How To Hide Power Strips When Running Multiple Christmas Light Strands

As holiday displays grow in complexity, managing the behind-the-scenes infrastructure becomes just as important as the lights themselves. One of the most overlooked aspects of an elegant setup is how—and where—power strips are placed. When left exposed, power strips clutter patios, porches, and living rooms, detracting from the festive magic. Worse, they can pose tripping hazards or become damaged by weather and foot traffic.

For homeowners who run dozens of light strands across trees, railings, rooftops, and lawns, organizing and concealing power sources isn’t optional—it’s essential. With thoughtful planning and a few clever techniques, it’s possible to maintain full functionality while keeping cords and power strips completely out of sight. This guide walks through proven methods, safety considerations, and real-world strategies that professionals and experienced decorators use to create seamless, polished lighting displays.

Why hiding power strips matters

A well-lit home during the holidays evokes warmth and celebration, but visible tangles of extension cords and bulky power strips disrupt the illusion. Beyond aesthetics, exposed electrical components present real risks. Outdoor power strips left on damp ground can short-circuit or degrade over time. Indoors, cords stretched across floors increase the chance of accidents, especially in homes with children or pets.

Proper concealment also improves longevity. Sealed, protected power strips resist moisture, dust, and physical damage. That means fewer replacements, lower maintenance, and greater reliability over multiple seasons. A tidy setup also makes storage easier—when everything is organized from the start, disassembly at season’s end takes minutes instead of hours.

“Professional holiday lighting installations spend 70% of their effort on wiring management. The lights are only as good as the system powering them.” — Daniel Reyes, Lead Designer at Evergreen Holiday Lighting Co.

Step-by-step: Planning your concealed power layout

Before installing a single bulb, map out your entire lighting plan—including where power will originate and how it will distribute across zones. This prevents last-minute improvisation that leads to messy cord runs and exposed outlets.

1. Identify primary power sources: Locate outdoor-rated GFCI outlets near your display areas. These should be the starting point for all circuits.
2. Divide lights into zones: Group strands by location (e.g., roofline, tree, porch railing). Each zone may require its own power strip or junction box.
3. Select weatherproof power strips: Use outdoor-rated, covered models with surge protection. Avoid indoor-only units, even if temporarily hidden.
4. Plan cord routing paths: Trace how cords will travel from outlet to each zone. Look for natural concealment opportunities like downspouts, shrubbery, or baseboards.
5. Calculate load capacity: Ensure total wattage per power strip stays under 80% of its rated capacity to prevent overheating.
6. Mark concealment points: Note where power strips will be mounted and hidden—under benches, behind planters, inside faux rocks, etc.

Tip: Label each power strip and corresponding outlet during installation. Use colored tags or numbered labels to simplify troubleshooting and seasonal reuse.

Creative ways to hide power strips outdoors

Outdoor setups often face the biggest challenges due to exposure and visibility. Fortunately, several effective concealment methods blend functionality with discretion.

Burying in decorative planters or garden boxes

Place a weatherproof power strip inside a large planter filled with seasonal greenery or faux snow-covered moss. Position the planter near a deck post or house corner where cords can feed upward into eaves or downward into ground-level lighting. Drill small entry holes in the planter’s side for cords, then seal with silicone caulk to keep moisture out.

Using faux rock enclosures

Artificial landscape rocks with removable tops are designed specifically for hiding electrical equipment. These vented, UV-resistant shells allow heat dissipation while shielding power strips from rain and curious eyes. Position the faux rock near a foundation wall or along a walkway where it looks natural. Feed cords through discreet slits in the base.

Mounting under eaves or decks

Secure power strips to the underside of roof overhangs or deck framing using stainless steel brackets. Orient the outlets so cords exit upward toward light strands, minimizing water ingress. Cover with a transparent plastic enclosure or inverted drip shield made from PVC pipe caps.

Routing through downspouts

Split a section of vinyl downspout vertically and re-wrap it around grouped cords running from an upper-story outlet to ground-level displays. The spout hides multiple cords neatly and directs water away from connections. At the bottom, route cords into a buried junction box or low-profile outdoor cabinet.

Method	Best For	Pros	Cons
Faux Rock Enclosure	Lawn displays, pathway lighting	Natural look, weather-resistant	Can tip if not anchored; limited space
Under-Deck Mounting	Porch, patio, multi-tier lighting	Dry location, easy access	Requires secure fastening
Planter Box Integration	Entryways, garden beds	Blends with decor, reusable	Needs drainage consideration
Downspout Routing	Vertical runs, rooftop lighting	Hides multiple cords, affordable	Not suitable for power strips—only cords

Indoor concealment techniques for a polished look

Inside the home, the goal shifts from weather protection to visual harmony. Power strips often end up behind furniture or along baseboards, but with minor adjustments, they can disappear entirely.

Baseboard raceways

Adhesive-mounted cord covers snap onto walls and hide both cords and compact power strips. Choose white or paintable models that match your trim. Install them along floor edges leading from outlets to trees or mantels. Feed cords through the channel and plug the power strip into the end outlet, then close the cover.

Furniture integration

Use ottomans, entertainment consoles, or bench seats with hollow interiors to house power strips. Drill a small hole in the back panel for cords to enter. Place a non-slip mat inside to prevent shifting. This method keeps everything accessible yet invisible.

Behind drapes or wall hangings

If lights stem from a central area like a window or fireplace, mount a slim power strip on the wall behind heavy curtains or a tapestry. Ensure there’s airflow around the unit and avoid covering it completely. Use magnetic clips to guide cords along the wall beneath the fabric edge.

Tip: Never stack power strips or daisy-chain them indoors. This overloads circuits and creates fire hazards. Use a single high-capacity strip per outlet.

Real example: A suburban front yard transformation

The Thompson family in Portland, Oregon, upgraded their holiday display from a scattered string of icicle lights to a full-property illumination featuring three trees, a driveway arch, and animated reindeer. Initially, they used four extension cords snaking across the lawn, all feeding into a single power strip tucked under a flowerpot.

After two weeks, the pot was knocked over by a delivery person, disconnecting half the display. Moisture had also seeped into the strip, causing flickering. They redesigned the system using the following changes:

• Installed a weatherproof power hub inside a faux rock near the sidewalk.
• Ran one main 14-gauge cord from the garage outlet to the rock, protected by a surface-mount conduit.
• Used a 6-outlet outdoor-rated strip inside the rock, with individual surge-protected ports.
• Grouped tree lights on one circuit, driveway elements on another, and roofline on a third.
• Labeled each outlet and tested monthly during the season.

The result was a safer, neater display that stayed functional through rain and wind. Neighbors commented on the “storefront quality” of the lighting—unaware that the real improvement was underground and out of sight.

Safety checklist: Before powering on

No concealment method is worth the risk if safety is compromised. Follow this final checklist before turning on your display:

1. All power strips are rated for outdoor use if exposed to elements.
2. Cords are not pinched, kinked, or under pressure from furniture or doors.
3. Each circuit operates below 80% of its maximum load.
4. GFCI outlets are tested and functioning properly.
5. Ventilation is maintained around enclosed power strips.
6. Connections are elevated off the ground or sealed against moisture.
7. There are no dangling cords across walkways or driveways.
8. All modifications comply with local electrical codes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bury a power strip in the ground?

No. Even in a waterproof container, burying a power strip underground violates electrical codes and creates serious safety risks. Instead, use underground-rated conduit to run wires to a surface-mounted, elevated junction box or outdoor outlet enclosure.

What’s the best way to hide multiple cords going to one tree?

Bundle cords together with twist ties or braided sleeves, then wrap them around the trunk from base to first branches. Secure with tree-safe straps (no nails or staples). Conceal the base connection in mulch, a planter, or behind a decorative stake. Use a single power strip mounted nearby rather than extending cords up the tree.

Is it safe to leave hidden power strips plugged in all season?

Yes, provided they are outdoor-rated, properly ventilated, and monitored periodically. Unplug during severe storms or if you notice heat, buzzing, or discoloration. Most professionals recommend weekly visual checks during active display periods.

Final thoughts: Elegance lies in the details

The most memorable holiday displays aren’t defined by the number of lights, but by the care behind them. A flawless presentation comes from attention to detail—from color coordination to precise spacing, and especially to what’s not seen. Hiding power strips isn’t about deception; it’s about respect for craftsmanship and safety.

By treating wiring with the same intention as decoration, homeowners elevate their displays from amateur to exceptional. Whether using a $20 planter or a custom-built enclosure, the principle remains: function should never compromise form. With these strategies, your lights can shine without distraction, and your peace of mind can glow just as brightly.

💬 Ready to transform your holiday setup? Start by sketching your power layout today—your future self will thank you when December arrives.