How to Power Outdoor Christmas Lights Without an Outlet! (2024)

If you’re excited to decorate for the holidays but don’t have an outdoor power plug nearby, you can still have outdoor Christmas lights!

Because maybe you want tocut down on the power billandsave money during the holiday season– or what if you have no electric power?

If that’s the case – then no worries!

We’re about to cover some of the more creative options topower outdoor Christmas lights without an outlet– even if you don’t have any electric power whatsoever!

How to Power Outdoor Christmas Lights Without an Outlet

You have countless options for Christmas lights without an outlet. The best methods are solar lights and battery-powered lights! You can also use an extension cord – plus there are other options, too! These days, Bluetooth Christmas lights and even USB lights work better than you think.

Any of these methods are surprisingly worthwhile and affordable! Out of all powerless Christmas light options, the following are our favorites.

1. Extension Cords
2. Solar Powered Christmas Lights
3. Battery Powered Christmas Lights
4. Bluetooth Christmas Lights
5. Rechargeable Christmas Lights
6. USB Powered Christmas Lights
7. Light Socket Adapters

We go over much more details below – plus the pros and cons of each. We also put together a handful of our best solutions for painless Christmas light installation below.

Some of the following Christmas light options work without any power outlets whatsoever!

7 Best Christmas Light Options Without an Outlet!

1. Use Extension Cords

If you have indoor or outdoor wall outlets – but they aren’t in a conveniently close location, extension cords are a great solution.

Use an extension cord at least as long as you need and israted for outdoor use. Only plug lights and extension cords into outlets connected to preinstalled fuses or an appropriately installed circuit breaker.

Consider and pay close attention to where the cord will travel.Try preventing the extension cord from becoming a trip hazard.Think ahead a little to save stress later on!

Keep the cords out of trafficked areas. Or, at least secure it to the ground with tape or a heavy rubber covering to avoid tripping accidents.

Pros of Extension Cords:

• Inexpensive
• Straightforward
• You may already have some in your shed or garage

Cons of Extension Cords:

• Setting up is quirky if you don’t have power sockets outdoors
• Nobody likes more wires – especially if they’re hanging out the window

I think extension cords rock, and I use them a lot to power lights around my homestead. Not just Christmas lights either, but year-round!

However, – I would advise that you spend some time securing your extension cords safely!

If The Extension Cord Will Plug Indoors

Please choose an extension cord rated for outdoor use. Safety first!

It doesn’t matter if the cord plugs into an indoor socket; it still needs to belabeled as an outdoor use extension cord.

If the indoor outlet is close to a window, plug the cord into safe outlets with fuses or are part of a circuit breaker.

When you plug the extension cord in, allow it to drape down towards the floor before rising up and through the window.

This drooping in the cable willallow water to drip off of the cordbefore having a chance to come into contact with the wall outlet.

After you plug your cord in and run it through the window, close the window as much as possible, and thentemporarily seal the gapbetween the window and the window sill.

You can use a blanket or towel if you’re in a pinch, but a foam piece or plastic covering works even better.

Ensure that the windowwon’t allow any water to leak into the home!Check every square inch of the window and sill to ensure you’ve done everything to secure the seal.

Taking the time now to protect against leakage protects the outlet, your window sill, your walls, and your floor from water damage, mold, and mildew.

A little water doesn’t seem like much. But buildups can cause you to have aholiday panic attackif you notice your roof leaking due to forgetting to seal your window!

So – always double-check your work!

2. Give Solar Lights a Chance!

Solar-powered Christmas lights have come a long way since their first debut. Now, the lights arebrighter, more vibrant, more durable, and longer-lasting,with less space and less sunshine needed.

Solar lights come in a brilliant array of holiday colors, brightness, designs, and patterns.

Solar lights can be used outdoors, in all weather conditions, and many models offer different modes that can beeasily changed using a remotecontrol.

New solar Christmas lights tolerate the short and dark days of winter. Many types will still light up bright and beautiful, even after several days of cloudy or snowy weather.

Pros of Solar Powered Christmas Lights

• Solar lights are surprisingly bright these days
• One of the easiest ways to hang Christmas lights without power
• Tons of colorful options – perfect for those of us who love lights year-round

Cons of Solar Powered Christmas Lights

• Some of the solar lights I’ve tried don’t last all night – only for a few hours after dark
• If you don’t have adequate sunlight, your lights get even weaker
• Not as consistent as old-fashioned Christmas lights

Overall, solar LED lights are an excellent (and modern) option. They’re perfect if you don’t want to increase your power bill. But – remember that sometimes, they aren’t as bright as old-fashioned lights no matter what you do!

LED Christmas lights are still one of my favorite options for outdoor lights. You can’t beat the cost and convenience.

3. Use Battery Operated Lights

I love battery-operated lights for Christmas lights.

Depending on the light’s configurations – these lights can stay on for anywhere from four hours to wellover one-hundred hoursof consistent usage.

Some battery-operated lights use triple-A batteries, while others use D batteries, and a select few (usually for industrial use) use automotive batteries.

If you use battery-powered Christmas lights, I advise carefully considering the best location for them to hang. I wouldn’t choose a place that’s a pain to reach!

I suggesta low, ladder-free, thorny bush-free spacethat won’t be inconvenient or painful to access repeatedly during the holiday season.

Or, purchase large batteries and long-lasting lights that won’t need recharging until after Christmas! That way – you needn’t worry until you’re ready to take your decorations down.

Pros of Battery-Operated Lights

• Potentially more reliable than solar Christmas lights
• Only of the less stressful Christmas light options if you have no exterior power
• Potential for bright lights that last

Cons of Battery-Operated Lights:

• Batteries cost extra – and tossing old batteries is messy
• AAA batteries are helpful, but they don’t last very long. The same is true for aa batteries!
• Not all battery-powered lights have timers

Hanging Christmas lights without power is a headache! I think battery-powered Christmas lights are arguably one of the easiest and fastest ways to get your Christmas lights up and running.

But – make sure you choose a model with decent battery life!

Also, remember that not all battery-powered lights have timers.

Make sure your battery-powered light has a timer– or you’ll need to manually turn your lights on (and off) each evening.

Read More –41+ Best Gifts for Homesteaders! Our Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide!

4. Bluetooth Lights Are an Option

Bluetooth lights aren’t inherently plug-in, solar, or battery-operated. They come in many options, so choose which is best for your situation.

Also – remember that battery-operated, rechargeable, solar, and power outlet Christmas lights have many options now.

You can still use fun and fancy Bluetooth lights, regardless of the power source!

Bluetooth lights allow you to havecontrol from your smartphone, program a lights and music show, create automation, set timers, change colors, change the light intensity, and so much more.

Your Christmas lights can also bemoved or voice-activatedif you wish. Be sure to explore your options and have fun.

Pros of Bluetooth Christmas Lights

• Bluetooth lights are trendy – there are tons of options to choose
• Variety of power sources – USB, AC power, solar, et cetera

Cons of Bluetooth Christmas Lights

• It may be a hassle to configure if you don’t enjoy tech stuff
• Some of them may require a smartphone to use

Bluetooth Christmas lights are one of the most popular options these days. I can recommend them only if you don’t mind tinkering with technology.

Sometimes, getting Bluetooth technology to work is a bit cumbersome – especially if you’re outside battling the frigid temperatures!

5. Don’t Forget Rechargeable Lights

Rechargeable lights are the least common solution but still an option!

Why use rechargeable lights? They’re convenient!

Rechargeable lights usually offer a power pack thatcan be disconnected and charged upor, unfortunately, a power pack that cannot be disconnected, requiring you to take down all your lights to charge them.

Very few people use rechargeable lights, and a lot of the rechargeable outdoor lights you’ll see on the market are battery-powered lights that seem mislabeled.

So, not all rechargeable lights are equal. Make sure that the rechargeable lights you use have excellent ratings!

Pros of Rechargeable Lights

• Get consistent power from your lights
• Potentially brighter and longer-lasting than LED Christmas lights

Cons of Rechargeable Lights

• Not all rechargeable lights are equal
• May require frequent recharging

I like rechargeable Christmas lights as an option if you don’t have power. But -remember that your lights might need recharging sooner than you think!

Read the instructions before you buy – and browse as many reviews as possible.

Read More –How to Hang Christmas Lights Outside Without Hammers or Nails!

6. Use USB Lights

If you’re a tech nerd who has too many devices idling around, you may want to consider LED bulbs.

Most modern Christmas lights have LED bulbs, so they produce a lot of light while using very little power.

Because of that, it is possible to have USB-powered Christmas lights. Your lights can nowpower by your car’s cigarette lighter, your laptop, or another tech.

Usually, these types of lights are just perfect for a few hours or an evening, but you can use them longer if you want and have a way to keep your USB device charged.

Pros of USB Christmas Lights

• Easy and convenient – no power socket needed
• Lots of USB Christmas light options exist these days

Cons of USB Christmas Lights

• Not the brightest option for powerless Christmas lights
• Drains your battery fast

I think USB Christmas lights are one of the most popular options these days. But – I think I still prefer battery-powered Christmas lights or rechargeable Christmas lights over USB Christmas lights.

USB Christmas lights are fun – but they don’t have the convenience or practicality of other portable Christmas light options.

Read More –8 Tips for Finding and Cutting Your Own Christmas Tree!

7. Give Light Socket Adapters a Go

Light socket adapters are brilliant little inventions that are exceptionally cost-effective and easy to install.

Socket adapters are straightforward. You canremove your outdoor light bulb, like the one on your porch or outside of your barn. Then,screw in the light socket adapter.

Where the bulb used to be – is where two handy power outlets now sit. You probably don’t want to keep your outdoor light on where you have whimsical Christmas lights on display anyway, so this is a good solution.

My absolute favorite part about this hack is that your outdoor Christmas lightscontrol by the light switchinside your home, barn, or garage. How handy is that – much better!

NOTE: Be sure that your Christmas lights are no more than 60W if you choose to use these adapters. Overloading the plug could cause an electrical short or other issue.

Pros of Light Socket Adaptors

• One of the most ingenious ways to power outdoor Christmas lights without an outlet
• One of the most affordable options on this entire list

Cons of Light Socket Adaptors

• You may not have a light socket available

Light socket adaptors are a stroke of genius that can potentially turn your front porch into a brilliant display of lights!

The only problem is that not everyone has a light socket available where they need lights.

But you still have options!

Battery, LED, or rechargeable Christmas lights still work when you need Christmas lights without power.

Read More –15 Amazing Christmas Fairy Garden Ideas!

Powerless Christmas Lights FAQs

We’ve spent more than a few seasons decorating using exterior Christmas lights and decking the halls!

We also know that figuring out how to power outdoor Christmas lights without an outlet is tricky – no doubt!

That’s why we’re answering some of the most common Christmas light questions that we’ve encountered – so far.

We hope these answers help!

Hanging Your Christmas Lights Made Easy!

We’ve spoken to so many homesteaders over the years who began homesteading because they wanted to save money.

That’s why we were happy to share our best tips for how to power outdoor Christmas lights without an outlet!

These were the best ways we found to power Christmas lights while also saving cash on your power bill.

We hope some of these ideas help brighten your holidays.

Also – let us know if you have more tips that we missed?

What’s the best way to power Christmas lights – even if you have no power?

Did we miss any tips?

Thanks again for reading.

And – Merry Christmas!