Outdoor Christmas Decorations Buying Guide, Stores, and Prices
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Outdoor Christmas Decorations

Seasonal lawn decorating is perhaps one of the deepest American Christmas traditions. It may be too late for the special Thanskgiving inflatable turkey , but from Santa figures  to reindeer statues , there are hundreds of ways to put your own personal 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 holiday bug, you can go all-out with inflatable Santas  and snowmen , electronic reindeer, and a blinking light extravaganza.

The first step for anyone who wishes to create a winter wonderland is to determine how much space is available and how much can tastefully fit. 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 tiny bit.  Next, you should decide on a theme. Would you prefer only religious decorations or do you want a simple winter theme? Choose a color scheme as well. Having half your lawn in bright colors and the other half in all white just doesn't look as beautiful. 

There are a few conventional decorative flourishes that you can use on the lawn, 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 on 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? Would you like something more exotic than a single string? There are tons of options available for creating the prettiest displays around.

Figurines and Inflatables

There are all sorts of figurines  that you can place in the front lawn or on the rooftop. They can be inflatable , solid, or dressed up in lights, but don't forget the large scale outdoor nativity scene .

Plants and Trees

Greenery is a very traditional Christmas decoration. Wreaths  made from fresh boughs and garlands are an excellent decoration choice, as are small planted Christmas trees  or other evergreens .

Decorating Safety

Turning your home into Santa's Workshop can be a fun, family activity. However, you need to take proper precautions and safety measures when decorating. The amount of home injuries increases in the month of December. Don't pull a Chevy Chase  and let the cat eat the string lights. 

  • Only purchase lights that have been tested by a reputable laboratory. Choose either UL or ETL lights.
  • Try to use mini Christmas lights, which will burn cooler.
  • Always inspect all light bulbs for cracks, loose wires, or broken sockets.
  • If you need to replace bulbs, make sure they are the same wattage as the rest.
  • Secure outdoor string lights with insulated holders; never use tacks or nails.
  • When using a ladder, check it for damage and always secure the ladder on a flat surface.
  • Always get someone to help you out when working on ladders! Tell the kids it's character building.
 

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. These are the absolute standard for the holiday season; if nothing else, lights are the quick step to outdoor cheer.

Clear Lights 

Clear lights are less expensive than their brightly colored counterparts and make 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 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 glowing LEDs, garland lights will be a must.

Snowflake Lights 

Snowflake lights are designed to mimic real snowflakes; they make a fantastic one-two pair with icicle lights.

Lighted Sleds  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 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 and guide them to your home.

Spot Lights 

Spotlights help draw more attention to your centerpiece figurines.

Lighted Snowman 

Don't forget about featuring a small army of snowmen out there in your winter landscape.

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.

Frosty the Snowman 

This fellow is always a favorite. Keep Frosty in the yard all winter, and when the snow melts, take him in until next year.

Outdoor Nativity Set 

A nativity scene is a good choice for Christians looking to keep sight of Christmas's 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.

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 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 

Mickey Mouse Lawn Ornaments can be placed indoors or outdoors; they're tons of fun for children.

Inflatable Lawn Decorations

Many families have taken to using inflatable decorations  on their front lawns, though these large, lighted displays are still slightly less common than your average lights on a string.  Considering the amount of attention your inflatables will draw, they are an extremely good deal.  Nonetheless, they be an easy target for curious dogs and neighborhood vandals: beware.

Snowmen 

Build a flock 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 happy little penguins.

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 their look and smell. Decorate them with outdoor lights, bows, berries, ornaments, or pinecones.

Christmas Ribbon 

Bows give a splash of color for daytime and can adorn outdoor Christmas trees, entryways, hanging lamps, front doors, garlands, or wreaths.

Potted Tree 

They'll last through the season and into the rest of the year too. Cover them with mini lights or 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 powered so you can hang them up anywhere.

Spiral Christmas Tree 

Add a unique twist to your decor with a spiral Christmas tree.  They come in synthetic or natural varieties.  

Christmas Cactus Plant 

This unique cactus blooms from November to January and has deep reddish pink flowers.

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