If you’ve explored San Jose during December evenings, you’ve probably seen streets with lighted arches. One of the most impressive examples is Cherry Ave between Glen Eyrie Ave and Willow St.

This year I decided to join the club and build+install Christmas arches for myself. For each arch here are the parts I used:

• 1x 10 ft 3/4″ PVC
• 1x 10 ft 1/2″ PVC
• 2x 3/4″ male fitting
• 2x 3/4″ to 1/2″ reducer
• 2x 5/8″ rebar, cut to 2.5 ft
• PVC cement
• 1x strand of ~150 warm white LED lights

First, cut the 10 ft 3/4″ PVC in half into two 5 ft pieces. Then cement one male fitting on each piece. Cement the 3/4″ to 1/2″ reducers to both ends of the 10 ft 1/2″ PVC pipe. Pound the rebar into the ground where you want to place the arch. Then attach the 3/4″ PVC lengths on either side of the 1/2″ PVC pipe. Thread the combined 20 ft pipe on the rebar stakes and string lights to your liking.

I think that the 5/8″ rebar is overkill, probably 1/2″ rebar would work as well. Also you should use an angle grinder to cut the rebar, not a hacksaw and a bunch of blades like I did. Finally, I decided to run lights along the ground instead of using extension cords between each arch. This effect turned out quite nice and required fewer connections.