I Asked Experts How Many Christmas Lights I Need to Decorate My Tree — And They Revealed the Ultimate Number

You can always tell when fall fades to winter and Christmas time gets nearer. But my personal favorite tell-tale sign will always be the lights. Sure I adore the delicate glass baubles and the flurry of tinsel but the lights are by far and away what I look forward to the most.

Perhaps it's because daylight is fleeting, but Christmas lights bring a joy of their own to any space they inhabit. And they're officially getting their main character moment in the one spot that tends to have multiple accessories at play — the tree.

A lights-only tree may seem underdressed but when done right, this pared-back style can be just as beautiful and elegant as a tree that's decked out from top to skirt. But one of the most crucial measurements to consider when fashioning lights as your sole ornament is the question of quantity.

Since the entire vibe of a lit tree ties into its understated attention grab, you don't want it to feel too try-hard. On the other hand, you don't want it to look underwhelming, either. Mistaken for an unfinished tree, you're still in the midst of decorating it. So if you're looking for the golden measure to go by, the magic number lies below.

Let There Be Lights — How Many Though?

In conversation with interior designer Nina Lichtenstein, she affirms this year, Christmas tree lights are dominating holiday decor trends as the single most essential ornament for a tree. But before you begin transforming your Christmas lighting ideas into reality, it's important to certify the amount of lights you truly need.

"For Christmas tree lights to shine as the sole ornament, use about 100 lights per vertical foot of tree height," advises Nina. "For instance, a 6-foot tree would need at least 600 lights to create an impactful and visually stunning display."

She goes on to explain that this density ensures even coverage and provides the vibrant glow needed to make lights the centerpiece of your tree. "If you prefer a more dramatic look, increase the number to around 150 lights per foot for an extra-bright, bold effect," she adds.

Why is 100 the Magic Number for Christmas Tree Lights?

According to Nina, this guideline works because it balances the visual impact of lights with the tree’s natural texture and shape. She finds that using enough lights ensures a cohesive and luminous effect that enhances the tree without overwhelming it.

"Additionally, evenly distributing the lights across the tree creates depth, dimension, and a polished aesthetic that rivals even the most elaborately decorated trees," she explains. "The simplicity and sophistication of a well-lit tree make this approach timeless and versatile, appealing to a wide range of styles and preferences."

With the right amount of lights in one hand and a guide to properly putting Christmas lights on a tree in the other, you have all the makings of a very merry ambiance.

The key to most trendy aesthetics is balance. And in the case of this Christmas tree light trend, the deciding factor that can take your tree from lackluster to lovely is the number of lights you have on display.

So if there was ever a time to channel your inner Goldilocks and find the number of lights that works just right, it's now. Lucky for us, Nina's given us the perfect number to work with for a tree that's so wonderfully enchanting that you might forego the baubles for years to come.