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The short answer: classy outdoor Christmas decor is warm white lights on clean lines, matching wreaths on every window and one big moment by the front door. Add one yard feature like a lighted reindeer family or candy cane path lights and stop there.
Below are 20 outdoor Christmas decor ideas: classy looks, yard decorations, windows and garage doors, and full themes like gingerbread, farmhouse and winter woodland.
Classy outdoor Christmas decor
Classy outdoor Christmas decor comes down to warm white lights, real looking greenery and repetition. Pick one color and repeat it on every window.
1. Warm white roofline lights
SaveOutline the roofline, the porch and the front windows in warm white lights and stop there. One color of light on clean lines looks expensive from the street.
Tip: Smart string lights on a timer mean you never go outside to switch them on. See the smart outdoor string lights on Amazon.
2. Matching wreaths on every window
SaveHang the same evergreen wreath with a red bow on every front window. Repetition is the trick designers use, and it is the most saved classy outdoor Christmas look.
Tip: Hang wreaths from the inside with a suction hook and ribbon so there are no holes in the frame. See the outdoor Christmas wreath on Amazon.
3. Lit garland around the front door
SaveFrame the front door with a thick pre-lit garland and add a pair of lanterns on the steps. It is the one change that makes the whole house feel ready for Christmas.
Tip: Use garland hooks along the trim so you do not need nails. See the pre-lit Christmas garland on Amazon.
4. Oversized red bows
SaveBig red velvet bows on the porch columns, the lamp post and the mailbox tie the whole yard together for very little money.
Tip: Choose weatherproof bows so they keep their shape after rain. See the outdoor red Christmas bows on Amazon.
5. Evergreen urns with birch logs
SaveFill the porch planters with evergreen cuttings, birch logs and red berry picks. They look good day and night and last until February.
Tip: Push the stems into wet soil or floral foam so they stay fresh for weeks.
Christmas yard decorations that people slow down for
These are the yard ideas that get searched most every December. Pick one or two big moments instead of filling every inch of the lawn.
6. Lighted reindeer family
SaveA lighted reindeer family on the front lawn is a classic for a reason. Place them as if they are walking toward the door.
Tip: Stake each leg into the ground so wind does not knock them over. See the lighted outdoor reindeer on Amazon.
7. Net lights on the bushes
SaveThrow net lights over the shrubs for even, perfect coverage in minutes. It is the fastest way to light a whole front bed.
Tip: Plug every net into one outdoor timer so they all switch on together. See the outdoor net lights on Amazon.
8. Tree trunks wrapped in lights
SaveWrap the trunks and lower branches of the front trees in tight spirals of light. It looks magical and uses fewer lights than you think.
Tip: Wrap from the bottom up and keep the spacing the width of your hand.
9. Candy cane path lights
SaveLine the front walk with candy cane path lights. They guide guests to the door and kids love them.
Tip: Solar versions mean no cords across the lawn. See the candy cane pathway lights on Amazon.
10. Giant wrapped gift boxes
SaveWrap cardboard boxes in outdoor vinyl tablecloths or plastic wrapping and add big ribbons. Stack them by the porch steps or under a lit tree in the yard.
Tip: Wrap the boxes in clear packing tape first so rain does not soak through.
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Windows, rooflines and garage doors
The front of the house is the biggest canvas you have. These ideas make the most of it.
11. Icicle lights along the gutters
SaveIcicle lights along the gutters give a soft, snowy look even when there is no snow. Warm white looks classic, cool white looks wintry.
Tip: Measure the gutters first and buy about ten percent extra. See the outdoor icicle lights on Amazon.
12. Garage door wrapped like a gift
SaveRun two wide ribbon strips across the garage door and add a giant bow where they cross. The garage door becomes the biggest present on the street.
Tip: Use outdoor fabric or plastic tablecloth strips and adhesive outdoor hooks.
13. Window candles in every window
SaveA single electric candle in every window is a quiet, traditional look that glows all night. It is classy from the street and easy to set up.
Tip: Pick candles with a built in timer so they turn on at dusk.
14. Window silhouettes
SaveWindow silhouettes of a sleigh, reindeer or snowflakes glow when the lights are on inside. It is a renter friendly idea that leaves no marks.
Tip: Light the room behind the window so the silhouette pops from the street.
Outdoor Christmas themes to try
Want a look with a story? These themes give you a plan, so every piece you add looks like it belongs.
15. Gingerbread house front yard
SaveTurn the front of the house into a gingerbread house with oversized lollipops, candy canes, gingerbread people cutouts and white icing style trim. Kids love it and it photographs beautifully.
Tip: Plywood cutouts painted brown with white trim last for years.
16. Farmhouse Christmas porch
SaveGalvanized buckets of pine, buffalo check blankets, a small sled and a lantern give an easy farmhouse look on a porch or front step.
Tip: Stick to red, black and white so it looks planned.
17. Colorful retro bulbs
SaveBig multicolor bulbs along the roofline bring back the nostalgic look a lot of people grew up with. It is cheerful and fun from the street.
Tip: Use large C9 style bulbs so the colors read from far away.
18. Winter woodland
SaveWhite birch, lanterns, pinecones and a pair of lit deer create a calm, natural winter look that lasts into January.
Tip: Choose white lights only so the woodland look stays soft.
19. Fun inflatables for kids
SaveIf your kids are in charge, a couple of cheerful inflatables by the porch make the house a stop on every neighborhood walk. Keep it to two or three so it still looks tidy.
Tip: Tie each one down at four points so it stays upright in wind. See the Christmas yard inflatable on Amazon.
20. Layered doormats and a lit tree
SaveLayer a holiday doormat over a larger buffalo check mat and add a small potted lit tree on each side of the door. It is the easy finishing touch guests see up close.
Tip: Pick a mat with a rubber back so it does not slide on wet steps. See the Christmas doormat on Amazon.
What to buy for outdoor Christmas decor
These cover most of the looks above. Start with lights and wreaths, then add one yard piece.
- Smart outdoor string lights: warm white rooflines on a timer.
- Outdoor Christmas wreath: buy one for every front window.
- Pre-lit Christmas garland: frames the front door in minutes.
- Outdoor red Christmas bows: weatherproof bows for columns and lamp posts.
- Outdoor net lights: even coverage on shrubs fast.
- Outdoor icicle lights: a snowy look along the gutters.
- Lighted outdoor reindeer: a classic yard moment.
- Candy cane pathway lights: solar lights for the front walk.
Tips for outdoor Christmas decor that looks expensive
- Pick one light color: Warm white everywhere looks classy. Mixing warm, cool and color is what makes a house look busy.
- Repeat, repeat, repeat: Matching wreaths, bows and planters on every window and column look planned from the street.
- Put everything on a timer: Outdoor timers or smart plugs switch the lights on at dusk and off at bedtime, every night.
- Plan your power first: Count outlets and buy outdoor rated extension cords before you buy decor.
- Start at the front door: It is what guests see up close. Do the door, then the windows, then the yard.
Keep reading
- Front porch Christmas decor ideas
- Christmas entryway decor ideas
- Gingerbread Christmas decor ideas
- Christmas tree themes for every style
Frequently asked questions
Use warm white lights only, outline clean lines like the roof and windows, hang matching wreaths on every window and add one focal point at the front door.
Net lights on bushes, a wreath on every window, candy cane path lights and a lit garland around the front door. Each one takes less than an hour.
Most people decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving. Hang lights earlier in November while the weather is mild and switch them on after Thanksgiving.
Use plastic gutter and shingle clips for the roofline, adhesive hooks for trim and suction hooks on the inside of windows for wreaths.
Start with the lights and the front door this weekend, then add one yard moment, and enjoy the glow every evening in December.