Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or enjoying an intimate dinner with friends, a Christmas tree glowing with lights brings a warm, joyful ambience to your celebrations. Balsam Hill pre-lit Christmas trees are professionally strung by hand to minimise visible wires and feature UL-approved, premium commercial-grade lights. Over time, with normal use, some bulbs may go out or become loose. In this guide, we share practical tips on how to troubleshoot a pre-lit Christmas tree.
Check If Light Strings Are Plugged In Properly
If your Balsam Hill pre-lit Christmas tree lights aren’t working, start by checking that all light strings are plugged in properly. Branches can shift during shaping, which may loosen the connections, so this is the first thing to confirm before moving on to other troubleshooting steps.
Check the Bulbs on Each String
Bulbs can become loose after years of setting up and packing away a pre-lit Christmas tree. If you notice a loose bulb, gently nudge it back into place to re-seat it in the socket. If a bulb is broken or no longer working, your Balsam Hill tree includes a bulb removal tool and several replacement bulbs. Follow the steps below to replace bulbs on a pre-lit tree.
How Do You Replace Lights on a Pre-Lit Tree?
- Use the bulb remover tool to take out the broken bulb and dispose of it properly.
- Insert the replacement bulb securely into the empty socket.
- If the lights still aren’t turning on, check that every bulb is correctly aligned in its socket.
- Gently nudge the bulb or press it more firmly into place to ensure proper contact.
Check Your Pre-Lit Christmas Tree’s Fuse
A blown fuse is one of the most common reasons an entire light strand stops working. Here’s how to fix your Christmas tree lights by replacing the fuse.
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 slide open the compartment. The fuse should pop out with a small amount of force.
- Replace the fuse with a new one from the parts replacement kit included with your pre-lit Christmas tree.
- Slide the compartment cover closed, then plug the lights back in to check if they’re working properly.
Troubleshoot Your Balsam Hill Christmas Tree
Follow the steps below if a light string or an entire section isn’t lighting up on your pre-lit Balsam Hill Christmas tree.
A Light Strand Is Out
If you find a light strand not working on your pre-lit Christmas tree, follow the steps below for a quick fix. Have your replacement parts kit and a flat-head screwdriver ready.
Check the Light Strands
- Confirm the strand is connected at both ends: to the pole and to the next strand.
- Make sure it isn’t pinched between branches or caught in a hinge.
- Inspect the entire strand for broken, loose, or missing bulbs.
- If a bulb is broken, use the bulb remover tool to take it out and replace it with one from your parts kit.
- If a bulb is loose, gently nudge it back into the socket to secure it.
- If all bulbs appear intact, the issue may be the master bulb.
Check the Master Bulb
- Locate the master bulb by following the strand until you find the one housed in a larger plastic casing.
- Replace it with a master bulb from your replacement parts kit.
- If the strand still doesn’t light, move on to checking the fuses.
Check the Fuses
- Open the slider on the male end plug of the strand.
- Inside, you will find two fuses: one active and one spare.
- Replace the active fuse with the spare. Additional fuses are included in your replacement parts 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 troubleshoot 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 and ensure it’s seated securely.
Replace the Master Bulb
- If all bulbs appear intact, the issue may be with the master bulb.
- Follow the strand until you find the bulb housed in a slightly larger casing.
- Replace it with a master bulb from your replacement parts kit.
Replace the Fuse
- If the master bulb isn’t the cause, the fuse may be faulty.
- Locate the male end of the plug and slide open the fuse compartment.
- Inside, you’ll find two fuses: one active in a metal casing and one spare.
- Replace the active fuse with the spare. Additional fuses are included in your parts kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer common questions about troubleshooting Christmas lights.
How Do I Know Which Bulb Is Out on My Pre-Lit Tree?
Inspect the entire strand carefully, checking each bulb for signs of damage such as burnt-out filaments, cracks, or looseness. If you find a broken or non-functioning bulb, follow your tree manufacturer’s instructions to replace it. If no bulbs appear damaged, check that the strand isn’t pinched between branches or caught in a hinge. Ensure all plugs and connections are secure, and gently turn each pole section to confirm they are seated correctly.
How To Fix LED Christmas Lights When Half the String Is Out?
If half a string or an entire section is dark, the issue is usually caused by a broken bulb affecting the circuit or a damaged fuse. Replace any broken bulbs and check the fuses as directed in your manufacturer’s troubleshooting guide.
Why Is My Pre-Lit LED Christmas Tree Not Working?
Lights may stop working due to a burnt-out bulb, a loose connection, or wiring issues. In some pre-lit trees, even a single damaged bulb can cause the entire strand to go out. Always give your tree a thorough check to ensure all components are working properly for a stress-free decorating experience.
Where Are the Fuses on a Pre-Lit Tree?
On Balsam Hill pre-lit Christmas trees, the fuses are located inside the male end of the plug on each light string. Slide open the fuse compartment using your finger or a flathead screwdriver to access and replace the fuses as needed.
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 Christmas trees. We offer a wide range of shapes, sizes, and lighting options to suit any space and style.