How to Safely Set Up Holiday Displays Easily & Without Accidents

When mid-fall weather rolls in and Halloween is behind us, the holidays tend to arrive faster than expected. Decorating your yard and home is a cherished tradition, but many people don’t realize how easily accidents can happen while hanging lights or setting up seasonal displays. It may come as a surprise, but during the holiday season, there are roughly 160 decorating-related injuries each day. Nearly half of them are caused by falls.

Turning your home into a winter wonderland shouldn’t come at the expense of safety. In this guide, we’ll cover practical tips to help you decorate with confidence and keep your holiday season merry and injury-free.

Start with a Plan and the Right Tools

Before you plug anything in, take a walk around your yard and home to plan where decorations will go. Think about where power outlets are located, how many extension cords you'll need, and whether you’ll need a ladder or lift.

Trying to wing it often leads to poor setups and last-minute scrambling.

For hard-to-reach spots like rooflines or tall trees, consider using a ladder or even a boom lift if you're working at height. A-Z Rentals offers options for both, and it’s always better to have the right tool for the job instead of risking a fall on an unstable surface.

Watch Your Step on Ladders

Ladder accidents are one of the most common injuries during the holiday season.

Always place your ladder on a flat, stable surface and keep three points of contact when climbing. If you need to reach far off to the side, climb down and move the ladder instead of leaning out. And never set ladders on wet, icy, or uneven ground.

When working on two-story homes or steep areas, renting a lift or asking for an extra pair of hands is a smarter and safer call. You can find lift options in our rental catalog .

Use Weather-Ready Lights and Cords

Only use lights and extension cords that are rated for outdoor use. Indoor lights are not built to handle rain, wind, or temperature drops. Look for UL-rated outdoor lights, and check each strand for frayed wires or broken bulbs before setting up. All cords and plug connections should stay off the ground whenever possible, especially in wet areas.

Use light clips instead of nails or staples to attach lights to your home. Not only are they safer and easier to install, they won't damage your siding or roofing. If you're unsure which products are safe to use outdoors, ask your local hardware store or contact our team for guidance.

Time Your Setup for Dry, Mild Days

Winter in North and South Carolina can be unpredictable, but you'll want to plan your decorating for a dry, calm day.

Avoid setting up in rain, frost, or high winds. Cold temperatures can stiffen wires, and icy surfaces increase your risk of slipping or damaging decorations.

Avoid Overloading Circuits

Too many lights on one outlet can lead to blown fuses or even fires. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for how many strands you can safely connect.

Spread out your decorations across multiple circuits and use outdoor-rated extension cords with built-in surge protection.

If you’re using a generator as backup power for your lights or inflatables, be sure it’s sized correctly. You can learn more in our blog How to Size a Generator for Your Home. (Need to add link to blog when published)

Let the Lights Shine

Outdoor displays should be seen, not tripped over. Run cords away from walkways and secure them with clips or tape to avoid a hazard.

While you’re up there, take some time and prep your exterior for winter. Fall and winter bring other tasks worth knocking out. Check out our seasonal guide, Fall Maintenance Projects Every Homeowner Should Tackle Before Winter (add link when published) for more ways to stay ahead.

Decorate for the Holidays Without the Hassle or Head Trauma

Setting up a festive display doesn’t have to mean risking your safety.

With the right tools, a smart plan, and a bit of caution, you can enjoy your holiday lights without a hitch.

At A-Z Rentals , we’re here to help with the gear you need to decorate safely and efficiently, from ladders and lifts to generators and lights.

Explore our rental catalog or contact us today with any questions. With eight locations across North and South Carolina, we’re here to help your holidays shine safely and stress-free.