Outdoor Christmas Decorations

Seasonal lawn decorating is perhaps one of the deepest American Christmas traditions. From Santa figures  to Reindeer statues,  there are literally hundreds of ways to put your own personal Christmas stamp on your lawn. You can go with the modest approach by featuring a small Dickens Village  with a few simple white Christmas lights  as accents, or if you're truly infected with the X-Mas bug, you can go all-out with inflatable Santas  and Snowmen,  electronic reindeer and a blinking light  extravaganza.

The first step for everyone who wishes to create a winter wonderland  in their front yard is to determine how much space is available and how much can tastefully fit within that space. When you have so many decorations that they are overflowing into the neighbor's property, it's usually a sign that you need to cut back a bit.

There are a few conventional decorative flourishes for outdoors. You can use them on the lawn or along the walkway to or the rooftop of a house, or in some cases, in trees. Where you place each item depends in large part of personal taste, but also will be determined by the size of your property and accessibility.

Outdoor Christmas Lights Big or small? Colored  or clear? Flashing?  Singing?  And would you like something more exotic than a single string? There are so many options, all of which are some of the prettiest outdoor decorations around.	Figurines There are all sorts of figurines  that you can place in the front lawn or on the rooftop. They can be inflatable,  solid, dressed up in lights, or even be a large scale nativity scene.	Plants and Trees Greenery is a very traditional Christmas decoration. Wreaths  made from fresh boughs, garlands, and even small planted Christmas trees  or other evergreens  are an excellent decoration choice.

Christmas Lights

There are so many options for Christmas lights.  You can use them in the trees, along the roof, around door and window frames, or on topiaries. Christmas lights are the absolute standard for the holiday season. If nothing else, lights are the quick step to outdoor Christmas cheer.

Clear Lights  Clear lights are less expensive than their brightly colored counterparts and a classy, understated solution.	Colored Lights  If you like your house loud and expressive for the holidays, colored lights are the way to go.	Icicle Lights  Though usually more pricey than other models, icicle lights give a subtle,  beauty to a holiday house.	Net Lights  Net lights are a small wonder. These lights are easy to put up and go great on trees and bushes.	Garland Lights  If you truly want to cover nearly every inch of your house with lights, garland lights will be a must.

Snowflake Lights  Snowflake lights are designed to mimic real snowflakes and make a great one-two pair with icicle lights.	Lighted Sled or Reindeer  In addition to the formless standard, shoppers can now buy lights designed in a whole host of holiday iconography.	Pathway Markers  Cute pathway markers not only add a new level of cheer to your yard, but also help guide people to the house.	Crystal Sheet Gift Box  Crystal sheet gift boxes are for the true Christmas fanatics looking to create a truly immersed atmosphere.	Rope Lights  These flexible lights can go on anything and can switch between steady burn and chasing settings

Starlight Spheres  Miniature lights in each sphere create dazzling displays.  Each set typically consists of 50 lamps.	Moravian Stars  These very large stars are sure to catch everyone's attention.  Each light is 9 inches in height.	Spot Lights  Spotlights can draw more attention to your centerpiece figurines.	Lighted Holographic Skating Snowman  Standing at 48 inches, this snowman actually skates to add a unique flair to your Christmas setup.	LED Menorah  This is perfect if you are celebrating Hanukkah, or if you just want to have a multicultural display.

Figurines and Lawn Ornaments

Lawn ornaments  give you the opportunity to greet visitors with some of your favorite characters dressed in festive garb.

Frosty the Snowman  Frosty is always a front lawn favorite. Keep Frosty in the yard all winter, and when the snow melts, take him in until next year.	Outdoor Nativity  A nativity scene is a good choice for Christians looking to keep sight of Christmas' origins. Both understated and ornate designs are available.	Santa Claus  What better way to welcome holiday carolers than with St. Nick himself? There are dozens of Santa variations to choose from. Some may choose to have a real life Santa to add to the fun.	Candy Cane Decoration  Candy cane decorations are fine and sturdy. They'll likely last you for many holidays to come, and they also make for great X-Mas photo backdrops.

Football Christmas Lawn Ornament  You can show your team spirit at night with 150 lights, or during the day with the reflective holographic design.	Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Christmas Statue  Santa's favorite reindeer is sure to brighten up your yard and excite the kids.	Angel Lawn Statue  These statues are an elegant addition to your Christmas decor, and are appropriate all year round.	Mickey Mouse Lawn Statue  The Christmas Mickey Mouse Lawn Ornament can be placed indoors or outdoors, and is adorned with 150 brilliant lights.

Inflatable Lawn Decorations

Many families have taken to using inflatable decorations  on their front lawns. These large, lighted decorations are slightly less common than your average lights on a string. Plus, considering the amount of attention your inflated decoration(s) will draw, they are extremely cheap, though an easy target for curious dogs and neighborhood vandals.

Snowmen  Build an army of blow-up snowmen on your lawn and watch the local kids' eyes lights up. There are many models to choose from, so go to it.	Igloos  Nothing screams "Winter Wonderland" more than an igloo. These come adorned with various inhabitants like the penguin shown above.	Snowglobe  Have you ever wished you could increase the size of your favorite snowglobe ten-fold? Well, if it happens to come in an inflatable model, you can.	Christmas Story Leg Lamp   This will be sure to brighten the days of everyone who is familiar with the classic movie, A Christmas Story.

Plants and Greenery

Evergreen Wreaths and Swags  Lovely when placed on chimneys, doors, or by the entryway to your home. Plus, when they are fresh they emit such a lovely scent.	Evergreen Garland  Indoors or out, these are popular for the look and smell. Decorate them with outdoor lights, bows, berries, ornaments, or pinecones.	Christmas Ribbon  Bows give a splash of color for daytime and adorn outdoor Christmas trees, entryways, hanging lamps, the front door, garlands, and wreaths.	Potted Tree  They'll last through the season and into the rest of the year too. Cover them with mini lights or even ornaments and bows.

Reindeer Topiary  A reindeer topiary can be slightly expensive, but is a truly impressive holiday decorative choice.	Lighted Wreaths  Many wreaths are LED lit and battery operated so that you can hang them up anywhere.	Spiral Christmas Tree  Add a unique twist to your Christmas decor with a spiral Christmas tree.  They come in synthetic or natural varieties.	Christmas Cactus Plant  This unique cactus blooms from November to January with deep reddish pink flowers.

Related Guides

Christmas Tree Guide	Christmas Tree Ornaments and Lights	Holiday Safety	Christmas Guide