How to Decorate Your Vehicle with Christmas Lights (and Drive It!)

Want to bring some extra holiday cheer to the streets this year? Transforming your car into a rolling light display might sound tricky, but it’s easier than you think – and yes, you can drive with the lights on! With a few simple tools and the right method, you’ll turn heads and spread joy without worrying about damaging your vehicle.

Here’s how I decked out Old Yeller, my trusty truck, and how you can create your own festive masterpiece.

Gather Your Materials

You don’t need much to make your car shine this holiday season. Here’s what you’ll need:

Christmas Lights: I used 164 feet of LED leather string lights—durable, flexible, and perfect for outlining your car.

Command Hooks: These adhesive hooks secure the lights in place without harming your car’s paint and are easy to remove.

Power Inverter: This device connects to your car’s cigarette lighter and converts DC power to AC, so your lights have a reliable power source.

These items are all easy to find online or at local hardware stores, so you’ll have everything you need in no time.

Get Everything Ready

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Start by organizing your materials. Spool out your lights to avoid tangles, have your Command hooks ready to go, and test your power inverter to ensure it works. Preparing everything in advance will save you time and make the decorating process much smoother

Attach the Command Hooks

Command hooks are key to this process – they hold your lights in place securely and won’t damage your car’s paint. Here’s how to set them up:

Peel and Stick: Attach one side of the adhesive to your car’s surface.

Attach the Hook: Stick the hook to the other side of the adhesive.

Leave the Tab Exposed: Keep the small pull tab visible so you can easily remove the hooks after the holidays.

Place the hooks along your car’s top edges, fenders, and base to create a clean and festive outline.

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Hang Your Lights

This is where the magic happens—carefully string the lights around your car. Start at one end, and work your way along the hooks, following the natural curves and edges of your vehicle.

Avoid placing lights around doorframes or hinges where they could get snagged when opening or closing doors. Focus on clean lines along the edges, base, and fenders for a professional, polished look.

Power Up and Light It Up

With the lights securely in place, it’s time to bring your festive creation to life.

Plug your lights into the power inverter, which connects to your car’s cigarette lighter. Wait for the sun to set, then flip the switch and watch your car glow in all its holiday glory.

Seeing your car light up for the first time is a rewarding moment, and you’ll be ready to take it out and share the joy with everyone around you.

Take It Out for a Drive

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What’s the point of decorating your car if you don’t show it off?

We took Old Yeller out on the interstate to see how the setup held up, and everything stayed secure—even at speeds of 70 mph. Just make sure your lights are firmly in place and all the hooks are attached before heading out.

Whether you’re cruising through your neighborhood, joining a parade, or just spreading cheer around town, your light-covered vehicle is sure to make people smile.

Why This Setup is a Game-Changer

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This method is simple, effective, and perfect for anyone looking to make their car shine without hassle.

Paint-Safe: Command hooks won’t damage your car’s paint, so you can decorate with confidence.

Reliable Power: The power inverter ensures a steady, reliable power source for your lights—no need to rely on battery packs.

A Polished Look: The flexibility of LED leather string lights allows for smooth, clean lines that make your car look professionally decorated.

Decorating your car is a great way to share some holiday spirit with your community, and this method ensures your setup is both stylish and secure.

Make Your Car the Star of the Season

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Inspired to deck out your own vehicle? Check out my full video for step-by-step visuals and extra tips to make the process even easier.

Watch the full video here.

Here’s to making the holiday season merry, bright, and a little more festive – one glowing car at a time!