There’s something magical about driving through neighborhoods at night during the holidays and seeing homes lit up with Christmas decorations. I love decorating the outside of my home for Christmas—it’s like sharing a bit of holiday joy with everyone who passes by.
Whether you want to go all out or keep it simple and elegant, here are some outdoor Christmas decoration ideas to inspire your holiday decorating this year.
Classic String Lights
You really can’t go wrong with string lights. They’re timeless and create such a warm, inviting glow. Here are some ways to use them:
Roofline lights: Outline your roofline with classic white or colored lights. This traditional look never goes out of style.
Wrapped trees and bushes: Wrap string lights around tree trunks and through branches. Start at the bottom and work your way up, wrapping around as you go.
Window frames: Outline windows with lights for a cozy, welcoming look from inside and out.
Pathway lighting: Line your walkway or driveway with stakes that hold string lights to guide visitors to your door.
Choose between warm white for a classic look, cool white for a winter wonderland feel, or multicolored for a playful, traditional vibe.
Wreaths and Garland
Wreaths and garland bring natural beauty and texture to your outdoor space.
Front door wreath: A beautiful wreath on your front door is welcoming and festive. Choose fresh evergreen for that amazing scent, or go with high-quality artificial that you can use year after year. Add a big bow, pinecones, berries, or ornaments.
Window wreaths: Hang wreaths in your windows with suction cup hooks. They look beautiful from both inside and outside.
Garland on railings: Drape garland along porch railings, fence posts, or around your front door frame. Weave lights through it for extra sparkle.
Mailbox decoration: Wrap garland around your mailbox post or attach a small wreath to the mailbox itself.
Outdoor Christmas Tree
If you have the space, an outdoor Christmas tree makes a stunning focal point.
Decorate a tree in your yard: Choose an evergreen tree in your yard and decorate it with outdoor-safe lights and ornaments. Use larger, weather-resistant ornaments that won’t blow away easily.
Potted tree on the porch: Place a potted evergreen tree on your porch and decorate it. You can plant it in your yard after the holidays.
Tomato cage trees: Create DIY trees using tomato cages wrapped with garland and lights. These work well for porches or flanking your front door.
Luminaries and Lanterns
Luminaries create such a beautiful, welcoming pathway and are easier to set up than you might think.
Paper bag luminaries: The classic option. Fill paper bags with sand, place a battery-operated tea light inside, and line your walkway. You can cut designs into the bags or leave them simple.
Mason jar lanterns: Fill mason jars with epsom salt or fake snow, add battery lights, and line your steps or walkway.
Traditional lanterns: Place decorative lanterns on your porch steps or along your walkway. Fill them with pinecones, ornaments, or small evergreen branches along with a candle or battery light.
Festive Planters
Dress up your outdoor planters for the season.
Evergreen arrangements: Fill planters with evergreen branches, red or white dogwood branches, and birch logs. Add oversized ornaments or berry picks for pops of color.
Lighted branches: Place tall branches or twigs in planters and wrap them with string lights. This creates height and drama.
Winter arrangement: Combine evergreen branches with pinecones, berries, and tall stakes with stars or snowflakes on top.
Porch and Entry Decorations
Your porch is the perfect place to create a welcoming holiday scene.
Rocking chair display: Place a blanket and throw pillows on your porch furniture. Add a small decorated tree or stack of wrapped gift boxes nearby.
Welcome mat: Use a festive holiday doormat. It’s a small touch that makes a difference.
Porch columns: Wrap porch columns with garland and lights, or tie big red bows around them.
Vintage sled or skis: Lean an old sled or vintage skis against your house near the door, decorated with greenery and a bow.
Yard Decorations
If you want to decorate your lawn, here are some tasteful options:
Outdoor nativity scene: A classic choice that creates a meaningful focal point.
Reindeer or deer figures: Lighted deer figures in your yard create a peaceful winter scene.
Candy canes: Line your walkway or driveway with large candy cane decorations.
Snowman: A lighted snowman is playful and welcoming without being overwhelming.
Keep yard decorations balanced—you don’t want to overcrowd the space.
Window Displays
Don’t forget about your windows.
Candles in windows: Electric candles in each window create a classic, elegant look.
Window clings: Snowflakes, stars, or other festive designs add charm without much effort.
Lighted stars or snowflakes: Hang lighted stars or snowflakes in windows so they’re visible from outside.
Natural Elements
Incorporate natural materials for an organic, timeless look.
Birch logs: Bundle birch logs with ribbon and place them by your door or in planters.
Pinecones: Arrange large pinecones in bowls or baskets on your porch. You can spray paint them gold or silver for extra sparkle.
Evergreen swags: Hang evergreen swags on your door, shutters, or mailbox.
Berry branches: Real or faux berry branches add beautiful pops of red.
Simple Elegance Options
If you prefer a more minimalist approach:
All-white lights: Stick to white lights throughout for a clean, elegant look.
Single wreath: One beautiful, high-quality wreath on your front door makes a statement.
Matching planters: Two matching planters flanking your door with simple evergreen arrangements.
Candlelight: Focus on candles and lanterns for a soft, welcoming glow.
Sometimes less really is more. A few well-chosen decorations can be just as impactful as a fully decorated display.
Practical Tips
Use outdoor-rated products: Make sure everything you use outside is rated for outdoor use and can handle weather.
Check your lights: Test all lights before hanging them. It’s so much easier to replace bulbs before they’re up.
Use timers: Set your lights on a timer so they turn on and off automatically. You’ll enjoy them more and save energy.
Secure everything: Make sure decorations are properly secured so they don’t blow away in wind or get damaged.
Consider your neighbors: Keep light displays aimed at your property and consider your neighbors’ sleep schedules with timing.
Start simple: You can always add more each year. Start with the basics and build your collection over time.
Extension cords: Use outdoor-rated extension cords and keep them organized and safe.
Make It Your Own
The best outdoor decorations reflect your personal style. Some people love a full light show, others prefer simple elegance. Some go traditional, others choose whimsical. All of it is beautiful when it’s done with intention.
Think about what brings you joy and what you want to share with your neighborhood. The holidays are about spreading warmth and light, whatever that looks like for you.