Christmas Outdoor Lighting Decoration Ideas

Holiday lighting decorations spread Christmas cheer.

Christmas lights have come a long way since the nostalgic bubble lights of days gone by. Look into energy-saving LED lights, attractive icicle lights or even blinking lights as versatile options. Unless you want the entire town--and perhaps the news media--flocking outside your home on winter evenings, avoid using all of your favorite Christmas lighting ideas at once. Take a systematic approach to decorating outdoor areas, and your outdoor Christmas lighting will bring joy to the neighborhood.

Outdoor Trees and Shrubs

Don't neglect to add lights to trees throughout the yard.

Lighted trees are the most traditional of all outdoor Christmas lighting decorations.
Choose convenient lighted nets for low shrubs--the lights will be consistently and evenly strung, and you'll avoid having to place all of the lights by hand. Run heavy-duty outdoor extension cords to trees and bushes that are farther from the house and spread the Christmas cheer throughout the yard.

Doors and Windows

Use Christmas lights around doors and windows.

The doors and windows of your home are excellent areas to outline with strings of lights. Lighting the doorway highlights the entrance to your home, as well as any decorations you've hung on the door. String lights give windows an extra special glow as the tiny lights are reflected in the glass. Swags of pre-lit garlands are readily available and will look as good during the day as they do when the lights are turned off.

Luminaries

Light the walkway to your house with luminaries.

Don't neglect to decorate exterior paths and walkways. A cheerfully lighted pathway not only creates a welcoming entrance for holiday visitors, but also increases visibility on potentially icy evenings. Keep any cords that run to these lights clear of the actual pathway, or opt for lighting that doesn't require any electricity. Candle luminaries are simple to make and impart a lovely glow.

Figural Decorations

Let Santa greet your holiday visitors in the yard.

Some of the more unusual holiday lighting decorations available today are figural designs. A small grouping of reindeer is one popular choice that looks attractive in most any setting. Choose from a wide array of Christmas characters and set up themed vignettes throughout the yard. Figural, lighted outdoor Christmas decorations may be moving or stationary, and some even incorporate music.

Spotlights and Projections

Lighting decorations go beyond the basic bulb.

If the exterior of your home features a large blank wall, consider a Christmas projection. If projection is not practical, use colored spotlights to create a festive mood and to highlight special details of your home, your landscaping or your other Christmas decorations. Direct spotlights toward areas that are free of other lighted decorative items, or you may lose visual impact.

References

• All About Christmas: Outdoor Christmas Decorating
• All Things Christmas: Lights

Resources

• Christmas World: Christmas Lights