I LOVE Christmas and putting up lights; I’m quite the “Griswold” when it comes to external illumination. Each year I install thousands of outdoor holiday lights, including lighting the tree on our neighborhood entryway. But holiday lights can be a challenge. From which lights are best to where and how to arrange them for the most festive look. Worse yet, what if you want to install in an area that doesn’t have access to power? That’s where this holiday hack comes in to help you install lights outside in an area with no power.

Problem: Area has no power plug.
Solution: Marine battery hack to power holiday lights outside without an outlet.

How to Power Christmas Lights with Marine Battery

Holiday hack to power outdoor lights without an outlet using a marine battery.

Cost $150-200

Print Instructions Pin Instructions

Materials

• 1 15+ gal Storage Bin
• 1 12V Deep Cycle Marine Battery
• 1 Power Inverter with alligator battery clamps (red + black)
• LED Outdoor String Lights IMPORTANT: Use LEDs, they use +90% less energy than incandescent allowing your lights to stay lit longer on a battery.
• 1 12V Battery Charger I use a trickle charger. Make sure voltage matches batter voltage.
• 1 exterior Extension Cord

Instructions

Connect Inverter to Battery

• Connect inverter to marine batter using battery clamps (red + black). Connect Red to Red, Black to Black

Prepare Storage Bin

• Cut a small hole in the side of the bin for pulling power cords into the bin
• Put Battery and Inverter into bin
  

Put up Holiday Lights & Plug into Battery Power Source

• Plug lights into inverter via an extension cord.

  Note: You can directly plug lights into inverter if you don't mind the bin next to your lights, but I'd recommend using extension cord.

Charge Battery as needed

• Depending on how many lights you use, you'll need to charge your battery.

  I charge mine nightly since my display runs 3000+ lights.

Keyword Christmas Lights, Hacks, Holiday, Holiday Hacks, Holiday Lights, LED Christmas Lights, LED Holiday Lights, LED Outdoor Lights, Outdoor Lights

How can I run Christmas lights without an outlet? Use this Holiday Hack!

I recommend using an inverter as outlined in this blog post. For other ways to power lights without a battery, check out Michael Bluejay’s blog post on Battery Christmas Lights, I learned a lot about electricity best practices.

Which Christmas lights are the best?

Use LEDs when using a batter because they dray FAR LESS power than incandescent. They’re a little pricier up front, but are more cost-effective in the long run saving you money on your electric bill.

Want more holiday hacks and DIY tips?

Checkout all my FULLDADMODE content! For more DIY tips, visit the FIX IT section of my blog.

Drop me a line if you have specific questions on your lighting or other DIY project. I’m always happy to help!

Thanks for reading,
Britt

About Post Author

Britt

Hey I’m Britt. I run Full Dad Mode to help people like you make the most of life.
I share helpful DIY how to’s and recipes designed to make busy lives easier.
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