28 Outdoor Christmas Lights Ideas

When it comes to Christmas lights, there are a few things you can always count on.

For starters, you can always count on the season’s best Christmas lights and outdoor holiday decorations to be larger than life.

You can also always count on a few key colors and color combinations to make an appearance (red and green, for example, are holiday classics).

Of course, you can also always count on Christmas lights to make an appearance at holiday parties, Christmas dinners, and other festive events, too.

But that doesn’t mean that Christmas lights are a one-size-fits-all decoration.

There are actually many different types of Christmas lights to choose from, depending on the effect you want to create in your space.

1. Light Up the Pathways

If you have a sidewalk or driveway that leads to your front door, consider lining the path with lights.

White string lights look elegant, but you can use any color or style you like.

You can even add some greenery or ribbon to the lights to make them look like candy cane stripes.

2. Create a Light Canopy

If you have a large porch or patio, a light canopy creates a magical setting for holiday parties or family gatherings.

Hang strings of lights from the ceiling and let them drape down to create a twinkling canopy.

3. Light Up the Porch

The front porch of this Alabama cabin is the perfect example of how to use string lights to make a big statement.

The strands of lights are hung from the ceiling and wrapped around the beams, banisters, and planters.

The result is a cozy and inviting space that feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale.

4. Hang Lights on the Trees

If you have a lot of trees in your front yard and you’re not quite sure how to decorate them, consider wrapping some string lights around the trunk and the branches.

This will add a little sparkle to your outdoor space and help define your yard in the evening.

5. Light Up the Lawn

If you have a long lawn, use the space to your advantage by lining it with lights.

This design by Sugar & Cloth is a great example of creating a straight line of lights to define the edge of the yard.

You can also use the lights to create a path leading up to your front door or to frame out a specific area of your lawn.

6. Use Colorful Lights

If you prefer a more colorful, less traditional holiday light display, take a cue from this fun and festive outdoor Christmas light idea.

This home is decked out in bright, multicolored lights that give a playful vibe.

A large, light-up star on the roof adds a whimsical touch, while a pair of matching light-up trees flanking the front door make the space feel balanced.

7. Illuminate the Yard With a Nativity Scene

This yard, designed by the team at Jeff Minnich Garden Design, is a true winter wonderland.

The classic nativity scene is a beautiful focal point, and it’s surrounded by various evergreens, including spruce and magnolia.

The rest of the yard is illuminated with white lights, and the trees are wrapped with strands of twinkle lights.

8. Hang Christmas Lights on a Pergola

If you have a pergola, you’re already one step ahead when it comes to outdoor lighting.

String lights on the top of the structure and hang ornaments for a fun Christmas look.

You can also add lights to the beams and posts for extra sparkle.

9. Light Up the Front of the House

If you’re not sure where to start, focus on the front of your house.

This is the area that will get the most attention, so you’ll want to make sure it looks great.

This display from Honey N Hydrangea is just the right mix of simple and festive.

She used a classic string of white lights to line the roof, and then added a few more strings along the front of her porch.

To add a little more holiday cheer, she also added some pre-lit garland to her porch railing.

10. Make a DIY Light Display

The more, the merrier! This is the perfect example of that. This large light display is the perfect addition to any yard.

It’s fun, colorful, and festive, and it’s a great way to add a little bit of personality to your outdoor Christmas lights.

If you want to go big with your Christmas lights this year, try making a light display like this one! You can make it as big or as small as you want, and you can customize the colors to match your other outdoor Christmas decorations.

Conclusion

You can’t go wrong with classic white lights. We love how this home used them to frame the front door and line the roof.