As you drive back home from work along your usual route through the neighborhood, you spot something special: the first house all decked out in dazzling Christmas lights. Soon, more houses start joining in, lighting up with festive displays. Want to join the fun? We’ve got 65+ outdoor Christmas light ideas to get your creativity flowing!
All it takes is a few strings of lights here and there to spread that Christmas cheer! Decorating your home’s exterior for the holidays can be a blast, and we’re here to help you choose your favorite way to do it! Sometimes, keeping it simple with just the right amount of light can create a calming vibe. Other times, it’s totally cool to go all out and make it as exciting as possible—there are loads of choices!
1. Icicle Lights
Outshine your neighbors with these cool “icicle lights”! The Christmas lights outdoors have this captivating effect with their smooth, moving patterns that’ll catch your eye.
2. Pattern Christmas Projector
Finding a projector light is something unique. For less money, you’ll snag 12 different light patterns covering various holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and even St. Patrick’s Day.
3. LED Birch Tree
This stunning fake tree will stand tall in your yard. It’s decked out with hundreds of warm white LED Christmas lights outdoors that can light up the darkest winter night beautifully.
4. Twinkling LED Willow Tree
You can choose these unique Christmas outdoor lights of twinkling willow trees to leave a lasting impression!
5. Christmas Snowman Porch Light Covers
This two-pack makes decorating your front porch super easy. Just slide the snowman covers onto your front porch lights, and there you go!
6. Colorful LED String Lights
These outdoor LED Christmas lights offer 16 colors to choose from and include a remote control and timer for effortless operation.
7. Net Lights
Whether you place them over your shrubs or cover your roof like Clark Griswold, net lights are a must-have for everyone.
8. Cow String Lights
A country-style Christmas isn’t complete without a set of cow string lights. (Okay, no one actually said that, but we’re really excited about making cow lights a thing!)
9. Decorative Lit Chicken
Absolutely you definitely need a glowing chicken to accompany your cow lights. We don’t make the rules, but it’s a must-have combo!
10. White Crystal Lights
These outdoor lighted Christmas decorations with crystal-style bulbs give a touch more dimension than the smooth ones.
11. Holiday Colored Crystal Lights
They also have a multi-colored version available!
12. Christmas Pathway Lights
Kids will definitely have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads when they see these delicious outdoor Christmas lights ideas!
13. Christmas Pathway Lights
You can also choose these vintage bulb-style outdoor Christmas lights ideas!
14. Pre-Lit Christmas Tree Entryway Set
You can get the whole pre-lit entryway set: two trees, a wreath, and a garland. Add some extra artificial branches for a bit more depth, and you’ll have the simplest and most affordable decorations in the neighborhood!
15. Vintage Lantern
These lanterns run on batteries and will add charm to both the inside and outside of your home.
16. Solar Powered Colored Fairy Lights
Here’s the magic: solar power. That’s it—no plugs, no batteries needed. These fairy lights are what make Christmas dreams come true.
17. Icicle Curtain Fairy Lights
We think these curtain lights are the most magical Christmas lights we’ve found! Picture your next holiday party with these hanging from the porch ceiling.
18. Snowflakes Icicle Light Set
These icicle lights covered in snowflakes have Elsa’s seal of approval!
19. Color Icicle Lights
Color icicle outdoor Christmas lights ideas are always a good choice, too!
20. Star Icicle Lights
These icicle lights will make your home the star of the show!
21. Copper Wire Twinkle Fairy Lights
For outdoor Christmas lights, having ones that don’t need a plug is key. This waterproof set of “fairy-style” string lights fits the bill perfectly. Plus, you can set a timer to switch them on/off at specific times and tweak the brightness and glow.
22. Vintage Christmas Tree Lights
It’s like having a tiny snow globe in a Christmas light! We’re completely in love. Each strand holds bulbs with little trees and fake snow inside.
23. Disney Multicolor Christmas String Lights
We’re totally in for the mix of Disney and Christmas!
24. Mini Crystal Lights
If those beautiful crystal-style bulbs are a bit too big for you, go for these mini crystal Christmas lights instead!
25. Candy Cane Path Lights
We’ll definitely take a stroll down any path lit up by candy canes!
26. Light-up Rattan-Look Deer Family
These trendy, pre-lit wicker-style reindeer are a steal for the whole family. That’s right—the entire reindeer crew. Get these for your family!
27. Light-up Rattan-Look Snowman
Naturally, your reindeer family needs a snowman buddy, too!
28. Snowflake String Lights
These string lights filled with snowflakes are absolutely magical!
29. Firework Lights
You can use these firework lights for various occasions year-round, like birthdays, the 4th of July, and more!
30. Pre-Lit Christmas Lamp Post
Does this pre-lit lamppost bring back some serious holiday nostalgia for anyone else, or is it just us?
31. Moravian Star Light
We love this stylish Moravian star, too! It’s pre-lit and looks beautiful when you group them together!
32. Snoopy Outdoor Christmas Decor
Get ready for Snoopy and the gang to take over your neighborhood this holiday season, starting with this adorable display!
33. Christmas Tape Lights
Wrap these tape lights along the railing or place them along a walkway to give visiting friends and family some light as they stroll to admire your beautiful Christmas display.
34. Multicolor Christmas Tape Lights
Naturally, there’s also a multicolor version available!
35. Snow Projector Light
Even if you don’t live in a snowy wonderland, this projector light lets you pretend you do! Attach it to a wall to project onto the ground, or place it on the ground to project onto the outside wall of your home.
36. Wintry Pine Wreath Lights
Why settle for a regular wreath when you can have one that lights up? This one has red berries, “snowflakes,” and small pine cones, keeping it festive and lively.
37. Waterfall Christmas Tree Lights
Hang these from your roofline, a tree, or a pole for a dazzling display that both you and your neighbors will adore. You can also see these Christmas tree.
38. A Frame Doe Lights
Isn’t this little doe the cutest thing ever? The doe makes for a stunning, affordable stand-up decoration.
39. Fluffy Christmas Flamingo Light
If you’re in a tropical place or just adore flamingos, this Christmas decoration is a must-have for you!
40. Christmas Bell String Lights
We absolutely love these bells—they’re the perfect blend of classic and playful!
41. Twinkle Star String Lights
Step away from the usual Christmas lights and check out this star-string light set. It’s waterproof, so it can handle almost any weather without a problem!
42. Globe String Light
Change things up with these round Christmas lights instead of the usual ones. With an ideal length of 13 feet, they’ll brighten up porches of almost any size.
43. White Fairy Christmas Lights
Grab these fairy-style Christmas lights—they have blunt bulbs and emit a soft, warm white glow that you’ll love. Plus, there are eight modes to choose from: “combination,” “in waves,” “sequential,” “slogs,” “flash,” “slow fade,” and “twinkle.”
44. Green Wire Christmas Lights
Wrap these straightforward Christmas lights around your porch rails to instantly create a winter wonderland. Plus, they’ve got fantastic reviews!
45. Clear White Wire Light Set
If you prefer the white wire, look over the green one; this light set is just what you need. It’d be perfect for a winter wedding as well!
46. Rainbow Lights
We adore the vibrant colors of these battery-operated lights. And the best part? No need for an extension cord—you can place them wherever you want!
47. Three-Piece Lighted Holiday Deer Family
A Christmas scene isn’t complete without a few reindeer. This set includes three of them!
48. Paint It Red
If you’re into a single-color theme, but white isn’t your style, pick a Christmas color like red and have fun with it! Try using red string lights on the trim of your house to kick it off.
49. Penguin Lights
This cute light-up penguin is a perfect way to show your love for Christmas and winter!
50. Vintage Splendor
We absolutely love the stunning double strand of vintage lights, along with the matching wreath and garland! It’s one of our favorite looks this season!
51. Wrap the Porch Columns
Wrap chunky green garlands around the large columns on your front porch, tie them up with bright red bows, and add large, bright white string lights for a welcoming and festive glow. It’s even better if your front steps and porch are covered in a fresh pile of pristine white snow!
52. Light the Tree
Got a small front porch and a big evergreen tree in the yard? Turn it into an outdoor Christmas tree! Decorate it with shiny ball ornaments and lots of colored lights. Shifting the focus to something closer to the road is a great way to spread holiday cheer to neighbors and people passing by, especially if your home is set back from the road.
53. Light the Picket Fence
This old ranch house’s outdoor Christmas lighting isn’t just about the front porch. They’ve lit up the white picket fence with draped garlands tied with red ribbons and warm string lights. Plus, they’ve outlined the roofline with bright white string lights to add depth and dimension.
54. Light the Path
When planning your outdoor holiday lights, consider your home’s design. Take this entrance, for example—it has a long path to the front door. They’ve decorated it with garlands and white lights tied with red bows. Walking to and from the front door feels like a special event for you and your holiday guests.
55. Light Both Stories
For Victorian-style homes with double porches, lighting the top-floor porch railing highlights the architecture and brightens the front. Start from the top and work your way down to the front door, steps, and yard for a balanced look.
56. Light the Roofline
Highlight your home’s charming features with lighting, just like this Christmas cottage. They’ve emphasized the sloping fairytale roofline with white lights, adding dimension on snowy winter nights.
57. Light the Back Porch
Outdoor Christmas lighting isn’t just for the front! If you’ve got a back porch or a private outdoor area, light it up for your own cozy celebrations. Take this porch, for example—they’ve used ceiling string lights, a bunch of glowing lanterns, and a standing candelabra that looks like it’s from a church to create a cozy spot for the season.
58. Light the Palm Trees
Got palm trees in your front yard? Make a tropical Christmas vibe by wrapping their tall trunks with white lights. Scatter a lighted reindeer family around the yard and tie them with red bows. It’s a fun look that’s just the right amount of kitschy and will bring smiles to your neighbors’ faces instead of eye-rolls.
59. Deck It Out
At this remote cabin, they use the big side deck that’s visible from the front to show off a huge glowing golden outdoor Christmas tree. They’ve also added a few small strands of red light on the stair railing leading up to the front porch for an extra touch.
60. Light the Ground
If your front porch is narrow and deep, light it up from the ground for a cozy feel, just like this romantic front porch. They’ve placed candlelit lanterns on the porch floor by the entry to set the scene. In the middle, a mini Christmas tree adds some sparkle, while a lush garland draped around the double doors completes the look.
61. Light the Side Windows
The rustic log cabin looks like magic! Its snow-covered roof and every window, from the front to the side on both floors, are lit up for Christmas.
62. Light the Backyard
In warm places like California with a big backyard and a pool, hanging rows of string bulb lights can transform your space. Stretch them across the width and see their reflection in the pool—it’s perfect for year-round entertaining and sets the scene for an outdoor Christmas party in December, just like this festively lit backyard.
63. Spell It Out
We adore this JOY outdoor Christmas light—it’s an easy way to share holiday cheer with neighbors and people passing by. You can find a similar big JOY light online. Also, check for individual light letters to create your own personalized message!
64. Let the Interior Shine
Outdoor Christmas lights look lovely, but they’re not always a must. Keep it simple by letting the warm glow from inside your home shine out through the windows, just like this house where the windows light up, showcasing wreaths on the outside.
65. Rattan Cone Outdoor Christmas Decoration
Impress your guests with these outdoor Christmas lights ideas that look just like Christmas trees. You’ll get a set of three for the price, perfect for placing around your front lawn, by the front door, or at the foot of your driveway.
66. Red and Green Color Scheme
Want something classy but still full of Christmas vibes? Choose a red and green color scheme to show off that festive cheer without going overboard on lights. Try these green lights in your bushes for a magical look. Use string lights in the same color to highlight your roofline, and add a touch of hidden red backlighting for a beautiful contrast.
67. Traditional Lights
If you’ve got the room, bring the Nativity Scene to your front yard! There’s something heartwarming about seeing it surrounded by lights—so inviting! If you already have the Nativity figures, use outdoor string lights to outline them. Or, go for a pre-lit Nativity scene for a quick and impactful Christmas setup. Add a fun twist to your traditional scene by including a light-up reindeer or two. Who says Rudolph can’t join the Nativity, too?
68. Silhouette Lights
Ever considered using the night’s darkness to decorate your home? Grab some classic multi-colored rope lights to create your home’s silhouette. It’s a powerful look that’s quick to set up, and you can add more decorations later if you want. Just follow your home’s corners precisely with the rope lights for this style.
Conclusion
Outdoor Christmas lights ideas can be enjoyable and festive, but sometimes they can be puzzling, too. If you’re keen on decorating your home with outdoor lights for the holidays but don’t know where to begin, you’re in the right spot. Don’t stress about broken bulbs or not having enough extension cords this year.
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