21 Christmas Lights Outside Ideas
When it comes to decorating for the holidays, there’s something truly magical about transforming the outside of your home with twinkling Christmas lights.
Not only do they set the festive mood, but they also create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all who pass by.
Whether you’re looking to go all out or keep it simple, here are 21 Christmas lights outside ideas that will help you bring your holiday vision to life.
1. Classic White Lights for a Timeless Look
Classic white lights never go out of style. They add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outdoor setting. I love how they can be wrapped around trees, draped over bushes, or hung along the eaves of your home.
For a more refined look, consider using icicle lights, which hang down in delicate strands and give the illusion of melting icicles.
2. Multicolored Lights for a Festive Vibe
For those who prefer a more playful and vibrant display, multicolored lights are the way to go. These lights are perfect for creating a festive atmosphere that brings out the childlike wonder of the season.
I enjoy mixing and matching colors to create a cheerful and whimsical display that’s sure to stand out.
3. Pathway Lights to Guide the Way
Adding lights along your walkway or driveway not only enhances safety but also adds a welcoming touch to your home. You can opt for simple stake lights or go for something more elaborate like candy cane-shaped lights.
I’ve found that solar-powered pathway lights are a great option for energy efficiency and ease of installation.
4. Wrap Trees with String Lights
Wrapping the trunks and branches of trees with string lights creates a stunning visual effect, especially if you have several trees in your yard.
I recommend using mini LED lights, which are energy-efficient and provide a bright, twinkling glow. For added dimension, you can use both white and colored lights to create a layered look.
5. Illuminate Your Roofline
Highlighting the roofline of your home with lights is a classic way to frame your house and make it stand out. I like to use C9 or C7 bulbs for this purpose, as they are larger and provide a bolder, more noticeable look.
You can also outline the windows and doors to create a cohesive and polished appearance.
6. Add a Lit Garland to Your Porch
Garlands are a traditional Christmas decoration, and when they’re lit, they bring even more holiday cheer.
I love to drape a lit garland around the front door or along the porch railing. For a more natural look, consider using a garland made from real pine or cedar, and add some pinecones and red bows for extra flair.
7. Decorate Your Bushes with Net Lights
Net lights are a game-changer when it comes to decorating bushes. They’re so easy to use – just drape them over your bushes, and you’re done!
I appreciate how they create a uniform look, and you can choose from different colors and styles to match your overall theme.
8. Use Projector Lights for a High-Impact Display
Projector lights have become increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. They can project festive patterns, snowflakes, or even Santa and his reindeer onto the front of your house.
I find this to be a fantastic option if you want a big impact with minimal effort. Plus, they’re easy to set up and store away after the holidays.
9. Create a Starry Sky with Hanging Lights
Hanging star-shaped lights from the eaves of your house or from tree branches can create the illusion of a starry sky.
I love how this adds a touch of whimsy and magic to the overall display. You can find star lights in various sizes and colors, which allows you to create a custom look that’s uniquely yours.
10. Illuminate Your Outdoor Christmas Tree
If you have an evergreen tree in your yard, why not turn it into an outdoor Christmas tree? I enjoy wrapping the tree in lights from top to bottom and adding outdoor ornaments for a truly festive look.
You can use traditional white lights or go for a multicolored display – either way, it’s sure to be a showstopper.
11. Wrap Your Mailbox with Lights
Don’t forget about your mailbox! Wrapping it with lights is a fun way to extend your holiday décor beyond the house itself.
I like to use battery-operated lights for this, as they’re easy to work with and don’t require an extension cord. Add a festive bow or some greenery to complete the look.
12. Light Up Your Fence
If you have a fence around your property, consider adding lights to it as well. I find that string lights work beautifully for this, whether you’re outlining the top of the fence or wrapping the posts.
For a more dramatic effect, you can add some garland or wreaths in between the lights.
13. Decorate Your Patio or Deck
Don’t forget about your outdoor living spaces! Stringing lights along the railing of your patio or deck can create a cozy and inviting space to enjoy during the holiday season. I often add some lanterns or candles to enhance the ambiance and make the area feel even more festive.
14. Add Lights to Outdoor Planters
If you have large planters outside, consider adding some lights to them. I like to use fairy lights or mini string lights to wrap around the plants or the rim of the planter. This is a simple yet effective way to bring some holiday cheer to your outdoor space.
15. Create a Lighted Archway
If you have an archway leading to your front door or garden, consider decorating it with lights. I find that wrapping the archway with lights and adding some greenery or ribbons creates a grand and welcoming entrance.
You can even hang some ornaments or bells from the top of the arch for added detail.
16. Illuminate Your Garden with Ground Lights
Ground lights are a fantastic way to highlight your garden beds and pathways. I enjoy using them to showcase specific plants or features in the garden, creating a winter wonderland effect.
You can choose from a variety of styles, from simple stake lights to more decorative options like snowflake or star-shaped lights.
17. Use Battery-Operated Lights for Flexibility
Battery-operated lights offer great flexibility, as they can be placed anywhere without the need for an electrical outlet.
I love using them in hard-to-reach places, like wreaths, topiaries, or even in trees where an extension cord would be unsightly. Plus, many battery-operated lights come with timers, making them easy to manage.
18. Highlight Your Garage Door
Your garage door takes up a significant portion of your home’s exterior, so why not make it part of your holiday display? I like to outline the garage door with lights or add a lighted garland above it. You can also place some large, lit-up ornaments or a lighted wreath on the door itself for added impact.
19. Add Lighted Animal Figures
Lighted animal figures, like reindeer or penguins, are a fun and whimsical addition to your outdoor Christmas display.
I find that they add a playful element that kids and adults alike can enjoy. Place them in your yard or along your walkway to create a charming and festive scene.
20. Create a Lighted Nativity Scene
For those who want to incorporate a more traditional element into their décor, a lighted nativity scene is a beautiful option.
I love how it adds a meaningful touch to the holiday display while also providing a warm, glowing light. You can find nativity sets in various sizes and styles to fit your space and taste.
21. Go All Out with a Light Show
If you really want to go all out, consider setting up a synchronized light show with music. This is definitely a more ambitious project, but the results are spectacular.
I’ve seen displays where the lights are synchronized to holiday tunes, creating a mesmerizing and entertaining experience for everyone who sees it. Just be sure to check with your neighbors first – they might want to join in the fun!
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of ideas when it comes to decorating the outside of your home with Christmas lights. Whether you prefer a classic, understated look or something more bold and playful, there’s a style out there for everyone.
I hope these 21 ideas have inspired you to create a festive and inviting outdoor display that brings joy to all who see it. Happy decorating!
