Fairy Lights

Battery, mains and USB power options for fairy lights

Choose battery-operated fairy lights if you want to decorate a spot with no nearby power point, such as a mantelpiece, wreath or bookshelf; they’ll usually run on AA or AAA batteries that you can swap on the spot. Opt for mains-powered instead if you're leaving the lights on for long stretches each evening, as they plug straight into a wall socket and give a longer, more reliable run time than battery packs over the full festive season.

USB-powered fairy lights are worth considering for a smaller display, like a desk or tabletop tree, as they draw power from a laptop, power bank or USB wall adaptor you may already have to hand. Battery-powered lights typically need fresh batteries every few weeks with regular use, so keep ongoing battery costs and replacement effort in mind if you plan to run them daily.

For more lighting styles beyond fairy lights, browse our full Christmas lights range.

Fairy light lengths to match your tree or space

Pick a 3 to 5-metre string if you're lighting a small tree, mantelpiece, or doorway frame. This length easily covers the area without leaving excess cord to double up. Go for 10 metres or more if you're decorating a tree over 1.8 metres or a larger display like a staircase bannister.

If you want a fuller result rather than a single loop around the tree, wrap the lights vertically up and down the branches instead, which uses more length but reads as more intentional. Buying slightly longer than the space requires also means you can bunch the extra length for a denser look in one section, such as the base of a tree or the centre of a mantel display.

If you want a longer-lasting string for a bigger display, our LED Christmas lights come in longer lengths built for extended use.

Ways to use fairy lights beyond the Christmas tree

If you want Christmas styling beyond the tree, thread fairy lights through a wreath, wrap them around a stair bannister, or drape them along a mantelpiece for a softer glow that a single overhead light can provide. A jar or vase filled with fairy lights makes an easy, safe centrepiece for a Christmas table if you'd rather skip candles that need watching around children or pets.

Drape a string along a window frame or door frame instead if you want a festive touch visible from outside without setting up a full outdoor light display. Choose a warm white tone over a Christmas-specific colour mix if you'd like to leave the lights up in a bedroom or living room well past the festive season.

For anything going outside long-term, our outdoor Christmas lights are built to handle the weather.

Frequently asked questions

How many batteries do battery-operated fairy lights typically use?

Most battery-operated fairy light strings run on 2 to 3 AA batteries. Longer strings with brighter globes may use up to 4.

Can fairy lights be left on all night safely?

Battery-operated fairy lights are generally safe to leave on overnight as they run on low voltage. Mains-powered strings are also generally safe for overnight use, but it's still worth switching them off when you're not home for extended periods.

Are fairy lights safe to use around a real Christmas tree?

Yes, fairy lights are safe on real trees as long as the tree stays adequately watered. A drying tree becomes more of a fire risk regardless of the light type, so check for any exposed or frayed wiring on secondhand strings before reusing them.

Does Temple & Webster offer fairy lights with a timer function?

Some fairy light strings include a built-in timer that switches the lights on and off at set intervals each day. Ranges with a timer feature state it directly in the title or description, so you can tell at a glance whether a specific string includes one. If you have mains-powered fairy lights, a wall plug timer can also be used for the fairy lights, as well as for other appliances once the festive season is over.