A 20-foot garland is one of the best sizes for outdoor decorating. It fits a door, a railing, or a fence with room to spare. Here is how to choose one, power it, and hang it safely.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Product | Why we picked it | |
|---|---|---|
 | 20 ft Pre-Lit Snowy Pine Christmas Garland 20 ft Pre-Lit Snowy Pine Christmas Garland | Shop on Amazon |
 | 9 ft Pre-Lit Plug-In Christmas Garland 9 ft Pre-Lit Plug-In Christmas Garland | Shop on Amazon |
 | Command Outdoor Light Clips, 20 Clips Command Outdoor Light Clips, 20 Clips | Shop on Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Screw-In Cup Hooks, 60-Pack Stainless Steel Screw-In Cup Hooks, 60-Pack | Shop on Amazon |
 | 25 ft Outdoor Extension Cord, 16/3 Gauge 25 ft Outdoor Extension Cord, 16/3 Gauge | Shop on Amazon |
 | Outdoor Mechanical Light Timer Outdoor Mechanical Light Timer | Shop on Amazon |
What Can 20 Feet of Garland Cover?
Measure first. A piece of string and a tape measure will do it. Here is what 20 feet roughly covers:
Our Picks
A true 20-foot garland. If you want one single piece with no joins, this is the one. It comes pre-lit, so there is nothing to string.
Or link shorter garlands. Garlands that link end to end give you more control. Two plug-in 9-foot pieces make 18 feet, and you can add a third to go longer. Check the box for how many pieces you can safely connect.
Plug-In or Battery?
Plug-in garlands give a steady, bright glow. They need an outlet or an extension cord. Battery garlands go anywhere. But the batteries can die in cold weather, and you must replace them. For a long run, plug-in is usually the better pick. For a spot far from power, battery wins.
What to Check Before You Buy
- Outdoor rating. Look for the word “outdoor” or “indoor/outdoor” on the box. A UL mark alone is not enough. It only means the product passed tests for its stated use, and that could be indoor only. UL tests outdoor lights in rain, water, and sun (UL guide). Do not trust tag colors.
- Connect limit. The maker states how many garland pieces can plug into each other. Do not go over it. This is separate from how many sets one extension cord can carry (see below).
- Fullness. Thin garland looks sparse over 20 feet. Look for thick branches.
- Light color. Warm or cool white? See warm white vs. cool white lights to pick.
- Cord length. Check how far the plug sits from the first light.
How to Hang It Without Damage
Never nail or staple through the cord. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says to fasten outdoor lights firmly with hooks or insulated supports (CPSC). Clips that stick on are the no-damage option.
Work in this order:
Ladder safety. Use a ladder tall enough to reach past the roof edge. Pick wood or fiberglass, not metal, near anything electric. Stay at least 10 feet from power lines (ESFI).
Powering It Safely
Use an outdoor-rated extension cord. A normal indoor cord is not made for rain. For LED garland, a 16-gauge cord is usually enough. Pick a heavier 12-gauge cord if other items share it. (This tip comes from cord makers, not a safety agency.)
- Use a GFCI outlet. Newer electrical codes require GFCI protection on outdoor outlets. Older homes may not have it. If yours does not, use a plug-in GFCI adapter. UL also advises weatherproof GFCI outlets for outdoor lights.
- Do not overload a cord. The CPSC says to use no more than three standard sets of lights on one extension cord.
- Never use a cord with two male plugs. In 2026 the CPSC warned that these cords have no safe home use and can cause fires and shocks (CPSC notice).
A timer is the easiest upgrade. UL says holiday lights should not be left on overnight or when you are away, and recommends an automatic timer. Set it to turn the garland off at bedtime so you never have to remember. A timer does not replace GFCI protection.
Keep plug connections off the ground where water pools. A cord cover or an upside-down plastic container over the plug helps keep them dry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Need more holiday ideas for the inside? Try our Christmas living room decor ideas and our guide on how to cut your own Christmas tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many feet of garland do I need for a front door?
A standard 36 by 80 inch door is about 16.3 feet around the top and both sides. A 20-foot garland covers it with a little extra. A tall or wide door can need about 19.5 feet, which leaves almost no slack.
How much garland do I need for a garage door?
A 20-foot piece fits a single-car garage door framed on three sides. A two-car door framed on all three sides usually takes about 25 to 40 feet, according to installer guides. Measure your own door before you buy.
Can I leave a lighted garland up all season?
You can leave it hung if it is rated for outdoor use. But do not leave it lit all night or while you are away. UL advises against that and recommends a timer. Check the plugs after heavy rain or snow.
Is “UL Listed” the same as “outdoor rated”?
No. A UL listing means the product passed tests for its stated use, and that use could be indoor only. Look for the words “outdoor” or “indoor/outdoor” printed on the box or tag.
Do I need a GFCI outlet for outdoor lights?
Yes, it is the safe choice. The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection on outdoor outlets in newer homes. If your outlet is older and has no GFCI, use a plug-in GFCI adapter.
Will sticky clips hold garland up all season?
Often not. Many reviewers say adhesive clips fall off in cold weather or on rough surfaces. They work best on smooth, dry surfaces with light garland. For a long, cold season, use screw-in hooks.
Do I need an outdoor extension cord?
Yes. Indoor cords are not built for wet weather. Use an outdoor-rated cord and keep the plug connections off the wet ground.
How do I hang garland on a brick wall without nails?
Use outdoor clips made for brick or mortar lines, or hang it from hooks set in the mortar joints. Avoid drilling into the brick face. Adhesive clips often fail on rough, cold brick, so test one first.
Is plug-in or battery garland better outdoors?
Plug-in garland is brighter and does not need new batteries, but it needs an outlet or an outdoor cord. Battery garland goes anywhere, but batteries run down faster in the cold. For a long run on a porch or door, plug-in is usually the better pick.
How much garland do I need for a porch railing?
Measure the railing first. Swags use more garland than a straight line, so add about a quarter to a half more length. That is a rule of thumb, not a standard.
How do I plug in lights outside safely?
Use a GFCI outlet, an outdoor-rated extension cord, and a timer. Keep plug connections off wet ground. Do not leave the lights on all night.
Can I connect two garlands together?
Many garlands link end to end, but each has a limit. Check the box for how many pieces you can connect before you add a third.
Sources and Further Reading
🎄 More Holiday Decorating & Styling Guides
Complete your seasonal home makeover with our expert guides and curated picks:
- Outdoor Christmas Decorations: Porch, Yard & Roofline
- Warm White vs. Cool White Christmas Lights: Full Comparison
- Best Christmas Tree Decoration Sets & How Many You Need
- Wooden Advent Calendar With Drawers: What to Fill It With
- Cut Your Own Christmas Tree: Essential Checklist
- 25 Christmas Living Room Decor Ideas for a Cozy Holiday Home
Olivia Bennett is the Lead Content Editor at The Dailey House. She specializes in interior styling, bedroom aesthetics, and creating spaces that feel intentional without feeling out of reach. With over a decade of experience covering home interiors, Olivia believes every room should tell you something about the person who lives in it.