How do I add a long pre-lit garland to my deck railing?

Barb
by Barb

I bought two 9' pre-lit garlands last year, and thought I would put them up on my deck railing, so I have something Christmas-y to look at out my back door. I discovered very quickly that the end of one garland does not plug into the other like light strands, and I don't know how to put up more than one garland (I actually think I will need to buy one more, so three total). I often see/admire homes with a long row of lit garland along the roof or fence, and I don't know how to achieve that look without having extension cords all over the place! I'd love some suggestions, please!

  7 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Dec 06, 2018

    That's because they don't use prelit garland, they use garland and add normal exterior Christmas lights that plug in to each other. Sorry. Save your prelit for smaller areas.

  • Barb Barb on Dec 06, 2018

    Pre-lit garlands seemed genius to me - I never even looked for ones that aren't! I'll keep my eyes open. Thanks Kelli!

    Signed,

    Feeling a little stupid in VT! LOL

  • I did find garland that plugs into other garland, so it is out there. The only problem I have with mine is that it's not the kind that will stay lit if a bulb goes out. Hopefully you'll be able to take what you have back and get something else that works better for you.

  • Barb Barb on Dec 06, 2018

    That's great to know that they exist, CribbsStyle. Maybe I'll look for one to use with the one I have. I bought mine last year after the holidays so probably they are mine forever!

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Dec 07, 2018

    You could put two of them so that they come together with the plugs at the middle. If you use a third one, run an extension cord under the one next to it so that you don't need to run one all the way to the end of the porch rail and plug them together in one spot.

    • See 1 previous
    • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Dec 09, 2018

      Glad I could be of help! It is the only way I could think of to hide the cords to be less noticeable was to bring them together in one place and hide the third cord to bring it to the same place.

  • Sharliene Sharliene on Dec 07, 2018

    Nancy"s idea is the way I would do it with one surge protector so I could turn them off at that point.

  • Lisadoll Lisadoll on Dec 14, 2021

    While we re on the topic of Xmas cords and all…

    I buy the dusk. to dawn timers that also have remotes . Plug them into your outdoor outlet. They have three available spots to plug in your extensions and multiple settings.

    OR you can also use the remote .

    Use them year round for outdoor fountains etc.

    Theyre sold everywhere but for an example check out the “woods” brand on Amazon.