Christmas tree lights & toppers
The tree is only half the job. Here’s what makes it glow, and what goes on top and underneath.
Quick picks
For a 5ft tree: Christow’s 500-LED warm white set, built for exactly that size. For a 6ft+ tree or a long wrap: a 50m, 500-LED string. On top: a classic gold glitter star, or a lit star if you want it to glow.
How many lights does a tree need?
A common rule of thumb is around 100 bulbs per foot of tree for a full glow, so roughly 500 for a 5ft tree and 600 for a 6ft tree. Closely spaced LEDs look more sparkly for the same count. Warm white is the classic look; see our warm white vs multicoloured comparison if you’re torn.
Christow 500 LED tree lights, warm white
500 small LEDs across a 12.47m lit length at 2.5cm spacing, with 8 settings from the plug.
£19.99NETTA 50m 500 LED fairy lights
50 metres of warm white LEDs on a low-voltage 31V IP44 adapter, so it also works outdoors. 8 modes with memory.
£23.79Ollny 50m 500 LED warm white
The 50m version of the bestselling Ollny set, with a remote, 8 modes and IP44 rating.
£25.49Gisela Graham 23cm gold star topper
A glitter-finished gold star with a cone base that sits securely on the tree.
£8.99Gold star topper with 20 LEDs
A 34.5cm sequinned metal star with built-in lights, so the top of the tree glows too.
£13.99Wicker-style collapsible tree skirt
57cm wide and 26cm tall, it hides the stand on 5–7ft trees and folds flat for storage.
£13.99Prices update hourly from the Amazon API.
Frequently asked questions
How many lights do I need for a Christmas tree?
A common rule of thumb is around 100 bulbs per foot of tree, so roughly 500 for a 5ft tree and 600 for a 6ft tree. Closely spaced LEDs give more sparkle for the same count.
How do you put lights on a Christmas tree?
Plug them in first to check they work, then start at the bottom near the trunk and work upwards, weaving the string in and out along each branch rather than just wrapping around the outside.
Should the topper go on before or after the lights?
Put the lights on first, then the topper, then baubles. A lit topper needs a cable run down the trunk, so plan that before you add decorations.
How we choose: we don’t lab-test products. Picks are based on published specifications, listings and our specialist sites’ research, with prices pulled live from Amazon UK. About ChristmasReady.