How to Hang Christmas Lights Without a Ladder

By Tom •  Updated: 11/12/23 •  7 min read

If you don’t have to reach higher than 2 stories, you can hang your Christmas lights from the ground – no ladder needed – whether you need to attach them to gutters or shingles all you need is a telescoping pole and the right clips.

Ladders are dangerous if you’re not careful. Each year 500,000 people are treated for injuries in the United States from ladder falls – and 300 people die according to the CDC

The process varies depending on what you’re trying to hang it on and some pole methods make it tough to make it work – particularly if you’re trying to hang the lights on the 2nd story.

In this article you’ll learn: 

Here are some other Christmas light hanging scenarios that I’ve covered as well: How to hang Christmas lights on a roof without gutters, How to Hang Christmas Lights on Gutters with Gutter Guards, How to Hang Christmas Lights Without a Ladder, and How To Hang Christmas Lights on a House with a Metal Roof

How to Hang Christmas Lights Without a Ladder

Hanging Christmas lights can be a highlight of the holiday season, but it can also be a challenging and sometimes dangerous task, especially when you’re trying to reach high places without a ladder.

Fortunately, there are several techniques and tools that you can consider to hang your Christmas lights with both feet firmly on the ground.

(Some of the below links are affiliate links which means I get paid a bit if you click through and buy something — it doesn’t add anything to your cost! Just helps keep the lights on.)

Preparations for Hanging Christmas Lights

Before you begin, it’s essential to select the right type of lights and extension cords that are safe for outdoor use. Perform a risk assessment and consider any potential safety issues that could arise during installation. Make sure the weather is right and not too windy; clear walkways and secure any loose items that might get in your way.

Choosing the Right Equipment

To hang Christmas lights without a ladder, here’s what you’ll need:

Methodology for Hanging Christmas Lights

First-Floor Methods

Here are some clips you can use that thread onto a broom handle:

No Ladder 25 Count Clear Gutter and Shingle Clips by Dyno Seasonal Solutions - Each Box Decorates Up To 50'
  • 25 Count Box of Clear No Ladder Gutter and Shingle Clips
  • Designed For Use With The No Ladder Light Hanging System (Sold Separately) But The Clip Can Be Screwed On To Any Threaded-End Pole
  • Hang Lights Faster, Safer and Easier in ¼ The Time From The Ground
  • Allows You To Decorate Your Roof Line From The Ground Using Any Threaded-End Extension Pole
  • Decorates Up To 50' Feet When Spaced 2' Feet Between Each Clip (Recommended Spacing-18-24" Inches)
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Second-Story Methods

No Ladder PRO Telescoping Pole with 25 Rapid Release Light Clips
  • The FASTEST, EASIEST, and SAFEST way to decorate your gutters, shingles or eaves with holiday lights.
  • Pole extends up to 11 feet to offer assistance for hanging and uninstalling holiday lights, decor on gutters, shingles & eaves, as well décor in trees shrubs, wreaths, bows or other products that are unattainable from the ground. No more climbing on chairs or stairs!
  • Includes 25 Gutter, Shingle, Eaves Combo Clips
  • Not limited to holiday decorating purposes only but to help simplify everyday home decor or other home application needs
  • Includes one pole and 25 clips. For use indoors and outdoors
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Beware with this method, it doesn’t work for everyone and some people have problems with both the pole and the hooking the hooks on the strings. The main difficulty is that you either have to hook the string way up in the air or you put the hooks on before-hand and then have to somehow hook on to the clips from the ground. 

I think in this case you’d have to put the hooks on far enough apart on the strings that you can both put the hook on the string AND put it on the end of the pole at the same time on the ground. This will lead to strands that hang down a bit if the gutter or roofline is very high up. But if it’s just a first story, it could work fine. 

Here’s one method you can try by modifying the clips: 

Or you can just rest the string in the clip like this guy does: 

Alternative Techniques for Hanging Christmas Lights

If you’re planning to decorate a tall tree, consider these approaches:

EVERSPROUT 7-to-18 Foot Utility Hook with Extension Pole (25 Foot Reach)
  • Utility Hook can be used in countless ways such as installing holiday lights, hanging bird feeders and wind chimes, closing tall vents or window blinds (shutters), boating, hanging clothes & more! Makes hard to reach spots a breeze such as truck beds, conveyor belts, or rock climbing.
  • SAVE TIME, SKIP THE LADDER – REACH UP TO 25 FEET WHEN STANDING – Included is an Eversprout Extension Pole (6.5 to 18 ft) and Utility Hook (4” x 3” x 1”). 
  • 1 YEAR WARRANTY, 1 TREE PLANTED WITH EVERY ORDER
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Additional Options

For a more permanent solution, install hooks under roof overhangs where lights can be affixed year after year. Or, if you’re comfortable with heavy machinery, renting a cherry picker gives you high reach without a ladder.

Cherry Picker Rental at The Home Depot for example.

Safety Precautions and Best Practices

While these methods help you avoid ladder use, they still require precautions. Here are some best practices:

And here are some more pro tips:

Tom

A few years ago I bought my first house. It’s 100 years old. It’s clearly had a history of less-than-professional DIY handymen/women. And APPARENTLY you’re supposed to actually put work and money into it if you don’t want it to look terrible or water to rain down on you while you’re sleeping. About YouTube Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram