Gym Graduation Decorations: DIY String Lights

Update: This post was originally written a few years ago. With graduation season approaching again, I enjoyed revisiting these memories and have added a bit more detail in case you’re planning decorations for a large celebration. Thanks for coming along on this stroll down graduation-decorating memory lane.

Two years ago our oldest son graduated from high school. He attends a small school that requires a ferry ride and three bus trips—about an hour each way every day. As our first graduate, we were blissfully unaware of how much production and planning goes into a school graduation. Living a ferry ride away had kept us out of the loop on most of the graduation hoopla.

On the day of Brad’s graduation I was completely blown away. The boys wore tuxedos, the girls wore dresses that looked more expensive than many wedding gowns, and the school gymnasium had been transformed into an elegant beach scene. I actually gasped when I saw it. At the same time I felt embarrassed that I hadn’t known enough to be more helpful.

This Saturday our second son will graduate. I wasn’t naive this time, so I wanted to be useful. Yesterday was the first day of decorating and I was determined to contribute. Many of the other parents were seasoned pros who’d organized these transformations before; it was a privilege to join them and to learn. Below I’ll describe how we created a ceiling canopy of twinkle lights to completely change the look of the gymnasium. These techniques work well for graduations, fundraisers, dances, or any large celebration held in a school or church gym.

How to create a ceiling canopy of twinkle lights in a gymnasium for graduation decorations

If you’re decorating a gym, your first goal is to disguise the industrial feel so the space no longer looks like a gym. Camouflaging exposed metal beams and plain walls goes a long way, and proper lighting—especially a ceiling of twinkle lights—can completely transform the atmosphere into something elegant and warm.

Here’s how our group installed a canopy of twinkle lights across the gym ceiling, step by step.

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

The foundation of the canopy was a large commercial-style fishing net spread out on the gym floor. The net matched the ceiling’s general dimensions so it could be hoisted into place and draped evenly. Living near the coast made it easy for us to source a substantial net; for smaller spaces, scaled decorative nets are a practical alternative.

2. Test many long strands of clear twinkle lights

We tested dozens of long strands of clear twinkle lights on the floor before weaving them into the net. Parents were encouraged to donate used clear Christmas lights for the installation—properly labeled so they could be returned afterward—which helped keep costs down.

Lights were laid into the net in a gentle S-pattern until the entire area of the net was filled. This pattern created even coverage and prevented heavy clumping of lights in any single spot. We checked each strand extensively and replaced any sections that flickered or failed to light reliably.

After the final adjustments, the net looked dense with tiny points of light ready to glow once it was lifted into place.

3. Hoist the net to the ceiling, anchor it at the center and sides

A pulley was installed at the gym’s highest center point to help lift the net. The net was tied with ropes at the corners and along the edges, then the center was attached to the pulley and hoisted upward. The whole process required ladders and a few people comfortable climbing them to secure the net to wall anchors so it stayed taut and even.

The installation took roughly six hours from start to finish. At first it felt like a lot of time and effort, but once we shut off the main gym lights and turned on the twinkle lights, the result justified the work.

When the tiny lights came on, the gym’s harsh features disappeared and the space felt intimate, warm, and festive—perfect for a graduation celebration. If you have the time, volunteers, and safe access to ladders, installing a net canopy of lights is one of the most effective ways to elevate a gym into an elegant event venue.

Additional graduation decoration ideas

Other themes and finishing touches can complement a ceiling of lights: themed backdrops for photos, table centerpieces that echo the ceiling’s glow, fabric draping along stage areas, and carefully chosen ambient music. Small details such as labeled donated items, a central decorating plan, and a volunteer schedule make the entire process smoother and more organized.

Below are a few personal posts and reflections about graduation celebrations and preparing to let go after years of parenting; these served as inspiration while planning our decorations.

• On Parenting…and Letting Go
• A Day to Remember {Joel’s Grad}