A Christmas tree glowing with lights adds extra merriment and brightness to any holiday celebration, whether it’s a large family gathering or an intimate dinner party with friends. Balsam Hill’s pre-lit Christmas trees are expertly strung by hand to reduce the visibility of wires and come with UL®-approved, premium, commercial-grade lights. With regular use over the years, some lights may go out or become loose. This guide offers tips on fixing Christmas tree lights, from troubleshooting to replacing fuses and bulbs.
Check if Light Strings Are Plugged In Properly
If your Balsam Hill pre-lit Christmas tree lights are not working, start by making sure all light strings are plugged in properly. Connections can loosen when branches are moved during shaping, so check these first before trying any other steps.
Check the Bulbs on Each String
Bulbs can become loose over the years of setting up and taking down a pre-lit Christmas tree. If a bulb is loose, gently re-seat it into the socket to restore the connection. If you need to replace a broken or burnt-out bulb, your Balsam Hill tree includes a bulb removal tool and several replacement bulbs. Follow the steps below to fix pre-lit Christmas tree lights by changing the bulbs.
How Do You Replace Lights on a Pre-Lit Tree?
- Use the bulb removal tool to lift out and dispose of the broken bulb.
- Insert the replacement bulb securely into the empty socket.
- If the bulbs are still not lit, check that each one is properly aligned in its socket.
- Gently nudge the bulb or press it more firmly into place to ensure a proper connection.
Check Your Pre-Lit Christmas Tree’s Fuse
A blown fuse is one of the most common reasons why an entire light strand goes out. Follow the steps below to replace the fuses and restore your tree’s lights.
How To Replace the Fuses on Pre-Lit Christmas Trees
- The fuses are located inside the male end plug of the light string. Use your finger or a flathead screwdriver to gently slide open the compartment on the plug. The fuse should lift out with light pressure.
- Replace the fuse with a new one from the parts replacement kit included with your pre-lit Balsam Hill Christmas tree.
- Slide the compartment cover back into place to close it securely.
Troubleshoot Your Balsam Hill Christmas Tree
Follow the troubleshooting steps below if you discover a light string or an entire section that is not working on your pre-lit Balsam Hill artificial Christmas tree.
A Light Strand Is Out
If you find a strand not lighting on your pre-lit Christmas tree, follow these steps for a quick and easy repair. Have your replacement parts kit and a flat-head screwdriver ready before you begin.
Check the Light Strands
- Ensure the strand is securely connected on both ends, both to the pole and to the adjoining light string.
- Confirm it is not pinched between branches or caught in a hinge.
- Look for broken, loose, or missing bulbs.
- Use the bulb remover tool to take out and dispose of any broken bulbs.
- Insert a new bulb from your replacement parts kit.
- If a bulb looks loose, gently nudge it back into the socket to re-seat it.
- If all bulbs are intact and properly seated, the issue may be with the master bulb.
Check the Master Bulb
- Locate the master bulb by following the strand until you find the bulb housed in a slightly larger plastic casing.
- Replace it with a master bulb from your replacement parts kit.
- If the strand remains unlit, the fuse may be the cause.
Check the Fuses
- Locate the male end of the plug and slide open the fuse compartment.
- You will see two fuses: one active fuse in a metal casing and one spare.
- Replace the active fuse with the spare. Additional replacement fuses are included in your kit.
An Entire Section Is Out
If a whole section or half the lights on your pre-lit Christmas tree stop working, follow the steps below to diagnose and resolve the issue. Have your replacement parts kit and a flat-head screwdriver ready.
Replace Broken Bulbs
- Use the bulb remover tool to take out and dispose of any broken bulbs.
- Insert a replacement bulb from your parts kit into the empty socket. Make sure the new bulb is firmly seated to restore the circuit.
Replace the Master Bulb
- If all visible bulbs appear intact, the issue may be caused by the master bulb. Locate the master bulb by following the strand until you find a bulb housed in a slightly larger plastic casing.
- Replace it with a master bulb from your replacement parts kit. Ensure it is fully inserted into the socket before testing the lights again.
Replace the Fuse
- If the master bulb is working but the light section remains out, the fuse may need to be replaced. Locate the male end plug of the affected light strand and slide open the fuse compartment.
- Inside, you will find two fuses: one active inside the metal casing and one spare.
- Remove the active fuse and replace it with the spare. Additional replacement fuses are included in your parts kit if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer common questions about how to troubleshoot Christmas lights.
How Do I Know Which Bulb Is Out on My Pre-Lit Tree?
Inspect the entire strand bulb by bulb, checking for any that appear dead, cracked, broken, or loose. If you find one, follow your manufacturer’s instructions for replacing bulbs on pre-lit Christmas trees. If no bulb appears damaged, make sure the light strand is not pinched between branches or hinges. A loose bulb or plug may also be the cause—gently nudge it back into place. You can also turn the tree sections slightly to ensure the poles are fully connected.
How Do You Fix LED Christmas Lights When Half the String Is Out?
If half the string or an entire section goes out, the issue may be a broken bulb affecting the circuit or a blown fuse. Replace any damaged bulbs and check the fuse in the plug. Always refer to your manufacturer’s troubleshooting instructions for pre-lit trees.
Why Is My Pre-Lit LED Christmas Tree Not Working?
Most often, a pre-lit tree stops working due to a burned-out bulb or a loose connection in the wiring. In some light systems, one damaged bulb can interrupt the whole circuit. Carefully inspect your tree to ensure all bulbs and plugs are properly seated for a worry-free holiday season.
Where Are the Fuses on a Pre-Lit Tree?
On Balsam Hill pre-lit Christmas trees, the fuses are located in the male end plug of each light string. Slide open the fuse compartment using your finger or a flathead screwdriver to access and replace them.
We hope this guide helped you troubleshoot the lights on your pre-lit Christmas tree. Visit the Balsam Hill website to explore our full collection of pre-lit artificial Christmas trees. We offer a wide range of shapes, sizes, and lighting options to suit any space and style.