How to Fix Common Christmas Light Problems

Marko S.
Nov 10, 2025
3 min read

There’s nothing more frustrating than finishing your Christmas light setup only to find that half the strand isn’t working or a section starts flickering after the first cold night.

Whether you installed the lights yourself or hired a professional, knowing how to troubleshoot common issues can help you keep your display glowing all season long.

At Christmas Lighting DFW, we’ve seen every lighting issue imaginable — and we’re here to share simple fixes that work for most homes across Frisco and the DFW area.

1. One Section of Lights Isn’t Working

This is one of the most common problems homeowners in Frisco and Plano face. Usually, it’s caused by a loose bulb or a disconnected plug between strands.

What to do:

Make sure each plug connection is tight.
Gently twist each bulb in the dead section to reseat it.
Check for a blown fuse — most light strands have tiny fuses hidden inside the plug that can be replaced easily.

If that doesn’t fix it, the strand may have a broken wire or internal fault. Replacing the section is usually faster and safer than trying to repair it.

2. Lights Keep Tripping the Breaker

If your lights are turning off after a few minutes, you might be overloading the circuit. This can happen when too many incandescent strands are connected together or plugged into the same outlet.

How to fix it:

Use LED lights — they draw much less power.
Plug separate sections into different outlets if possible.
Avoid connecting more than three traditional strands end-to-end.

Homes in Allen and McKinney often have long rooflines, so balancing electrical load is especially important for larger displays.

3. Lights Are Flickering

Flickering lights usually mean one of two things — a loose connection or a faulty bulb.

Try this:

Unplug the strand and check for bent or corroded prongs.
Test the lights in a dry area to rule out moisture issues.
Replace any visibly dark or cracked bulbs.

If the flicker happens after rain, moisture may have gotten into the connector. In that case, it’s safest to replace the affected strand.

4. Lights Won’t Turn On at All

If nothing turns on, don’t panic. It’s often a simple issue like a tripped outdoor GFCI outlet or a timer that was accidentally turned off.

Steps to check:

Reset the GFCI outlet by pressing the small “Reset” button.
Make sure your timer or smart plug is working properly.
Verify that the extension cords are securely connected and undamaged.

Our team at Christmas Lighting DFW always uses weatherproof plugs and heavy-duty extension cords to prevent these issues in Frisco’s unpredictable winter weather.

5. Moisture or Corrosion

Rain and humidity can cause oxidation inside plugs and sockets, especially on lower-quality lights.

Prevention tips:

Use outdoor-rated, weatherproof connections.
Keep plugs elevated off the ground when possible.
After the season, store lights in a dry place away from moisture.

Professional installers use specialized sealing techniques to prevent this issue entirely — one of the many reasons homeowners in Frisco and Prosper prefer hiring experts.

When to Call a Professional

If your lights repeatedly short out, trip breakers, or show signs of damaged wiring, it’s time to call a professional. Electrical issues can be dangerous if ignored.

At Christmas Lighting DFW, we provide free maintenance for all our installations in Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, and Prosper. Our technicians can diagnose and fix most problems within 48 hours, keeping your home looking perfect through the holidays.

Final Thoughts

Most Christmas light issues have quick fixes, but safety always comes first. Check your connections, switch to LED lights, and avoid overloading outlets to keep your display shining safely.

And if you’d rather skip the troubleshooting, our team at Christmas Lighting DFW is here to help. We install, maintain, and store professional-grade LED lighting across Frisco and the greater DFW area — so your home stays bright without the stress.