We researched and vetted countless decorative pieces considering design, installation requirements, and price point. The clear winner is the Lighted Faux Pine Garland from Joss & Main. Not only is it designed to be used outdoors, but it’s also aesthetically pleasing as it invokes a sense of nostalgia for a traditional Christmas. Plus, the holiday lights leave a lasting impression on anyone who enters your home. Here are the best outdoor Christmas decorations of the year. The pine-like garland stretches 108 inches long, giving you enough faux greenery to cover plenty of square footage, and it’ll last for several years compared to fresh garland. Adorned with twinkling holiday lights and natural elements like pinecones and gilded elements like golden berries, this electrical-powered staple won’t leave you without holiday cheer. Price at time of publish: $59 While each set only comes with three bulbs, the size variation is enough to make each stand out on your porch or front yard tree. Plus, they’re outdoor-ready with shatter-resistant construction that enhances their durability. The price is a bit high, but the site often runs sales, so be sure to keep an eye out for a holiday discount. Price at time of publish: $99 One downside to this lovely holiday piece is the price isn’t for the faint of heart, so be sure to double-check your budget before making your purchase. Fortunately, though, it’s well-built and made to withstand outdoor wear and tear, meaning it’ll last you well beyond one holiday season. Price at time of publish: $459 Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, this versatile decoration can be used anywhere. Just keep in mind that its cord runs a bit short, so you may need to have an extension cord handy to plug it in where you’d like to place it. Price at time of publish: $107 It isn’t oversized like many inflatable characters you see in most displays, and the sturdy building materials mean you don’t have to worry about it popping over the years. It truly is a staple for the unconventional exterior decorator. However, with a higher price, it is more expensive than other decorations. Price at time of publish: $224 Best of all, when it’s time to stash this arch at the end of the season, its collapsible design makes it compact to store. However, keep in mind that exposure to all of the outdoor elements can lead to rust on the frame over time. Additionally, you’ll likely want to have another person’s help for setup each year. Price at time of publish: $249 We suggest grabbing an extension cord to ensure this shimmering snowman always shines with a welcoming glow. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the rattan; with wear and weather exposure, its glittering white exterior can yellow slightly. Price at time of publish: $100 The use of raw materials means this customizable piece feels authentic and timeless, but that might cause a bit of stress during the delivery process. Damage can happen during shipping, and there’s an extra cost for delivery. The end result, however, is a front door that will bring a smile to your face every time you turn your door key. Price at time of publish: $60 for a 12-inch size Some assembly is required to set up these winter-ready animal friends, but they’re ready for outdoor use out of the box. They’re more costly than other illuminated deer decorations, but their durability is nicely solid. Price at time of publish: $349 Weather-ready and pretty effortless to set up, you can plug in this projector and have instant decorations. The projector itself can withstand temperatures up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit and features a built-in stake for in-ground stability. However, the power cord runs short at just 12 inches long. Larger spaces may also require multiple projectors for total coverage. Price at time of publish: $33 The coir construction of this doormat makes it sturdy and great for brushing dirt off of shoes. However, the coir fibers can shed as the mat gets used. Additionally, debris can really stick to it—a detail that’s both helpful and a little tricky to clean! Price at time of publish: $9 Some users state the gift boxes are a bit flimsy once built, so you may want to try incorporating twine to reinforce the construction and stay on theme. Price at time of publish: $66 If you prefer to switch the bulb color from the warm white hue, the brand offers variations of lights in icy white, royal purple, and sharp blue. Just keep in mind that, like any strand of classic Christmas lights, these will take some time (and a ladder!) to install. Price at time of publish: $34 While technically not made to withstand elements, this piece looks tasteful and perfectly seasonal indoors or on a covered porch. Keep in mind that like with all artificial trees, some assembly is required to get this snow-covered tree fluffed up and looking flawless. Price at time of publish: $199 Just be sure to watch your step so that each light remains upright and not in the snow bank below. They’re easy to knock over, so you’ll want to avoid knocking into them too often. Price at time of publish: $28
Size
The saying “go big or go home” is one many homeowners use when putting up holiday decorations. From inflatable characters to 10-foot Christmas trees made from lights, size can shape your outdoor holiday scene. Of course, the size of your pieces can also call into question your budget, item installation requirements, and general upkeep. Grander decorations usually cost more upfront and might include additional costs to run (depending on if they’re animatronic or not). With that said, it’s perfectly okay to opt for smaller, more modestly-sized pieces, too.
Installation requirements
If you live alone or plan to decorate your house solo, you should consider the installation requirements for any decoration. Keep in mind that even something as simple as string lights can be a two-person job. We recommend thoroughly reading the instructions or product description prior to making your purchase.
Power source
We’ve all seen the holiday movies where homes are decked out in assortments of lights, elaborate scenes, with Christmas carols blasting from tucked-away speakers. The commonality among all of these homes is their accessibility to power sources. You might not see the copious amounts of extension cords, power strips, and generators needed to bring these elaborate displays to life. For the average homeowner, considering if a piece of outdoor decoration requires additional power sources is a fundamental aspect of the decorating process. If you know something will utilize a lot of extra equipment, it might not be the best option. Fortunately, there are plenty of decorations that utilize easier power sources, like batteries or solar power, that present alternatives.
Why Trust The Spruce
Samantha Parsons has been a freelance writer for The Spruce since 2021 with bylines in publications like Real Simple, The/Thirty, and The Quality Edit. She is constantly speaking with experts, like the founder of Lone Fox, Drew Scott, and the co-founders of Pure Salt Interiors, Aly Morford, and Leigh Lincoln, and testing dozens of products each month to make sure she recommends the best on the market. She spent copious time on this piece to ensure the above selections were of high quality and design. When she is not writing, Samantha works for a skincare brand and stays up-to-date on the latest news and releases across industries. Scott also recommends heading to platforms like Pinterest to create mood boards. “Make a list of certain elements you gravitate towards so when you go shopping, you have a little checklist,” he states. And when it comes to decorations like holiday lights, he’ll opt for smaller staples in his staple gun. This method gives the security expected from this traditional office go-to without causing cosmetic damage to your home. The ultimate goal is to look for materials that can withstand those weather fluctuations without obstructing the beauty of your festive items.
