Lighting up the trees in your yard is one of those simple updates that makes a big difference. It adds a warm, inviting glow and helps your outdoor space feel more complete, especially at night.
In this post, you’ll find a mix of outdoor tree lighting ideas to try. From soft lighting to string lights and lantern-style touches, these ideas are all about highlighting your trees in a way that feels natural and looks great all year round.
1. Create a canopy with draped lights
Some setups don’t need a lot of fuss to feel special. Here, string lights are loosely draped between the tree’s dense branches, creating a soft canopy of light that instantly warms up the space. The lights hang low enough to feel intimate, while the tree itself beautifully anchors the entire scene.
For a cozy entertaining space
Use durable, outdoor-grade globe string lights: They give off a warm, ambient glow without being too harsh.
Anchor lights to sturdy branches and nearby supports: Keep the lines loose for a natural drape.
Hang planters or lanterns from a single limb: Add layered charm and make the space feel stylish, not staged.
2. Go bold with rainbow lights.
If subtlety isn’t your style, this rainbow-lit tree proves you can go big and still be beautiful. Every part of the trunk and branches is wrapped in coordinating colors, creating a stunning gradient that lights up the entire yard. It’s festive, playful, and impossible to ignore.
For a glowing display
Use programmable LED strands: These allow for custom colors and transitions in different sections.
Zone the branches by color: Stick to one color per limb to maintain a bold but clean effect.
Keep ambient lighting simple: Let the tree take center stage without competing elements nearby.
3. Light up the path with color.
This setup is pure drama. Bright LED lights cast vivid purples, oranges, and reds among the trees, while a bright blue stripe runs along the path. It’s ideal for immersive, cinematic, and spaces where you want people to stop and look, then move on.
For a dynamic walkway experience
Use ground-level LED strips to trace the path: They create movement and visual direction.
Place spotlights in bold colors at the base of the trees: Point them upward to capture the texture and color of the canopy.
Stick to a cohesive palette: Despite the variety of colors, consistency keeps the scene from becoming chaotic.
4. Bottle Lights Hanging from Branches
This setup feels handmade at its best. Colorful glass bottles filled with mini string lights hang from tree branches, adding a whimsical glow in jewel tones. It’s casual yet smart, like a backyard project that turned out better than expected.
For a creative DIY twist
Use recycled glass bottles in different colors: The combination creates a charming look and diffuses the light beautifully.
Insert battery-operated string lights inside: They’re easy to change and don’t require a nearby outlet.
Hang at staggered heights: This adds movement and keeps the arrangement from feeling too monotonous.
5. Hang ornate lanterns for a soft glow.
These carved metal lanterns instantly change the mood. Hanging from the tree branches, they cast a patterned light that feels dreamy and timeless. Whether you’re finishing up alone or hosting a quiet dinner party, this type of lighting makes the entire space feel like it’s meant to linger.
For a warm, boho vibe
Choose lanterns with intricate cutouts: They create beautiful shadows and visual interest at night.
Hang them low from sturdy branches: Keep them at eye level for a more immersive glow.
Use flameless candles or warm LEDs: You get the full ambiance without the risk of fire.
6. Pick up a canopy for drama
Lighting from below gives this tree an almost sculptural presence. The wide canopy glows from within, with beams focused on the trunk and branches. It’s a bold yet elegant way to highlight the tree’s shape, especially impressive on larger, more mature trees.
For a dramatic display at night
Place spotlights at the base of the tree: Point them upwards to define the structure of the trunk and the spread of the canopy.
Use warm white bulbs for a natural look: They highlight details without feeling too harsh or artificial.
Keep the surroundings dark: Let the tree stand as the centerpiece of your yard after dark.
7. Add a modern touch with cylinder lights.
These slim pendant lights feel almost sculptural against the tree bark. With a soft amber glow and a simple silhouette, they bring a clean, contemporary feel without overwhelming the natural surroundings. They’re perfect for serene, elegant, and modern outdoor spaces.
For a sleek, minimalist look:
Choose matte black or metallic finishes: They contrast beautifully with the tree bark and foliage.
Suspend lights at low elevations: This adds depth and keeps the design from feeling too stark.
Stick with warm-toned LEDs: The soft color temperature balances the modern look with a cozy glow.
8. Sparkle with hanging tube lights.
These vertical light tubes transform tree branches into a shimmering art installation. Suspended at varying heights, they create the illusion of cascading light, perfect for modern spaces, walkways or events. Paired with the wrapped logs, the whole look is dramatic yet luminous.
For a high-impact urban glow
Hang LED tubes at different heights: Add movement and keep the design dynamic.
Wrap the trunks with matching string lights: This ties the whole look together and grounds the glow.
Stick to one color tone: Warm white keeps things elegant and avoids visual clutter.
9. Make the canopy stand out.
Here’s how you make a tree the centerpiece of your garden. Mighty sycamores bathe the trunk and canopy in warm light, while beams flare outward from the undergrowth. The result? A clean, dramatic effect that’s bold and beautiful.
To block out and star a landscape feature
Use focused-beam spotlights at ground level: Point them upward at different angles for full coverage.
Highlight both the trunk and the foliage: This adds depth and makes the entire tree feel lit from within.
Keep surrounding foliage low and layered: This improves the spread of light without blocking the glow.
10. Hang classic lanterns from the branches.
There’s something about realistic-looking candle lanterns that instantly makes a space feel peaceful. These vintage-style lanterns hang low from sturdy branches, casting a soft, steady glow. They don’t take much effort — they just do the job, especially when everything else is winding down in the evening.
For a timeless garden glow
Choose frosted or colored glass lanterns: This softens the light and creates a subtle shimmering effect.
Go with non-aging LED candles: You’ll get the look of a real flame without the risk of fire.
Hang them down in pairs or trios: They create rhythm and draw the eye along the tree line.
11. Hang vibrant lanterns on your trees for a warm and festive atmosphere.
Hang vibrant lanterns between the branches of blooming trees to showcase color and cultural flair. The warm glow of orange and red creates a festive yet calming atmosphere, perfect for garden parties, evening gatherings, and seasonal events.
12. Add a touch of romance to your trees with twinkling rose lights.
A storybook scene is created by placing twinkling LED rose lights at the base of your favorite trees. These warm, amber-toned flowers emit a soft, romantic glow that instantly elevates your outdoor space.
13. Create a beautiful outdoor oasis with crystal chandeliers draped over your trees
Elevate the nighttime charm of your garden by suspending crystal chandeliers from sturdy tree branches. Their delicate glow and soft light create a magical, fairy-tale atmosphere that’s perfect for intimate gatherings, romantic evenings, and sensational al fresco dining.
14. Use pathway lights to enhance tree canopies and create a magical walkway.
Walk into a tranquil escape at night by lining your garden path with beautiful LED bollard lights. These fixtures cast a soft glow upward, beautifully illuminating the canopy of trees and the lush greenery around them. A tranquil, jungle-like atmosphere that feels like a secret tropical retreat in your backyard.
15. Use colored lights to transform trees into stunning focal points at night.
Enhance your landscape after dark with dynamic lighting! This bold green light brings trees to life, adding drama and personality to your outdoor space. A visual treat for garden parties that simply enjoy the quiet glow of the evening.
16. Illuminate trees with projection lights for a stunning shadow display.
Turn your outdoor space into a mesmerizing work of art using projection lights. This design casts intricate floral shadows on the ground, transforming a simple tree into a dramatic centerpiece. Modern landscapes, city squares.