The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, showing off your outdoor Christmas decorations to the neighborhood. While most people focus on their indoor decor, there’s no reason why your outdoor space can’t be just as festive.
With a bit of imagination (and maybe some help from a professional), you can transform your yard into a winter wonderland that will have all your neighbors talking. Here are a few decorating ideas to get you started.
Now, let’s get into how to create the perfect holiday landscape for your home…
1. Bring on the lights.
If you want to dress up your yard this year, stringing some lights is a great place to start. You can wrap them around trees, toss them in ground foliage, line your walkway, or even drape them across your fence.
Just make sure you use lights designed for landscaping ideas we’ve had! Let’s look at some outdoor use so you don’t have to worry about them shorting out in the rain or snow. Here are some tips for lighting up your yard for Christmas:
Choosing Your Christmas Lights
The first step in creating an amazing holiday light display is choosing the right lights. When it comes to add one if you don’t have one). A new stain, replacing worn handrails, or adding fresh colors are a few ways you can touch up your outdoor Christmas lights, there are two main types: LED and incandescent.
LED lights are more expensive upfront but last longer and use less energy than incandescent lights. So, if you’re looking for a more environmentally-friendly option, LED lights are the way to go.
However, incandescent lights will do the trick if you’re on a budget. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to replace them more often.
Wrapping Trees & Bushes
One of the simplest—and most effective—ways to create the perfect winter landscape for the holidays is to wrap some lights around your trees and bushes. This is a great way to add extra interest to your yard without going overboard. After all, lights aren’t just for your Christmas tree!
Plus, it’s super easy to do! Start at the tree’s base and wind your way up, wrapping the lights around each branch as you go.
Once you reach the top, tuck any loose ends into the branches, so they’re not hanging down. And that’s it! You’ve now got a beautifully lit tree ready for Santa’s arrival.
For a little added pizazz, add Christmas ornaments to your tree. You can hang them from the branches or wrap them around the trunk. Make sure they’re securely fastened, so they don’t fall and break.
Wrapping Porch Columns
What better way to light up your porch this holiday season than by wrapping some lights around your columns? This is a great way to add a touch of holiday cheer to your entryway without going over the top.
Plus, it’s super easy to do! Start at the bottom of the column and wind your way up, wrapping the lights around as you go.
Once you reach the top, secure the lights with a zip tie or piece of duct tape so they don’t come undone. And that’s it! You’ve now got a beautifully lit porch ready for Santa’s arrival.
If you want to take things up a notch. For example, you can wrap garlands around them or hang wreaths from them. Please ensure the decorations are securely fastened, so they don’t fall and break.
Filling Lanterns with Lights
Lanterns are a great way to add some extra light to your yard and can also be used as part of your holiday decor. Just fill them with lights and set them around your yard, and you’ll have a beautiful display that’s sure to impress your guests.
To get started, simply remove the glass from the lantern and add some lights. We recommend using LED lights, as they’re more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than incandescent lights. Once your lantern is filled with lights, replace the glass and set it in your desired location.
If you want to get a little creative, you can also add some greenery or other holiday decorations to your lanterns. For example, you can fill them with pinecones and berries or wrap them in garland. Just use your imagination and get creative!
Fencing & Walkways
Another great way to add holiday cheer to your yard is by draping lights across your fence or lining your walkway with them. This is an excellent option if you don’t have an evergreen tree or bushes in your yard (or if you just want to add even more light!).
Simply string the lights along the length of your fence or walkway, ensuring they’re evenly spaced. You can even add some extra pizzazz to your landscape by wrapping them around posts or attaching them in fun patterns. Just use your imagination!
Now that you know how to put some lighting on your existing trees, bushes, and outdoor structures, consider adding some extra sparkle with some new holiday decorations.
2. Add some greenery.
A few well-placed evergreen wreaths and garlands can improve holiday curb appeal. Bonus points if you add some red ribbons or bows for a pop of color.
If you want to impress your neighbors and passersby with your holiday cheer, you can do a few things to spruce up your curb appeal. Evergreen wreaths and garlands are always a classic but don’t forget to add some red ribbons or bows for a pop of color. Here are some tips:
Step 1: Start with the Front Door
Your front door is the first thing that guests will see when they come to your house, so you want to make sure it’s looking its best. A fresh coat of paint always does the trick, but if you really want to make a statement, consider adding a festive wreath or garland.
You can never go wrong with evergreen branches, but don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different materials. Get the kids involved and turn it into a fun family activity!
Step 2: Dress Up Your Windows
Once you’ve taken care of the front door, it’s time to move on to the windows. If you have shutters, now is the time to break them out.
You can also hang wreaths or garlands from your window frames—just make sure they’re not blocking any of the glass so that natural light can still come in. And don’t forget about the inside of your windows!
Adding some holiday-themed curtains or blinds is a great way to spread cheer from the inside out.
Step 3: Illuminate the Pathway
Nothing says “welcome home” like a well-lit pathway leading up to your front door. If you don’t have any outdoor lighting, now is the time to invest in some solar-powered LED lights.
You can line them along your walkway, driveway, or both. They will make it easier for guests to find your house at night and give your home an extra touch of holiday magic.
Step 4: Outdoor Christmas Trees
Christmas trees aren’t just for inside the house—you can also put them in your front yard! This is a great way to add extra height and dimension to your holiday decor.
If you have the space, you can even put up more than one tree. Just ensure they’re spaced out evenly, so they don’t look overcrowded. And don’t forget to string them with lights!
3. Get creative with your lawn decorations.
There’s no denying that inflatable snowmen and Santas are fun. They’re also pretty common. If you really want your home to stand out from the crowd this holiday season, try something unique, like life-sized gingerbread men or a nativity scene. Just make sure whatever you choose is weather-resistant, so it doesn’t end up ruined by the elements.
Life-Sized Gingerbread Men
A group of life-sized gingerbread men would be an adorable and unique addition to your holiday landscaping. You could even put them in different positions, like one waving and one playing fetch with a dog.
The possibilities are endless! Plus, they’d smell amazing. Who doesn’t love the smell of gingerbread cookies?
Just make sure to use weather-resistant materials like PVC pipe or marine plywood, so your gingerbread men don’t end up soggy if it rains or snows.
Even if you live in a warmer climate, you can still enjoy this decoration! Just make sure to use materials that won’t be adversely affected by the heat.
Nativity Scene
Another great option is a nativity scene. This is a classic Christmas decoration that always looks beautiful. You could go with a traditional look or get creative with your materials.
For example, you could use recycled wood or metal to create a rustic nativity scene. Make sure whatever you use can withstand the elements so your nativity scene doesn’t end up ruined by rain or snow.
No matter what you choose, make sure it’s weather-resistant so it can withstand rain, snow, and wind without being damaged. With a bit of creativity, you can have the best-looking house on the block this holiday season!
4. Don’t forget about your front door.
Your front door is one of the first things visitors will see when they come to your home, so make sure it’s looking its best this holiday season. A fresh coat of paint in a festive color (think red or green) can work wonders, or you could hang a wreath adorned with ribbon and bells.
If you want to go all out, you could put a small Christmas tree next to your door. Ensure it’s not blocking the path, so guests can easily get to your door.
Here are a few other ideas to spruce up your front door this holiday season:
- Hang a pair of antlers above your door. You could even add some string lights for extra sparkle.
- Put out a small table and decorate it with a holiday runner, candles, and some greenery.
- If you have room, place a bench near your door and pile it high with cozy blankets and pillows. This will allow guests to sit while waiting for you to answer the door.
- Line your walkway with luminaries or solar lights. This will create a warm and inviting glow for anyone coming to visit.
- Add some potted plants near your door. Winter porch pots are an easy way to add color and life to your space. Just make sure to water them regularly!
No matter how you choose to decorate it, making your front door look inviting, this holiday season is sure to impress your neighbors and guests alike. So get creative and have fun!
5. Bring the indoors outdoors.
The holidays are a great time to show off your beautiful landscaping—and what better way to do that than by gathering around your outdoor fireplace or fire pit with family and friends? Here are a few tips on how to make your outdoor fireplace or fire pit the focal point of your holiday landscape:
Choose the correct location.
When choosing the perfect spot for your outdoor fireplace or fire pit, there are a few things you’ll need to consider.
First, you’ll want to make sure that the location is safe. This means it should be far away from flammable materials, such as trees, shrubs, or woodpiles.
Second, you’ll want to choose a level spot, so your fireplace or fire pit doesn’t tip over when you light it.
And finally, you’ll want to pick a spot that’s visible from all sides so that everyone in your group can enjoy the fire.
2. Build it up.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect location for your outdoor fireplace or fire pit, it’s time to start building it up!
If you’re using a pre-made fire pit, simply place it in the chosen location and fill it with logs.
If you’re making your own fire pit, use bricks or stones to build a wall around the perimeter of the chosen location. This will help contain the flames and prevent them from spreading.
3. Light it up!
Now comes the fun part—lighting the fire! Gather some kindling and logs and get ready to enjoy the warmth of the flames.
If you’re using a pre-made fire pit, simply follow the instructions on how to light it. If you’re making your own fire pit, build a teepee out of sticks above your pile of logs and light it with a match.
Once the logs catch fire, sit back, relax, and enjoy!
An outdoor fireplace or fire pit is a great way to add ambiance to your holiday landscaping—and they’re also perfect for gathering around with family and friends to enjoy the cooler weather.
So if you have an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, now is the time to put it to good use! Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to impress all your neighbors with your beautiful holiday display.
6. Your Mailbox isn’t just for Christmas Cards
Decorating your mailbox can make a big statement. Everyone always thinks about decorating their home, yard, and even their pets for the holidays.
But don’t forget about your mailbox! A little bit of holiday cheer in your mailbox can go a long way in spreading holiday cheer to your neighbors and the mail carrier.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Add some greenery.
Wrap some garland or greenery around the base of your mailbox to give it a festive touch. You can even add a bow or two for an extra pop of color.
Or, if you want a more elegant look for your mailbox, try adding a few evergreen sprigs. Add some holly if you really want to set the holiday mood!
Use lights.
Wrap some string lights around your mailbox for a festive touch that’s sure to light up the night. Plus, it’ll make finding your home easier for those coming to your Christmas party!
Throw some pine cones in the mix.
For a rustic touch, try adding some pinecones to your mailbox decor. You can even add a few sprigs of greenery or bright red berries for an extra pop of color.
Get creative with paint.
One easy way to decorate your mailbox for the holidays is to give it a new coat of paint. You can go with a traditional red or green or get creative and try a festive pattern or design.
Add some holiday flair.
For a genuinely unique mailbox, try adding some holiday-themed accessories. You can find all sorts of fun items at your local craft store, such as miniature Christmas trees, reindeer, or even Santa himself!
No matter how you decorate your mailbox, a little holiday cheer will surely put a smile on everyone’s face. So get creative and have fun with it!
Let Us Help You Decorate:
With a little bit of effort (and maybe some help from a professional), you can turn your yard into a winter wonderland that will impress all your neighbors—and perhaps even earn you a spot on the local news’ holiday house tour! So what are you waiting for?
Get started on those holiday landscaping ideas today!
Of course, if you need help with your holiday landscaping, our team at Great American Landscapes is always here to lend a helping hand. We specialize in outdoor kitchens, fireplaces & pits, pergolas, patio covers, and more!
Call us today to get started on your holiday project, or fill out the form on this page.
Happy Holidays!
