Deck the Lawn: Festive Christmas Decorations for Your Outdoor Space

10 min readSep 18, 2023

The holiday season is a magical time of year when homes and gardens sparkle with festive decor. While much of the focus is often on decorating indoors, your outdoor space also presents ample opportunities to spread some seasonal cheer. With a little creativity, you can transform your lawn, garden, and outdoor areas into a winter wonderland.

From lighting displays to Christmas-themed ornamentation, let’s explore some fun and unique ways to deck your outdoor halls this Christmas.

Light Up the Lawn

One of the most popular and impactful ways to decorate your yard for Christmas is with lights. Twinkling white lights instantly create a magical ambiance, whether wrapped around trees, shrubs, railings, or wound through planting beds. For an extra festive flair, opt for strands with colored bulbs.

Icicle lights offer a frosty and sparkling effect when draped over eaves and fences. Light up pathways and driveways by lining them with mini-lights or luminaries. You can also use spotlights or floodlights to illuminate focal points and landscaping features.

For next-level holiday light displays, many homeowners turn to LED projection systems. These lights can cast shapes, images, and animations onto the surfaces of your home. Kids and adults alike will love the dazzling shows.

Natural Decorations

Bring the natural beauty of winter into your outdoor Christmas decor. One simple idea is to incorporate seasonal plants and greenery like holly, pine, evergreen boughs, and poinsettias. Display them in pots on your patio, steps, or walkways. Hang wreaths made of fresh greens on doors and entryways.

Pine cones are another great natural decorative element. Gather them up and pile them in bowls or baskets, or use them to create simple garlands and swags. For some shimmer, spray paint them in metallic hues like gold, silver, or copper.

Berries and botanicals like winterberries, hydrangeas, curly willow branches, and bare birch logs also make gorgeous wintry decorations. Display them in vases, planters, and baskets, or incorporate them into centerpieces and wreaths.

Fun & Festive Ornaments

When it comes to decking the halls outdoors, let your imagination run wild with fun and playful Christmas ornaments and decorations.

Giant ornament decorations make a bold statement. Place giant clear glass ball replicas in your yard or flowerbeds. Hang supersized metallic ornaments from tree branches. Adorn your entryway with oversized wreaths, bows, candy canes, and presents.

For a touch of whimsy, accent with character decorations like glowing snowmen, Santa and reindeer figures, oversized candy decorations, and Christmas mythical creatures like gnomes and elves. Use stakes to display them on your lawn or flowerbeds.

Other creative Christmas ornament ideas include decorative buoys, lighted wireframes in fun shapes like trees, stars, and gift boxes, and items that move like pinwheels, spinners, or whirlygigs. Just be sure whichever ornaments you choose can withstand the elements.

Winter planters and pots are another area to have some fun. Fill them with faux snow and glittery pine cones, birch logs, or mini-lighted trees. For a unique display, mount wire baskets on exterior walls and fill them with colorful glass ornaments.

Themed Decorations

Transport guests to iconic Christmas scenes and movies with some themed decorations. For a North Pole effect, use wireframes to make candy cane arches over walkways and line the yard with snow-dusted faux pine trees.

Recreate the Griswold house from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” with strands of quirky twinkling lights. Build a decorative neighborhood model like the hilarious scenes from “Christmas Vacation” and “Elf.”

Make your own larger-than-life Christmas gnomes and Santas like the “Elf” movie. Construct giant storybook scenes of the Grinch and Whoville or Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. With a dose of creativity, the possibilities are endless!

Interactive Outdoor Fun

Incorporate opportunities for guests to interact and enjoy activities outdoors. Set up stations for making s’mores by open fire pits or chimineas. Build a snowman-making area with props like decorative top hats, scarves, and carrot noses.

Host an outdoor holiday movie night in the yard or project it against the house. For parties, decorate with festive backyard games like cornhole, giant Jenga, and Yahtzee, or set up a hot cocoa bar cart.

Let kids enjoy a winter wonderland with a Santa’s Workshop playhouse or snow-covered playground area filled with sleds, bouncy houses, and faux snowball targets. Line the space with festoon lighting to make it extra special. The more opportunities for holiday engagement, the merrier!

Festive Accents & Touches

Tie your entire outdoor Christmas decor scheme together with some well-placed festive accents and finishing touches. Wrap trees, railings, columns, and light posts with tinsel garland or ribbon. Scatter glittery pinecones to add some sparkle. Display vintage-style blow molds, like Santa riding a snowmobile.

Place decorative mats at entrances, top balconies, and railings with frosted garland and bows, and adorn planter boxes with sprigs of holly and berry stems. Christmas flags and oversize stockings hung on exterior walls also help spread the holiday cheer all around your home.

With a dose of creativity and merrymaking spirit, you can deck even the smallest yard, balcony, or patio with Christmas magic. Just be sure to use durable materials made to withstand the elements. Then get ready to embrace the joys of the season as you take your celebrations outdoors!

Outdoor Christmas Decoration Ideas

When decking your outdoor space for the holidays, the possibilities are endless. Here are some additional ideas to spark your creativity:

Lighted trees, deer, Santas, candy canes, and arches in the yard
Projection lights displaying images on the home exterior
Inflatable Christmas decorations like Santa, snowmen, nativity scene
Outdoor holiday village displays and mini Christmas trees
Lighted wire or metal silhouettes of trees, stars, reindeer, Christmas characters
Evergreen garlands, wreaths, Christmas trees on porch, balcony, patio
Outdoor holiday floral decor like poinsettias, amaryllis, cyclamen, Christmas cactus
Mason jar luminaries lining the driveway, sidewalks, steps
Faux snow-dusted branches, pinecones, and berries
Outdoor holiday banners, bows, garlands on mailboxes, fencing, planters
Window candle luminaries
Lit shapes on exterior walls like stars, trees, wreaths
Candy cane stakes
Holiday bows tied around trees in the yard
Christmas lights outlining roofline, windows, door frames, sidewalks, etc.
Decorated yard signs with holiday greetings, giant candy canes
Outdoor holiday rug at entryways
Front door decorated with evergreen wreath, bells, bows, pine cone garland
Decorated planter boxes and pots — snowy pine cones, branches, mini trees
Wrap tree trunks or columns in ribbon, lights
Lamp posts decorated with garlands, bows, lights
Lit wire ornament shapes hung in trees — stars, snowflakes, icicles, etc.
Outdoor holiday scenes & characters — Santa sleigh, reindeer, nativity scene
Supersized holiday decorations — ornaments, candy canes, stockings, bows, bells, lights
Wrap railings, banisters, deck posts in garlands, string lights
Lit wire deer, snowmen, and candy canes along the roofline
Christmas trees, evergreen shapes (stars, trees), wreaths in windows
Outdoor holiday centerpieces with winter botanicals, pine cones, evergreen, berries
Display vintage blow molds outdoors — Santa, snowmen, nutcrackers, etc.
Outdoor holiday games — giant Yahtzee, oversized Connect Four, cornhole

Garden Decorations for Christmas

The garden presents plenty of opportunities to add Christmas magic. Here are ideas for decorating your garden and landscaped areas:

Evergreen wreaths, mini trees, or shrub Christmas trees
Wrap trees or posts with string lights
Use stakes & fasteners to display ornament decor in flowerbeds
Hang oversized ornaments, and wireframes from tree branches
Drape lighting on bushes, over arbors/pergolas
Adorn pots/planters with pine sprigs, ornaments, berry branches
Incorporate winter plants — holly, pines, poinsettias
Accent with red winterberries, cut curly willow stems
Display glass ball replicas, mirror balls in beds, containers
Scatter-glittered pinecones as accents in flowerbeds
Use solar-powered spotlights to illuminate trees, ornaments, lighting
Wrap tree trunks in ribbon, string lights
Place lighted wire trees, stars, and deer among the garden beds
Create holiday displays — Santa sleigh, reindeer, snowmen
Use stakes to display candy canes along garden pathways
Drape net lights over bushes
Set up lighted arches over pathways lined with white lights
Hang giant glass ball ornaments from tree branches
Accent with sprigs of holly, evergreen, pops of red bows/berries
Display yard art — lighted wire snowflakes, stars, trees
Wrap columns, railings, and fence posts in ribbon & lights

Have fun dressing up your garden for a magical Christmas! The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Best Materials for Outdoor Christmas Decorations

When selecting decorations to place outdoors, be sure to choose materials made to withstand the winter elements:

Waterproof Christmas lights — LED lights last longest. Choose lights rated for outdoor use.
Weather-resistant garland, ribbon, and wreaths made of plastic, silk, or rust-proof metals that won’t deteriorate or fade.
Ornaments and decor items specified for outdoor use are made from durable plastics, resin, metals, or shatterproof materials. Avoid glass.
Plants and greenery suitable for winter like pines, holly, boxwood, cedar, etc. Display poinsettias outdoors only temporarily, not overnight.
Weatherproof decorative objects like resin or plastic Santas, reindeer, nutcrackers, snowmen, etc.
Inflatable decorations with waterproof, UV-protected surfaces designed for outdoor use
Polyresin, PVC, reinforced concrete, or fiberglass yard art pieces that won’t crack or warp
Lighted wire frame decorations made with waterproof, UV-protected plastic coverings
Solar-powered lights, spotlights, luminaries that won’t risk shorts in rain or snow
Outdoor-rated extension cords, timers, and hanging/mounting hardware

Choose decor specifically made for the outdoors. Read tags and descriptions carefully to ensure durability. With proper materials, you can enjoy your festive display all season long without weathering.

Outdoor Christmas Decoration Safety Tips

When decorating outdoors, keep these safety precautions in mind:

Use a GFCI outlet when plugging in electrical decorations outside to prevent shocks.
Check for exposed, frayed, or loose wires and damaged cords. Discard any defects.
Do not overload outlets. Use appropriate gauge extension cords.
Use timers certified for outdoor use to automatically turn lights on and off.
Only hang lights and decorations using clips, fasteners, or hooks suitable for outdoors.
Do not staple or nail into power cords or lighting strings.
Position all cords and lights away from water sources and walkways.
Turn off all lights when away from home or when asleep.
For roof and gutter decor, use proper ladders and safety precautions.
Stake and secure yard decorations properly to keep them upright in wind and rain.
Use plastic hooks, zip ties, or insulated staples instead of metal when decorating outdoors.
Check that all decorations are high enough over pathways to avoid tripping hazards.
Make sure decor does not interfere with lighting or block visibility for traffic or pedestrians.
Avoid using real candles outdoors. Opt for battery-operated candle lights instead.
Check that yard/lawn ornaments do not pose choking hazards or other dangers for pets or children.

With careful setup and common sense precautions, you can safely spread the holiday spirit outside. Follow guidelines to prevent hazards or accidents.

Christmas Lawn Decorating Ideas

The lawn offers prime real estate for spirited Christmas displays. Here are creative ideas for decorating your yard:

Blanket lawn in white with faux snow dust for a winter wonderland effect. Use temporary spray snow.
Use stakes to display pathway lining candy canes, arches, trees, and holiday characters.
Create a mini North Pole with inflatable igloos, snowmen, polar bears, penguins, and Santa’s workshop.
Build snowman-making stations with props — top hats, scarves, corncob pipes, nose accessories.
Use spotlights or projections to cast holiday shapes and scenes onto exterior walls or garage doors.
Line the driveway or sidewalk with luminaries or votive candle lanterns.
Decorate yard art — wire deer, trees, snowmen, stars, and arches with lights.
Use decorative ground stakes or yard greeters — Merry Christmas signs, giant candy canes.
Wrap tree trunks with string lights. Drape net lighting on bushes. Outline rooflines.
Set up family fun zones — holiday movie screening, caroling stage, snowball target practice.
Create a mini holiday village with small lighted houses and Christmas trees.
Display larger-than-life Santa, a sleigh with reindeer, nutcrackers, nativity scene.
Project patterns like stars, snowflakes, and holiday characters onto exterior walls.

Have fun transforming your yard into a magical Christmas extravaganza this season!

Outdoor Christmas Decor on a Budget

You can deck your halls with festive cheer without breaking the bank using these budget outdoor decor ideas:

Make your own greenery garlands and wreaths by clipping your yard or fresh-cut greens. Accent with ribbon, pinecones, and berries from nature.
Use what you already have — balls, vases, garden statues — and give items a holiday makeover by spraypainting them red, green, gold, or silver. Add ribbons.
Invest in a strand or two of sturdy, good-quality lights each year. Build up your lighting display over time.
Shop discounts and dollar stores for inexpensive themed mini trees, candy canes, Gnomes, and yard art. Repurpose your finds each year.
DIY ornaments from painted pinecones, wood slices, acorns, popsicle sticks, and glass ball knockoffs using ping pong balls.
Make glittery, snowy pinecones and decorative gift bows using inexpensive craft supplies from your local hobby shop.
Search Craigslist and Facebook for used or free holiday decorations, PVC candy canes, wire deer, etc.
Use items from nature like evergreen branches, bare birch logs, and winterberries. Collect pinecones on walks to use for DIY decor.
Make outdoor luminaries from mason jars. Use tea lights or battery-operated candles instead of real candles.
Use your creativity instead of your wallet! You can make memorable decorations without spending a great deal.

Garden Accents for Christmas from Ornamental Classics

For holiday home garden decorating, explore Ornamental Classics’ beautiful selection of decorative accents to add seasonal charm.

Made of durable materials suitable for the outdoors, these exquisite pieces make charming additions to garden beds, walkways, patios, and entryways. Choose from styles like:

Sparkling Mercury Glass Mushrooms — Cluster their elegant silvery stems sprouting “snowcapped” tops for a magical wintry effect.
North Pole People — Welcome a festive family of hand-painted resin carolers. Pose and place them singing joyfully in your garden.
Dancing Deer Metal Art — Handmade steel deer silhouettes bring woodland whimsy dancing along a snowy trail of sparkling white lights.
Copper Birch Tree Metal Trees — Drape these coppery birch trees with string lights for a gorgeous glittering garden accent.
Glass Icicles — Suspend these shimmering icicle drops from branches for a glistening wintry sparkle.
Copper Star Tree Toppers — Perch these rustic burnished stars atop mini potted evergreens.

Let your creativity shine this Christmas with Ornamental Classics’ exquisite garden decor. Add glitter, glow, and seasonal magic to your outdoor spaces.