How to Hang DIY String Lights for Graduation in a Gym

Update. This post was written years ago, but since graduation season comes around again, I enjoyed revisiting these memories. I’ve updated the post with extra information in case you’re planning a large celebration and need ideas. Thanks for joining me on this stroll down graduation decorations memory lane.

Two years ago our eldest son graduated from high school. Our boys attend a small school a ferry and three bus rides away — roughly an hour each way in the mornings and afternoons. Being the first to graduate, we were blissfully unaware of how elaborate graduation preparations can be, and living a ferry ride away had kept us largely out of the loop.

On Brad’s graduation day I was blown away. The boys wore tuxedos and the girls wore dresses that looked far more formal than anything I expected. The school gym had been completely transformed — instead of bleachers and basketball hoops, the space became a breathtaking beach scene. I literally gasped when I walked in.

I was embarrassed that I hadn’t understood enough to help more, so when our second son’s graduation came around I made a point to be involved. This time I wanted to contribute. Many of the other parents were experienced at event decorating, and I felt privileged to be part of the process. Below I’ll describe, step by step, how we created a canopy of twinkle lights over the gym to help hide the metal beams and turn an ordinary school space into an elegant venue.

How to add a ceiling full of twinkle lights in a gymnasium for graduation decorations

Note: this post mentions product types and practical tips to help you plan and shop efficiently.

If you’re decorating a school or church gym for a graduation party, the first challenge is making it stop looking like a gym. Camouflaging exposed metal beams and bare walls makes a dramatic difference; soft lighting, draping, and a canopy of twinkle lights transform an institutional space into an intimate celebration.

Below is our method for installing a ceiling canopy of white twinkle lights using a large decorative net. The process requires planning, manpower, ladders or lifts, and attention to safety, but the final effect is truly magical.

1. Lay out a very large net on the gym floor

We began by spreading a large commercial-style fishing net across the gym floor. The net acts as the structure for the lights and helps disguise the ceiling when raised. Because we live in a coastal community with access to real fishing gear, we used an authentic net; you can also use large decorative nets or heavy-duty draping netting sized to cover the ceiling area.

Sizing is important: measure the gym ceiling and floor area beforehand so the net will reach the walls and have enough material to secure at the edges.

2. Test many long strands of white twinkle lights

Before attaching lights to the net, we tested dozens of long strands of white twinkle lights on the floor. Testing identifies faulty strings and prevents frustrating surprises once the canopy is hung. Parents donated clear Christmas lights for cost savings; if you do the same, label each strand so donations can be returned after the event.

We arranged the lights across the net in gentle S-shaped curves and clipped or tied them so they stayed in place. It’s worth taking time at this stage to space them evenly and confirm all bulbs and sections work.

Troubleshooting can be necessary: some strings went out intermittently, so we swapped or repaired those before moving the canopy upward.

3. Hoist the net to the ceiling with a central pulley and secure to walls

With the lights secured, we prepared to raise the net. The gym had a pulley installed at the peak of the ceiling specifically for this purpose. The net was attached to ropes at its corners and sides, then the central pulley lifted the middle to create a tented canopy. The raising process involved ladders, ropes, and volunteers willing to climb and steady the net.

We tied the net to anchors along the walls and secured all ropes tightly. The full setup took about six hours with a motivated team. It’s labor-intensive, but when the gym’s main lights were turned off and the twinkle lights plugged in, the effect erased every trace of “school gym.”

The canopy transformed the space into an elegant, intimate environment ideal for a graduation ceremony or reception. If you have time, volunteers, and safe access to ladders or lifts, a canopy of twinkle lights is one of the most impactful ways to disguise a gymnasium and elevate your celebration.

Additional graduation decoration ideas and resources

For themed decorations, we also tried a “Jolly Old England” graduation party theme and used other finishing touches throughout the gym and reception areas. Posts from our family recount our sons’ graduations with ideas and reflections titled “On Parenting…and Letting Go” and “A Day to Remember {Joel’s Grad}.” These write-ups include practical tips and inspiration if you’re planning your own celebration.