Ribbon is the quickest way to make a Christmas tree look finished, and this year it's everywhere: wrapped in spirals, falling in waterfalls from a big bow, tucked in loops. It's also easy to get wrong, with gaps, a ribbon that slides down or a tree that only looks good from the front. Here's how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree in 8 steps, with three ways to wrap it, and how to make the ribbon glow too.
1. Choose your ribbon and how much you need
Wired ribbon keeps its shape in loops and waves; a sheer ribbon looks lighter. For a tree that glows, ribbon lights are a sheer gold or silver ribbon with fairy lights built in, so the ribbon and a layer of light go on in one step. As a rough guide, 5 m (16 ft) spirals around a tree of up to about 1.2 m (4 ft); for a 1.8 m (6 ft) tree, use 10 m (33 ft), or two rolls for closer loops.
Shown: Christmas ribbon lights, gold or silver ribbon with warm-white, cool-white or multicolor LEDs, 5 m or 10 m.
2. Get the order right
Fluff the branches first, then the lights, then the ribbon, then the bow and the ornaments. Ribbon lights count as lights, so they go on first: tuck the battery box deep into the branches at the back, near the trunk, where it's hidden but still within reach.
Shown: Christmas ribbon lights with their battery box. Lights first? Here's how to put lights on a Christmas tree.
3. Way 1: the spiral
The classic look. Start at the top and wind the ribbon down and around the tree in loose loops, pushing it into the branches every 30 cm (12 in) or so, so it doesn't slide. Keep the gap between rounds the same all the way down, and walk around the tree as you go rather than reaching round it.
Want it to look like it's floating? Here's the floating spiral look.
4. Way 2: the waterfall
The look of the year: start at the top and let the ribbon fall in long drops to the bottom branches, three to five drops spaced evenly around the tree, each tucked in at a few points on the way down. It's best with a big bow at the top, so the drops seem to come out of it.
5. Way 3: loops and tucks
Instead of one long line, pinch the ribbon into a loop every 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in), push the pinch deep into the branches and let the loop puff out. Stagger the loops so they don't line up in rows. Wired ribbon holds loops best; with ribbon lights, keep the loops soft and tuck any extra length into the branches rather than cutting it.
Shown: Christmas ribbon lights in gold with warm-white LEDs.
6. Put a big bow on top
A velvet bow is the finishing touch everyone is using this year. Twist-tie it to the top of the tree, then draw the long streamers down through the branches, following the waterfall or the spiral, and tuck them in so they stay put.
Shown: velvet Christmas tree topper bow, about 40 cm (15.75 in) wide, with 160 or 180 cm streamers, in five colours.
7. Add a little shine between the ribbon
Fill the gaps between the ribbon with a few ornaments that catch the light. Mini disco balls hung deep in the branches reflect the fairy lights and sparkle from every side; stick to one shape and one finish so the ribbon stays the star.
Shown: mini disco ball ornaments, 5 cm, in packs of 10, 20 or 30.
8. Avoid the common mistakes
Don't wrap only the front: the tree is seen from more angles than you think. Don't pull the ribbon tight, which flattens it; let it sit in soft curves. Don't mix warm and cool white side by side. And step back every few rounds, or take a photo on your phone: gaps are easier to see on the screen.
Good to know
- Never cut ribbon lights to length: the lights run through the ribbon. Tuck any extra deep into the branches.
- Power: the ribbon lights run on a battery box with AA batteries (not included), so you don't need a socket near the tree. They're for indoor use.
- Glass: the mini disco balls have glass mirror tiles, so hang them out of reach of small children and pets.
- Delivery: free tracked shipping, dispatched in 1 to 3 business days and delivered in 7 to 12. Order by 1 December for Christmas.
- Returns: unused items in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
More Christmas tree ideas
- More ideas: 8 Christmas tree decorating ideas, Christmas decor trends 2026 and Christmas staircase decor ideas (ribbon lights work on banisters too).
- Browse all our Christmas decorations or our 12 Christmas gift ideas under $30.
Tying a bow on the tree? Here are 8 bow Christmas tree ideas.