Hang Christmas lights without a gutter? You must be kidding. Why would anyone want to hang Christmas lights without a gutter? Gutter hangers are an essential part of decorating for the holidays. Without them, it's nearly impossible to hang lights neatly and evenly around the roof. Plus, gutter hangers provide a safe and sturdy anchor point for lights, preventing them from falling off or getting tangled in branches. I mean, I suppose you could use nails or tape, but that would be quite the unsightly mess.