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The Best Outdoor Tree Lights for Magical Ambiance Anytime

Better Lawns and Garden Reviews Team
Written By Better Lawns and Garden Reviews Team
Last updated: Feb 28, 2025, 12:06 AM
Affiliate Disclosure ↓

These days, tree lights are almost always associated with Christmas and the holidays.

highly rated outdoor tree lights

And this comes as no surprise since people only really bring out the tree lights during the holidays to spruce up (pun intended) their Christmas tree. But you don’t need to wait for the holidays to use tree lights, and if you find them to be beautiful in your garden, there’s nothing stopping you from adding them in. Outdoor tree lights are designed to handle the conditions of the outside with no real issue. Of course, you don’t want the lights to get wet if they aren’t waterproof, but other than that, they’ll do just fine outside. Outdoor tree lights can vary in length, design, and color, and you can do a lot of things with them depending on the features available. Have a look at these premium outdoor tree lights for 2025 and make things all beautiful, ornamental, and cozy!

View all Contents
  • Buyer’s Guide for Finding A Beautiful Outdoor Tree Light
    • What Are Outdoor Tree Lights?
    • Why Do You Need Outdoor Tree Lights?
    • Tips When Using an Outdoor Tree Light
  • People Also Asked
  • Why Trust Us?
  • Contributors
  • Related Reviews

Our Top Picks

  • Twinkle Star Outdoor Tree Light: Best Overall (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this outdoor tree light ↓
  • Minetom Halloween String Lights: Best for Halloween (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this outdoor tree light ↓
  • Haili 105ft 300 LED Christmas Tree Lights: Best for Christmas (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this outdoor tree light ↓
  • Aluan Christmas Lights: Most Affordable (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this outdoor tree light ↓
  • HOME LIGHTING Mini Lights: Most Color Options (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this outdoor tree light ↓
  • Addlon 48 FT Outdoor String Lights: Best Vintage Bulbs (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this outdoor tree light ↓

Compare The Highest-Rated Outdoor Tree Lights Of 2025

Twinkle Star Outdoor Tree Light

Best Overall
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The Twinkle Star Outdoor Tree Light provides a beautiful, festive glow to any area. The 50 LED bulbs come in a 17-foot strand, with a 1-foot leading wire and 16 feet of lights. The strong C6 bulbs are securely molded into the sockets, locking out elements and providing an extended life. Plus, these energy-efficient LEDs save up to 80% compared to traditional incandescent bulbs!

Why It’s a Best-Seller
  • Variety of lighting modes
  • Reliable waterproof construction
  • Energy efficient
What to Note
  • Doesn’t work with all themes
Key features/specs
The Twinkle Star Outdoor Tree Lights come with 8 lighting modes, from Combination to In Waves to Slow Fade, so you’re sure to find just the right effect for any occasion. There’s also a built-in auto timer function that turns the lights on for 6 hours before shutting off for 18 hours, so you can set it and forget it! With their bright, festive look and reliable waterproof construction, these best overall string lights are sure to stand out from the crowd.

Minetom Halloween String Lights

Best for Halloween
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Tree lights are often associated with Christmas, but there are tree lights designed for other holidays. Take, for example, this set of tree lights – it comes in only two colors, purple and orange, and they’re made specifically for use during Halloween. Now, unlike Christmas, Halloween isn’t as widely celebrated worldwide, and this is due to a variety of factors. However, if you celebrate Halloween where you live, you may find these outdoor lights to be nifty during that time of the year.

Why It’s a Best-Seller
  • Ideal for halloween or themed-parties
  • Comes in two colorsand offers 8 blinking patterns
What to Note
  • Both the colors (blue and purple) have very minor difference
Key features/specs
The orange and purple hue that these lights emit really set the mood for Halloween. Now, if you’re considering buying Halloween-themed lights, you’re probably also the type of person to decorate the door or front yard with spooky ornaments, statues, and so on. If so, then these lights will definitely add to that atmospheric mood, especially if your decorations match or contrast with the lights well!

Haili 105ft 300 LED Christmas Tree Lights

Best for Christmas
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Of course, this list was bound to have at least one Christmas-themed tree light product, and here it is. It’s pretty standard as far as tree lights go, with 105 feet of LED Christmas tree lights that come in an assortment of colors, as is with many Christmas tree lights. The lights are UL certified and run on 29V low voltage, so they’re pretty safe for outdoor tree lights.

Why It’s a Best-Seller
  • IP65 waterproof
  • 12-month replacement policy
  • Comes in three colors; multicolor, warm white, as well as a combination of the two
  • A bulb going off wouldn’t cause the rest of the bulbs to stop working
What to Note
  • Not all the bulbs on each string are guaranteed to work (some may not)
Key features/specs
And yes, they’re not just any type of tree lights – they’re made for the outdoors. These lights are waterproof, so you can be completely fine with putting them out in the open, rain or shine, and you won’t run into any issues. With IP65 waterproofing, you can use it without worry. And if the product doesn’t meet your expectations, you can always replace it within 12 months or avail of their money-back policy within 60 days.

Aluan Christmas Lights

Most Affordable
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Christmas lights, and tree lights in general, can cost a pretty penny for how simple they are. And, to a degree, it makes sense – after all, you’re paying for a piece of tech that’s not only durable but also waterproof. As such, it’s not surprising to spend upwards of $30 or more on a solid set of tree lights. But what if you had less than $15 for a budget? Fortunately, you can still get your hands on waterproof tree lights at that price range.

Why It’s a Best-Seller
  • Available in two sizes; 100 led bulbs and 200 led bulbs
  • Comes with 8 blinking modes
  • Available in three colors; warm white, cool white, and multicolor
  • The light strips are connectable and extendable
What to Note
  • These lights can be too bright for some
Key features/specs
This set of tree lights comes in a few different colors, but its main advantage over other products is simply how cheap the product is compared to others. Sure, the lights are pretty short compared to others, with only 33+10ft in length, but for its price, you’re getting your money’s worth. The lights can be used in all sorts of applications, whether it be for the holidays or anything else you have in mind.

HOME LIGHTING Mini Lights

Most Color Options
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Christmas tree lights are very commonly seen having multiple colors. This makes the lights look especially pretty when combined with Christmas tree ornaments, but when used on something that isn’t Christmas-related, you can’t shake away that feeling of Christmas no matter how you arrange them.

Why It’s a Best-Seller
  • Available in over 8 colors
  • The lights have 8-modes setting, memory function, and are extendable
What to Note
  • The connector it comes with is non-standard (so you can’t connect the light strip with lights of another brand)
Key features/specs
This set of mini lights is perfect for everyday use because they come in all sorts of colors. You can’t change the color of the lights, so you’ll need to choose the correct color before buying. However, once you choose the right color, you’re going to have a blast because these waterproof and sturdy lights will be useful whether you’re looking to spruce up your garden, light up your patio, or even just beautify your room!

Addlon 48 FT Outdoor String Lights

Best Vintage Bulbs
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Aside from the mini lights that you’ll often see during the holidays, there exists another type of outdoor string light that sees pretty regular use in homes, establishments, and public spaces – the vintage bulb lights. Vintage bulbs, also commonly called Edison bulbs, have this beautiful shape, color, and vibe associated with them that makes things a lot more cozy and homely.

Why It’s a Best-Seller
  • Designed for edison bulbs
  • Available in 24ft and 48ft sizes
  • The cords/holders are available in three colors; brown/orange, black, and white
What to Note
  • Dimmer switch is not included in the set and will have to be bought separately
Key features/specs
The lights are commercial-grade, so you can set them up in your home or your business if you feel like doing so. They are also weatherproof, withstanding rain, sun, snow, and even damp conditions. It can also be connected to a dimmer switch to adjust the lighting more accurately, though you’ll need to buy a dimmer separately since it doesn’t come with your purchase. The lights come in three cord colors – black, white, and orange, so you’ll find plenty of ways to install them at home!

Buyer’s Guide for Finding A Beautiful Outdoor Tree Light

If you want to bring the night sky to your backyard, then a set of outdoor tree lights will do the trick! Learn more about outdoor tree lights with this quick and simple buyer’s guide.

What Are Outdoor Tree Lights?

Outdoor tree lights are arrays of small lights that may be strung around a tree or another surface. They are designed for outdoor use, meaning that they are typically waterproof and weatherproof, allowing them to be left out even during rainy or snowy days.

Why Do You Need Outdoor Tree Lights?

You don’t need to wait for the holidays to use outdoor tree lights. Here’s why:

They add a layer of beauty and charm to your outdoor environment

Unlike traditional lights, which are used to provide visibility in dim or dark lighting conditions, string lights such as tree lights are primarily used for decorative purposes. You won’t be able to see more clearly in the dark, but they look very beautiful, especially when paired with other ornaments or when strung about other beautiful objects such as flowers and the like.

There’s a certain charm to tree lights that no other type of decoration can emulate. Think about it – why did the Christmas lights ever become popular in the first place? You could argue that they’re popular now because it serves as some form of tradition, but back when they were first added to trees, the reasoning was simple – they looked great.

So if Christmas lights look so great, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t use them during other times of the year. Tree lights can achieve the same effect as traditional Christmas lights without having to be associated with the holidays. Speaking of which:

They’re great all-year-round

Tree lights work best during the night, and since night occurs half of the time, you’re bound to get a lot of use out of a single set of lights. You can turn them on every evening and let them rest in the morning. You don’t even need to turn them on if you’re not going to lounge outdoors, so they’ll last for even longer in certain conditions.

What makes outdoor tree lights so useful all year round, however, is the fact that they’re designed to last. Virtually all outdoor tree lights are made to be weatherproof these days, and some of them are made to resist all types of weather, including rain, snow, and dampness. This allows you to set up the lights and leave them there for months on end without having to do any sort of maintenance.

Tips When Using an Outdoor Tree Light

Don’t put them too close to trees or flammable objects

Now, this first tip may sound counter-intuitive to the product’s very own name, but you’ll definitely want to follow it if you plan on installing a set of lights in your backyard permanently. Do NOT put the lights too close to trees, shrubs, vines, or any other flammable substance. This is because while technology has come quite a long way since the invention of string lights and Christmas lights, they’re still run by electricity and you shouldn’t be too careless with them!

You see, in many, many scenarios, light is accompanied by heat. Now, over the years, we’ve been able to create technology that provides a lot of light for only a little heat, but when it comes to LED and string lights, there’s still enough heat for accidents to occur. The lights themselves can be warm to the touch, and this can be enough to cause fire to a dry leaf touching the bulb directly. And if the wires are broken or damaged, this can also cause a spark and start a flame.

So to prevent fires from ever happening, your best bet is to put the lights away from trees and greenery or any other flammable object as much as possible. While you’ll be dismantling your Christmas lights once the holidays are over, permanent lights will stay up for months or even years, so it’s vital to plan ahead.

Don’t use them when you’re not around

This is more of an economic and environmental tip than a safety tip, but it’s still worth mentioning. Outdoor tree lights use up electricity, and keeping them on would be a waste if you weren’t there to appreciate the lights. So if you don’t plan on staying outside for the evening, consider keeping the lights off. You can always have them on when guests are around, and you’ll be saving on your electricity bill while also reducing your carbon footprint in the process.

People Also Asked

Are outdoor tree lights waterproof?

Generally, tree lights advertised as “outdoor” lights are waterproof, but be sure to check the product description to confirm whether or not this is the case.

Are outdoor tree lights safe?

While outdoor tree lights are generally safe to use outside, they can still have the capability to cause fires if left unchecked, so be sure to keep an eye on them whenever you can.

Are tree lights a good source of light?

Generally, no, they are not. Tree lights and string lights are designed to operate as decorations and not as an alternative to lighting for visibility.

Contributors

Better Lawns and Garden Reviews Team
Better Lawns and Garden Reviews Team
Yard and Garden
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