extending bulb life.
6. Embrace Pathway Lighting for Safety and Aesthetics
Snow and ice can make walkways slippery. Adding ground stakes or solar pathway lighting helps visitors safely navigate your yard while adding a festive glow.
Great placements include:
Along sidewalks
Up driveway borders
Around landscape beds
At entryway paths
Choose LED options with wide-angle illumination for best results.
7. Protect Wires from Snow and Moisture
Colorado snow is heavy and wet. Protect your lighting setup by:
Elevating connections off the ground
Avoiding wire placement where snow falls off roofs
Keeping strands clear of areas prone to freeze-thaw puddles
Moisture is the #1 cause of seasonal outages.
8. Use Gutter Clips and Shingle Tabs—Never Nails or Staples
While it might be tempting to staple lights for extra security, nails and staples can:
Damage shingles
Create roof leaks
Expose wires
Void roof warranties (This one especially you do not want to risk!)
Instead, use:
Plastic gutter clips
Shingle tabs
Universal light hangers
For your C9 bulbs in particular, these ones hold up well through wind and snow without harming your home.
9. Add Color Thoughtfully for a Classy Look
Classic white is timeless, but color—used strategically—can make your holiday display shine.
Ideas:
Soft white roofline + colored tree wraps
Alternating red and white C9s for a candy-cane effect
Blue and white blends for a winter wonderland
Warm white pathways + colorful shrubs
Colorado's snowy backdrop enhances color even more, making displays vibrant and crisp.
10. Consider a Professional Holiday Lighting Installation
DIY holiday lighting is rewarding, but it comes with challenges—especially in Colorado winters. Professionals (like Aspenwood Landscape) offer:
Custom-designed lighting plans
Safe ladder and roof work
Professional-grade lighting equipment
Timely installation and takedown
Storage options
Maintenance during the season
If you want the safest and most beautiful display possible without the hassle, hiring pros is a smart choice. However, be sure to check their minimum’s, we have a $1500 minimum for holiday lights for example which includes the setup, takedown and you keep the lights.
Safety Considerations for Holiday Lighting
When decorating your yard with holiday lights, “festive” and “safe” should go hand-in-hand. Harsh winters, snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures raise specific risks — use these best practices to protect your home, wiring, and family.
Inspect all lights and cords before use. Look for cracks, frayed wires, or exposed connections. Discard any damaged strands.
Use lights and extension cords rated for outdoor use. Indoor-only lights are often not waterproof and can short or fail in wet, cold conditions.
Keep electrical connections elevated. Don’t let plugs sit in snow, puddles, or mud. Use waterproof outdoor junction boxes or lift connections off the ground.
Avoid overloading circuits. Cold weather can increase resistance and circuit stress. Use separate circuits for large displays and avoid daisy-chaining too many strands.
Secure lights properly without damaging your home. Use gutter clips, shingle tabs, or light-specific hangers — avoid nails or staples that puncture roofing or siding.
Turn off lights during heavy snowstorms or before severe weather. Snow accumulation on rooflines or trees can pull down lights or strain wiring.
Use timers or smart plugs with surge protection. Automatic shut-off reduces the risk of overheating or accidental fires.
Mind ladder and roof safety if installing lights yourself. For two-story or steep-roof homes, it’s often safer to hire a professional (like Aspenwood) rather than climbing regardless of weather.
Before You Start: Safety Prep Checklist
Check the weather — Colorado’s winter winds and surprise snowstorms can make ladder work dangerous. Install lights during daylight on a dry, calm day.
Test every strand before climbing a ladder — Replace burned-out bulbs, frayed wires, or flickering sections or throw it out if you have strands half lit.
Gather the right tools — A sturdy extension ladder, outdoor-rated extension cords, gutter clips, and gloves with grip.
Use LED holiday lights only — They stay cool, use less energy, and are less likely to overheat in dry Colorado air.
Electrical Safety: Avoiding Fire Hazards
Never plug more than three strings together unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
Use outdoor GFCI outlets only (ground-fault circuit interrupter). If you don’t have one, use an outdoor-rated GFCI adapter.
No indoor cords outside — they crack in cold temperatures and become shock hazards.
Keep cords off the ground where melting snow can collect. Elevate connections or use waterproof cord covers.
Ladder & Roof Safety: The Most Common Accident Area
Always follow the three-point rule on ladders (two hands, one foot OR two feet, one hand).
Have another adult present to steady the ladder from below.
Avoid placing a ladder on icy sidewalks, mulch beds, or uneven landscaping stones or dirt.
Never get on a roof with snow, frost, or ice — even a thin layer makes it dangerously slick and professionals won’t do it either.
Outdoor Safety for Kids & Pets
Route cords behind shrubs or landscape edging so they’re out of reach.
Illuminate walkways and driveways to prevent falls for visitors.
If you have pets who love to chew, wrap cords with protective tubing or elevate them.
Firewise Safety for Colorado Landscapes
Because Colorado homes sit in a semi-arid environment, fire safety matters even in winter:
Keep lights and extension cords away from dried ornamental grasses, evergreen shrubs, or brittle fall leaves still trapped in beds.
Switch to cool-touch LEDs to avoid heating dry vegetation.
Put your lights on timers so they aren’t running all night.
By building safety directly into your lighting plan — from inspection to installation — you’ll create a beautiful display that lasts all season and keeps your family and home secure.
Holiday lighting transforms your home and brings joy to your neighborhood, but Colorado’s climate requires thoughtful planning, high-quality products, and safe installation practices. Whether you're wrapping trees, lighting pathways, or creating a dazzling roofline, these tips will help your yard shine all season long.
If you'd like a custom holiday lighting installation, Aspenwood Landscape offers professional design, installation, maintenance, and takedown across South Denver, Parker, Castle Rock, and Highlands Ranch.
Contact us today and get your yard ready for the holidays!