These extension cords are sure to keep your Christmas lights shining bright throughout the winter months.
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The Best Extension Cords for Outdoor Christmas Light Displays
If you’re anything like Clark Griswold from Christmas Vacation, setting up holiday lights is one of your favorite parts of getting into the Christmas spirit. But like Clark, you’ll need more than light strings to get it done—you’ll need an extension cord (or two) to power your marvelous, twinkling display.
Not just any extension cord will work for outdoor lighting. You need durable, tough options that can withstand the elements while delivering reliable power. To help, we found some of the best extension cords for outdoor light displays. Now, all you have to do is pick the one(s) that suit your needs, and you’ll have twinkling lights in no time!
VIA MERCHANT
Otimo Heavy-Duty Three-Prong
These extra heavy-duty outdoor extension cords are made of water-resistant and flame-resistant material, making them ideal for your outdoor Christmas light display. They’re UL listed and include a grounded plug to ensure safety.
More than 85 percent of Amazon reviewers give these extension cords five-star ratings. Says one reviewer: “These are nice quality cords. I am impressed with the fit and finish of the cords. The ends are very sturdy and seem to be very well made and assembled. The cords feel sturdy and are sized well (not too thin).”
If you accidentally cut your extension cord or power tool cord, here’s a safe way to fix it.
VIA MERCHANT
TerraBloom Ultra-Flexible Lighted Extension Cord
This extension cord is made of the durable compound TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), which can withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining flexibility. Amazon reviewers often complain about outdoor extension cords becoming stiff due to frigid temperatures. This flexible cord is an exception
The 100-foot 12-gauge cord provides moisture, oil and abrasion resistance, coupled with superior flexibility in below-freezing temperatures (down to minus-35 degrees F). It also features an LED lighted multi-tap (pigtail) design that allows you to plug in up to three strings of Christmas lights at the same time. Here’s our handy guide to choosing the best extension cord.
VIA MERCHANT
Coleman Cable Vinyl Extension Cord
This 16-gauge cord is UL listed and meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. It’s perfect to hang Christmas lights because the vinyl insulation resists oil, grease, moisture, abrasion and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
“Worked great,” says an Amazon reviewer. “Well insulated. I have it literally buried in my yard running to landscape lighting and the weather hasn’t bothered it.”
BLACK+DECKER Retractable Extension Cord Reel
This outdoor-friendly extension cord offers 50 feet of retractable length, four outlets and a built-in surge protector to keep your devices safe. Though bulkier than a standard loose cord, its convenience more than makes up for the extra size.
“This is hands down my favorite extension cord,” says Anthony in his five-star verified review. “I don’t need to deal with untangling cords anymore. I just plug into the outlet and drag the reel to where I want, and it automatically just unwinds by itself.”
What to Look for in Extension Cords for Outdoor Christmas Light Displays
When planning your holiday lights, choosing the right extension cords can help you achieve a safe, durable, and hassle-free setup. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Length and Gauge
Ensure the cord covers the necessary distance and select an appropriate gauge. Thicker cords, like 12-gauge or 14-gauge, are often recommended for larger displays because they can handle higher power loads and minimize overheating risks. For longer distances or extensive lighting setups, choosing a thicker gauge will help maintain a steady power flow and prevent potential malfunctions.
Weatherproofing
Outdoor cords must be weatherproofed, especially for holiday displays exposed to the elements. Look for cords with a high Ingress Protection (IP) rating—IP44 or higher offers great protection against dust and water. Additionally, UV-resistant materials and seals that block moisture are ideal for resisting snow, rain and sun exposure, making them reliable for various climates.
Prongs
Check that your extension cord’s prongs match those of your light display. A three-prong (grounded) cord offers flexibility, as it can work with both two- and three-prong plugs. This versatility is especially helpful when using multiple light types or connecting to different outlets.
Power Capacity
Make sure that the power capacity of the extension cord matches the demands of your light display. The cord’s wattage rating should meet or exceed the combined wattage of your lights to ensure consistent power without overloading the circuit.
Number of Outlets
Check the number of outlets needed for your setup. Cords with multiple outlets can simplify large displays by reducing the number of cords you’ll need to connect, providing a cleaner and more organized display.
Surge Protection and Safety Features
Look for extension cords with surge protection to guard against power spikes, which are particularly important in areas prone to electrical fluctuations. Surge-protected cords help prevent damage to your lights and reduce the risk of fires or other hazards, adding a critical safety measure for outdoor displays.
Cord Management
To keep cords organized, consider using accessories like cord covers, stakes, or clips to secure them along paths, lawns, and driveways. These management tools not only tidy up the display but also prevent tripping hazards and protect the cords from potential damage.
Built-in Timers and Remote Controls
Some extension cords come with built-in timers or remote controls, which can simplify your lighting schedule. These features allow you to set the lights to automatically turn on and off at designated times, helping manage energy use while enhancing convenience.
Additional Features
Extras like retractable wheels for easy storage, or indicator lights to confirm power flow, can make setup, storage, and monitoring simpler. For large displays, these additions can streamline setup and takedown, adding a layer of practicality to your holiday lighting experience.
Why You Should Trust Us
Alexa Erickson has contributed numerous articles to Family Handyman, covering home design, DIY home improvement projects and storage and organization. Her product journalism and shopping content work has also appeared in Reader’s Digest, Bob Vila, Martha Stewart and other publications.
Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this article. Paul is a former commerce editor at Bob Vila and has written shopping guides since 2021.
How We Found the Best Christmas Light Display Extension Cords
Not all extension cords are created equal. We focused on outdoor-rated options that can handle the specific demands of Christmas light displays. We evaluated factors like length, capabilities, outlet options and more. Safety features were a top priority, and we relied on professional insights and customer testimonials to finalize our list.
FAQ
Do you need a special extension cord for outdoor Christmas lights?
Yes, you need an outdoor-rated extension cord for Christmas lights. These cords are weatherproof and designed to handle moisture and temperature changes, ensuring safety in outdoor conditions.
What gauge extension cord is best for Christmas lights?
For most Christmas lights, a 16-gauge cord works well for shorter distances, but a thicker 12- or 14-gauge cord is better for larger displays or longer distances, as it can handle higher power loads without overheating.
Is it safe to use outdoor Christmas light extension cord?
Yes, using an outdoor-rated extension cord is safe for Christmas lights, as these cords are built to resist water, weather, and temperature fluctuations. Always follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure safe usage.
