Every December, motorcycle enthusiasts light up parades, toy runs, and evening rides with colorful, festive decorations. Adding holiday cheer to your bike is fun — but it also needs to be done safely. Improper wiring or high-power lights can drain your battery or cause electrical issues.
This complete guide explains how to put Christmas lights on a motorcycle safely, including what type of lights to use, how to power them, and tips for creative holiday displays that turn heads without compromising safety.
💡 Quick Answer: Use Battery-Powered or 12V LED Christmas Lights
The safest way to decorate your motorcycle is with **battery-powered or 12-volt LED Christmas lights**. These draw minimal power and can run from your bike’s electrical system or a portable battery pack without damaging the wiring.
Important: Never plug standard 120V household Christmas lights into your motorcycle — they require wall voltage and will short out your bike’s system.
🧰 What You’ll Need
- 12V motorcycle-safe LED Christmas lights or battery-operated LED strips
- Zip ties or Velcro straps
- Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
- Inline fuse (if wiring into the motorcycle battery)
- Optional: small power inverter (for 12V-only use)
- Eagle Lights LED headlight or accent kit (for a permanent year-round glow)
Pro Tip: Choose waterproof LED strands with flexible silicone housings — they’re durable, bright, and built for outdoor use.
⚙️ Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Lights
Not all Christmas lights are motorcycle-safe. Here are your best options:
| Type | Power Source | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery-Powered LED String Lights | AA or rechargeable batteries | Easy to install, no wiring needed | Limited runtime (4–8 hours) |
| 12V LED Strip Lights | Connected to motorcycle battery | Bright, customizable colors, long-lasting | Requires careful wiring and fusing |
| USB or Power Bank LEDs | Portable USB battery pack | Safe, rechargeable, versatile | Requires mounting the power pack securely |
Best Choice: 12V LED strip lights — like those in Eagle Lights accent kits — provide professional brightness and integrate neatly with your motorcycle’s existing lighting system.
🔋 Step 2: Plan Your Power Source
There are three main ways to power your motorcycle Christmas lights:
- Option 1: Motorcycle Battery — Tap into your bike’s 12V system using an inline fuse to protect against surges.
- Option 2: Portable Battery Pack — Power your lights independently with a USB or 12V rechargeable battery pack.
- Option 3: Accessory Socket (Cigarette Lighter Plug) — Plug 12V-compatible lights directly into your bike’s auxiliary port.
Warning: Never overload your motorcycle’s electrical system. LEDs are ideal because they use minimal current — typically less than 2 amps for a full set.
🪶 Step 3: Map Out Your Light Placement
Plan your light layout before attaching anything permanently. Here are some creative (and safe) placement ideas:
- 🎄 Outline your bike’s fairing or frame with LED strips.
- 🌟 Wrap lights around handlebars or crash bars (avoid covering controls).
- 💫 Add underglow lighting along the bottom frame for a floating effect.
- 🔔 Mount lights behind your Eagle Lights LED headlight for a festive glow.
- 🎅 Secure a few lights around your luggage rack or sissy bar.
Keep all lights away from moving parts like chains, wheels, and exhaust pipes — heat and motion can melt or damage wiring.
🪛 Step 4: Secure the Lights
Once you’re happy with placement, secure your lights properly:
- Use zip ties or Velcro straps to fasten lights — they’re easy to remove later.
- Avoid metal clamps that can damage wires.
- Wrap exposed connectors with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to waterproof them.
- Tuck excess wiring neatly under the seat or frame.
Double-check that the lights don’t interfere with your steering or brake movement.
⚡ Step 5: Connect to Power Safely
If you’re wiring lights into your bike’s battery:
- Turn off the ignition and disconnect the negative terminal.
- Connect the lights’ positive wire to the battery’s positive post through an inline fuse (2–5 amps).
- Connect the lights’ negative wire to the battery’s negative post or a frame ground.
- Use waterproof connectors to secure the connection.
Once connected, test your lights before reassembling panels or seats. If they flicker, check your fuse and wire polarity.
🎅 Step 6: Test Visibility and Safety
Turn on your Christmas lights and step back to inspect from all angles:
- Make sure they don’t block your turn signals, tail lights, or headlight beam.
- Ensure lights aren’t too bright or distracting to other drivers.
- Check that no wires hang loose or touch hot exhaust areas.
Pro Tip: For group rides or holiday parades, use matching color schemes or blinking patterns to stand out safely and stylishly.
🌧️ Step 7: Waterproof and Weatherproof Everything
Winter weather can bring rain, snow, and slush — protect your holiday lighting setup with these precautions:
- Use waterproof LED light strands rated IP65 or higher.
- Seal all wire joints and plugs with silicone or electrical tape.
- Mount battery packs in sealed pouches or saddlebag compartments.
- Avoid running lights under the bike where water collects.
Waterproofing your setup not only extends its lifespan — it also prevents shorts that could affect your motorcycle’s electrical system.
🧠 Step 8: Follow Local Laws and Regulations
Before hitting the road, check your state or country’s lighting laws. Some regions restrict certain colors or blinking patterns on public roads.
- 🚫 Avoid red or blue lights facing forward — these can be mistaken for emergency vehicles.
- ✅ Steady (non-flashing) white, amber, or green lights are usually legal.
- 🎄 Turn off decorative lights when riding on highways or after dark if they create glare.
Holiday parade or show rides typically have exemptions — just make sure your lighting is safe and compliant for public use.
🔋 Step 9: Remove or Reuse After the Holidays
When the holiday season ends, it’s easy to take everything down:
- Unclip or cut zip ties carefully.
- Unplug or disconnect from the battery.
- Wipe lights dry and store in a cool, dry place.
- If you loved the look, replace festive lights with permanent accent lighting — like Eagle Lights LED kits for year-round glow.
Repurposing LED strips is easy — they make great underglow or auxiliary accent lighting long after Christmas is over.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
Can you put Christmas lights on a motorcycle?
Yes — as long as you use 12V or battery-powered LED lights designed for vehicles. Avoid standard household lights.
Will Christmas lights drain my motorcycle battery?
LED lights draw minimal power. However, if connected directly to your battery, use an inline fuse and disconnect them when not in use.
Are Christmas lights on motorcycles legal?
Yes, for parades and private events. On public roads, avoid flashing or red/blue lights to stay compliant with local laws.
How do I keep lights from coming loose?
Use zip ties, Velcro straps, and adhesive mounts. Check connections before every ride.
Can rain damage my motorcycle Christmas lights?
Not if they’re waterproof (IP65+ rated). Always cover connections and power sources to prevent corrosion.
What’s the best way to power decorative lights?
Use a separate portable battery pack or connect via your motorcycle’s 12V system with an inline fuse for safety.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Ride Bright This Holiday Season
Putting Christmas lights on your motorcycle is a fun way to celebrate the season — and with the right preparation, it’s completely safe. Stick with waterproof 12V LEDs, secure your wiring, and make sure your decorations don’t interfere with your controls or visibility.
For a professional finish that lasts beyond the holidays, consider Eagle Lights LED lighting kits. They offer the same vibrant brightness, weather resistance, and easy installation — built to shine long after the Christmas ride is over.
Ride festive. Ride safe. Ride bright.
